212-201 Soil Resources

Credit Points:

When taken from Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture:

12

When taken from Agriculture, Faculty of Science:

12.5

Coordinator:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

On 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.

Content:

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.

Assessment:

Prescribed Texts:

• White, R E, Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Soil Science, 2nd ed., 1987, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford.