12 Associate Professor L A Douglas First semester 36 hours of lectures, 36 hours of field excursions and laboratory based practical classes. On completion of this subject, students should have an understanding of the nature and causes of soil variablity and methods of grouping soils; a basic knowledge of soil composition and the chemical, biological and physical processes that occur in soils; be able to describe soils in the field and to assess the suitability of a soil as a medium for plant growth on the basis of measured properties; understand the concepts of sustainable land management. Soil formation, pedogenesis and soil profile development. Soil structure, bulk density, texture, porosity, organisms and the effect of organic amendments. Soil properties - clay minerals, surface charges, aggregate formation and stability. Soil management - maintenance of soil structure, land management. Soil hydrology - water potential, movement of water. Soil conservation - problems created by salinity, sodicity and erosion. Sustainability of soil-plant systems, with emphais on the role of soil phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and potassium. Three hours of written examination. Practical tests will be given throughout the semester. Marks may also be given for assignments, projects and practical work. White, R E (1987) Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Soil Science. 2nd Edition, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford 12.5 Associate Professor L A Douglas Any one of the 100-level subjects for the Geology Major (625 Earth Sciences) 72 hours of lectures, field excursions and laboratory based practical classes By the completion of this subject, students should have:

• an understanding of the nature and causes of soil variability and methods of grouping soils;
• a basic knowledge of soil composition and the chemical, biological and physical processes that occur in soils;
• be able to describe soils in the field and to assess the suitability of a soil as a medium for plant growth on the basis of measured properties;
• understand the concepts of sustainable land management.

Soil formation, pedogenesis and soil profile development. Soil structure, bulk density, texture, porosity, organisms and the effect of organic amendments. Soil properties - clay minerals, surface charges, aggregate formation and stability. Soil management - maintenance of soil structure, land management. Soil hydrology - water potential, movement of water. Soil conservation - problems created by salinity, sodicity and erosion. Sustainability of soil-plant systems, with emphasis on the role of soil phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and potassium. Up to three hours of written examination. Practical tests will be given throughout the semester. Marks may also be given for assignments, projects and practical work. White R E (1987) Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Soil Science 2nd Edition, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford