NCEA L1 Ag & Hort study plan
NCEA L1 Ag & Hort · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Define agricultural and horticultural science as a body of knowledge and describe how it is applied in New Zealand primary production
List the main sectors (dairy, sheep and beef, arable, horticulture, viticulture, forestry, apiculture) and state one key product and one key region for each
Explain the difference between agriculture and horticulture using at least three production examples
Identify the physical, biological, and economic factors that influence where a primary industry is located in New Zealand
Your checkpoint
A one-page sector map table listing at least eight New Zealand primary industries with product, region, and one locating factor for each
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Describe the soil profile and explain how texture, structure, and porosity affect plant growth
Explain how soil pH and cation exchange capacity influence nutrient availability
Compare at least four soil management practices (cultivation, drainage, liming, organic matter addition) and state the effect of each on soil properties
Interpret a simple soil test result and recommend one corrective action
Your checkpoint
A written soil report of 300 words that interprets a supplied soil test (pH, N, P, K, organic matter) and justifies two management recommendations
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Describe the role of the major plant nutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and trace elements in plant growth
Explain the nitrogen cycle and the phosphorus cycle in an agricultural system
Distinguish between fertiliser, lime, and compost in terms of purpose and timing of application
Calculate a simple nutrient application rate given a product analysis (e.g. N-P-K percentages) and a target rate
Your checkpoint
A worked nutrient budget for one crop or pasture, showing calculations, chosen product, application rate, and timing
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Explain photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration and link each to management decisions such as irrigation or shading
Describe the environmental requirements (light, temperature, water, day length) of two contrasting crops
Explain how plant hormones and growth stages influence timing of pruning, harvesting, or grazing
Relate plant structure (roots, leaves, stems, flowers) to function in a chosen production system
Your checkpoint
A 400-word case study explaining how the growth cycle of one named crop or pasture species drives three specific management decisions
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Describe the anatomy and physiology of the ruminant digestive system and compare it with monogastric and poultry systems
Explain the nutritional requirements of livestock at different life stages and how feed is matched to those needs
Outline the main animal health issues in New Zealand livestock and describe prevention rather than treatment
Explain how genetics and breeding programmes improve production traits
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of ruminant, monogastric, and poultry digestion with a short paragraph on the management implications of each
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Describe the main reproductive and production cycles for one livestock enterprise and one horticultural enterprise
Explain the role of environmental factors (temperature, rainfall, photoperiod) in seasonal management planning
Identify the main pests and diseases affecting one named crop or livestock type and describe two control strategies for each
Explain integrated pest management and justify its use over a single-method approach
Your checkpoint
A seasonal management calendar for one enterprise showing key tasks, environmental triggers, and pest or disease risks by month
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Explain sustainability concepts in primary production, including soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions
Describe the main environmental regulations and industry assurance schemes affecting New Zealand producers
Evaluate one farming or horticultural practice against economic and environmental criteria
Explain the concept of market access and how consumer expectations shape production practice
Your checkpoint
A 500-word evaluation of one production practice that states the economic benefit, the environmental cost, and a mitigation option, with a clear conclusion
Agricultural and Horticultural Science
Consolidate all topics into a single revision sheet linking soil, plant, animal, and environmental concepts
Practise answering structured and extended-response questions under timed conditions
Identify and re-teach the three weakest areas revealed by practice questions
Apply technical vocabulary accurately in written answers
Your checkpoint
A completed practice paper under timed conditions plus a one-page error log identifying weak areas and corrective actions
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain soil texture, structure, pH, and nutrient availability without notes and apply them to a soil test result
Week 4: Can trace a nutrient from soil to plant uptake and calculate a correct application rate for a given product analysis
Week 6: Can compare ruminant and monogastric digestion and link each to a management decision; can name pests and diseases for one enterprise
Week 7: Can evaluate a production practice against both economic and environmental criteria and propose a realistic mitigation
Week 8: Scores at least 80 percent on a timed practice paper and has a written plan for the remaining weak areas