212-201 Soil Resources

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Familiarity with chemistry and mathematics is recommended.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject identifies the importance of soils in the landscape and as part of ecosystems, both natural and managed ecosystems. It explains the origins of soil variability and how this variability is expressed through the properties and behaviour of soils in the field. Topics covered include the physical and chemical nature of soil minerals and organic matter; the main soil organisms and their function, soil structure, aeration, water retention and movement, reactions in the soil solution and between the solution and surfaces, and processes in soil profile development and horizon differentiation. This information will be applied to understanding the cycling of water and nutrients in natural and managed ecosystems, the behaviour of wet soils, and the impact of disturbance through clearing of vegetation and the establishment of agriculture on the quality of the resource. The concept of soil information systems and codification through classification will also be introduced.

Assessment

One three-hour written examination. Practical tests will be given throughout the semester and marks will also be given for practical records, excursion reports and an assignment.

Prescribed Texts

• White, R E, Principles and Practice of Soil Science. 3rd ed., 1997, Blackwell Science, Oxford.