211-203 Forest Soils

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

On completion of this subject students should: understand the attributes evident in a soil profile which contribute to the behaviour of the soil; understand soil groupings based on profile characteristics; understand 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 its structural and chemical attributes to benefit plant growth. Subject content includes: components and properties of soils; soil organic matter and soil nitrogen, soil biota and decomposition reactions; phosphorus sorption and availability; reactions at surfaces, cation and anion exchange, pH, particle interaction and swelling; fertiliser chemistry and plant trace elements in soil; carbon and nutrient cycling in forests.

Assessment

A three hour written examination. Marks will also be given for assignments and practical work.

Recommended Texts

• White R E, Principles and Practice of Soil Science. 3rd ed. 1997, Blackwell Science, Oxford.
• Attiwill P M & Leeper G W, Forest Soils & Nutrient Cycles. MUP.