agr2ils introduction to land and soil
INTRODUCTION TO LAND AND SOIL MANAGEMENT
AGR2ILS
2018
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject, is designed an introduction to land and soil management, particularly in agriculture and the environment. Topics covered include, soil formation, soil classification, soil structure and soil nutrients are covered. The physical, chemical and biological processes in soils and landscapes are investigated. Important issues such as salinity, sodicity will also be discussed.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorGary Clark
Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes
Subject year levelYear Level 2 - UG
Exchange StudentsYes
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites CHE1CHF or CHE1GEN
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjects AGR2SS, AGR2ILM
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
---|---|---|---|---|
Readings | Elements of the nature and properties of soils | Recommended | Brady, NC., and Weil, R.R | 3RD EDN, PRENTICE HALL INTERNATIONAL, LONDON 2002. |
Readings | Soils: Their properties and management | Preliminary | Charman PEV and Murphy BW | 3RD EDN, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2007 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Understand and demonstrate a knowledge of soil properties and their relationship to the control of plant growth and performance
- Activities:
- Workshop activities, post-Workshop Quizzes, practical classes and laboratory reports.
02. Critique the significance and relevance of soil properties in agriculture and the environment
- Activities:
- Workshop activities, post-Workshop Quizzes, practical classes and laboratory reports.
03. Explain the development and variation of physical properties of soil across the landscape, and their relevance to plant growth and land use
- Activities:
- Lectures and laboratory classes, In lectures, students will be instructed in sources of variation in soil with depth and across the field in the physical properties, structural stability and management of the soils and how these affect plant growth and land-use. These concepts will be reinforced in the laboratory classes.
04. Apply knowledge of soil properties to classify soils in the landscape
- Activities:
- Lectures and laboratory classes. In lectures, students will be instructed in a) the needs of plant root growth as provided by soil, and b) structural stability of soil, and their relevance to agriculture and the environment. These concepts will be reinforced in laboratory classes.
05. Compute basic mathematical calculations and prepare graphic presentations of soils data consistent with scientific standards
- Activities:
- Lectures and laboratory classes. In lectures, students will be instructed in the movement and storage of water in soil, and the relevance to plant growth and agricultural production. These concepts will be reinforced in laboratory classes.
06. Analyse the movement and storage of water in soil, and explain its the relevance to plant growth and agricultural
- Activities:
- Calculations and graphic analyses will commonly be performed as part of laboratory classes
07. Recognise the inputs and outputs of nutrient cycling and soil organic matter and explain how they relate to plant production and health of the environment
- Activities:
- Workshop activities, post-Workshop Quizzes, practical classes and laboratory reports.
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2018, Semester 1, Blended
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorGary Clark
Class requirements
PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
One 3.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Including field excursions"
WorkShopWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
Directed ReadingWeek: 10 - 22
One 2.0 hours directed reading per week from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via online.
"Subject concepts available through self-directed on-line modules."
Assessments
Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
---|---|---|---|
Practical reports (3) based on laboratory work (Total 2250 words) | 45 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07 | |
Practical worksheets (3) based on laboratory work (Total 600 words) | 15 | 01, 02, 03, 05, 06, 07 | |
Post-workshop quizzes (8) (Total 1600 words) | 40 | 01, 02, 03, 05, 06, 07 |