211-203 Forest Soils

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Objectives:

On completion of this subject students should: be able to recognise differences between soil profiles; understand why soil profiles are different; understand the attributes evident in a soil profile which contribute to the behaviour of the soil; understand soil groupings based on profile characteristics; have a basic knowledge of soil composition and the physical processes that occur in soil; understand the important biological reactions which occur in soil and how they contribute to the chemical fertility of soil; understand how a soil may be managed to conserve and/or improve its structural and chemical attributes to benefit plant growth.

Content:

Soil properties, soil formation and processes in profile development. Soil physics; particle size, texture, structure, water and air. Soil organic matter and soil nitrogen, soil biota and decomposition reactions. Soil phosphorus behaviour, sorption and availability. Reaction at surfaces; cation and anion exchange, pH, particle interaction and swelling. Fertiliser chemistry and plant trace elements in soil. Forest soils and nutrient cycling. Conservation of the soil resource; salinity, erosion and compaction.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• Leeper, G.W. and Uren N.C., Soil Science: An Introduction, 5th ed. MUP.
• Attiwill, P M & Leeper, G W., Forest Soils & Nutrient Cycles, MUP.