Learn soil formation, erosion control, watersheds, the water cycle, pollution prevention, and complete hands-on conservation projects to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Soil Basics

    Soil Fundamentals

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.
      Tell what soil is. Tell how it is formed.
    2. b.
      Describe three kinds of soil. Tell how they are different.
    3. c.
      Name the three main plant nutrients in fertile soil. Tell how they can be put back when used up.

  2. 2. Erosion in Action

    Understanding Soil Erosion

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a Define soil erosion.
    2. b Tell why soil erosion is important and how it affects you.
    3. c Name three kinds of soil erosion. Describe each.
    4. d Take pictures of or draw two kinds of soil erosion.

  3. 3. Saving Soil

    Erosion-Control Practices

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a Tell what is meant by conservation practices.
    2. b Describe the effect of three kinds of erosion-control practices.
    3. c Take pictures of or draw three kinds of erosion-control practices.

  4. 4. Watersheds & Groundwater

    Watersheds, Basins & Aquifers

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Explain what a watershed is.

    2. b.

      Outline the smallest watershed that you can find on a contour map.

    3. c.

      Outline, as far as the map will allow, the next larger watershed that also has the smallest one in it.

    4. d.
      Explain what a river basin is. Tell why all people living in a river basin should be concerned about land and water use in the basin.
    5. e.

      Explain what an aquifer is and why it can be important to communities.

  5. 5. Water on the Move

    The Water Cycle & Runoff

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Make a drawing to show the hydrologic cycle.

    2. b.

      Demonstrate at least two of the following actions of water in relation to soil: percolation, capillary action, precipitation, evaporation, and transpiration.

    3. c.

      Explain how removal of vegetation will affect the way water runs off a watershed.

    4. d.

      Tell how uses of forest, range, and farmland affect usable water supply.

    5. e.

      Explain how industrial use affects water supply.

  6. 6. Pollution & Treatment

    Water Pollution & Waste Treatment

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Tell what is meant by water pollution.

    2. b.

      Describe common sources of water pollution and explain the effects of each.

    3. c.

      Explain the terms: primary water treatment, secondary waste treatment, and biochemical oxygen demand.

    4. d.

      Make a drawing showing the principles of complete waste treatment.

  7. 7. Conservation Projects

    Choose Two Conservation Projects

    Choose 2
    Do TWO of the following:

    1. Visit Two Conservation Sites

      Choose 2
      Make a trip to TWO of the following places. Write a report of more than 500 words about the soil and water and energy conservation practices you saw.

      1. Agricultural Experiment

        An agricultural experiment

      2. Managed Forest, Range, or Pasture

        A managed forest or woodlot, range, or pasture

      3. Wildlife Refuge or Game Area

        A wildlife refuge or a fish or game management area

      4. Conservation-Managed Farm or Ranch

        A conservation-managed farm or ranch

      5. Managed Watershed

        A managed watershed

      6. Waste-Treatment Plant

        A waste-treatment plant

      7. Drinking Water Treatment Plant

        A public drinking water treatment plant

      8. Industry Water Use Installation

        An industry water use installation

      9. Desalination Plant

        A desalinization plant

    2. Plant for a Purpose

      Plant 100 trees, bushes, and/or vines for a good purpose.

    3. Seed a Conservation Plot

      Seed an area of at least one-fifth acre for some worthwhile conservation purposes, using suitable grasses or legumes alone or in a mixture.

    4. Map Soils with a Survey Report

      Study a soil survey report. Describe the things in it. Using tracing paper and a pen, trace over any of the soil maps, and outline an area with three or more different kinds of soil. List each kind of soil by full name and map symbol.

    5. Find and Fix Local Problems

      Make a list of places in your neighborhood, camps, school ground, or park that have erosion, sedimentation, or pollution problems. Describe how these could be corrected through individual or group action.

    6. Design Your Own Conservation Project

      Carry out any other soil and water conservation project approved by your counselor.