Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91930 about?

Accepted Answer

This is an externally assessed (exam) standard worth 5 credits. Students show they understand how farmers or growers manage soil to help plants grow better. The exam has three questions, and for each one students pick a soil management practice (like fertiliser, liming, or irrigation) and explain how it changes soil properties and why that matters for growing crops or raising livestock. Students also need to show they understand a relevant Māori concept, such as tiakitanga (guardianship/stewardship of the land).

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91930?

Accepted Answer

1. Choose a primary production system (e.g. a dairy farm, orchard, or market garden) to base your answers around 2. For each of the three exam questions, pick a different soil management practice (e.g. fertiliser application, liming, crop rotation) and describe what it does to the soil 3. Explain how that management practice changes physical, chemical, or biological soil properties — and why that helps plants grow 4. Show you understand at least one Māori concept (like tiakitanga or manaakitanga) and how it relates to looking after soil 5. For top grades, discuss both the positives AND negatives of a management practice and tie everything back to the specific production system you chose

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91930?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: Describe what a soil management practice involves and name at least one soil property it affects. You show a basic understanding — for example, saying that fertiliser adds nutrients to the soil. Merit: Go further by explaining the scientific reason WHY the practice helps plants grow — for example, explaining that better aeration lets plant roots respire more effectively. You link the practice clearly to soil properties and to what the plant actually needs. Excellence: Give a balanced, well-reasoned response that covers both positive and negative impacts of the practice. You connect soil management to soil properties, plant growth, and overall farm or garden productivity — all tied to your specific named production system. Your answers are concise and avoid repeating the same point.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91930?

Accepted Answer

1. Describing only how a management practice is carried out (the 'how-to') without explaining what it actually does to the soil — examiners want to see the impact on soil properties, not just the method 2. Writing long answers that repeat the same idea several times instead of adding new information or deeper explanation 3. Not mentioning or properly explaining a Māori concept relevant to soil management — this is a required part of the standard and students who skip it often do not achieve 4. Giving incomplete answers that are not linked back to soil properties or to the named production system

Soil management

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