791-214 Soil And Water Resource Conservation

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Chemistry II; Introduction to Resource Conservation.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is to develop the students':

• knowledge and understanding of the physical, chemical and biological interactions of soils, water and the environment;
• understanding of the effects of management practices on soil productivity and provide a framework for the evaluation of soils for various purposes;
• a systematic approach to problem solving and evaluations of new techniques, practices and technologies applied to soil and water management;
• practical skills in analysing soils and water interpreting soil and water analysis data.

The content includes: Soil classification. Clay mineral structure and properties - Crystal structure of silicate minerals, isomorphous replacement and clay charge, pH dependent and pH independent charge, double layer theory. Structure and Structural Stability - Models of soil structure and structural stability, characterisation of unstable soils, physical, chemical and biotic aspects, management of unstable soils, modification of soil structure, assessment of changes in structure, evaluation of farming practices.Soil Water Relations - Moisture content and energy relationships, hydraulic conductivity, applications to evaporation, drainage, salinity problems, methods of irrigation, measurement of moisture content. Nutrient Relations - Availability of a nutrient; dynamic interaction of forms of nutrient element, acid soil problems, causes and solutions, interaction of fertilisers and soil, alternatives to fertiliser use, thermal properties of soils, influence of moisture content, mulching for temperature control, frost control. Moisture Conservation- Interaction of treatments and practices with microclimate, soil fauna and flora.

Assessment

2 x two hour examinations (30% and 40%); field tour report of 2000 words (10%); report on practical and tutorial work of 2000 words (20%)