206-320 Processes in the Soil Environment

Availability

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

206-201 Soil and Water Resources.

Semester

Subject Description

The aim of this subject is to:

• develop an appreciation of the dynamic nature of the soil resource;

• acquire detailed knowledge of chemical, physical and biological processes in the soil environment, particularly those which impact directly on plant growth;

• and gain an understanding of how soils can be managed to optimise plant growth and minimize adverse effects on the environment.

Content

The content includes:

• chemical, physical and biological processes controlling nutrient and contaminant availability and mobility in soil;

• methods for quantification Soil organic matter and biological activity Soil structural processes and their effects on water movement, aeration and erosion processes;

• processes of soil salinization, sodicity and acidification and strategies for amelioration;

• and concepts in plant nutrition.

Assessment

A three-hour examination, a practical test (10%), and two assignments equivalent to 2500 words (each 20%).

Prescribed Texts

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