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 TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsElements of the nature and properties of soilsRecommendedBrady, NC., and Weil, R.R3RD EDN, PRENTICE HALL INTERNATIONAL, LONDON 2002.
ReadingsSoils: Their properties and managementPreliminaryCharman PEV and Murphy BW3RD 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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Start date between: and    Key dates

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 elementComments%ILO*
Practical reports (3) based on laboratory work (Total 2250 words)4501, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07
Practical worksheets (3) based on laboratory work (Total 600 words)1501, 02, 03, 05, 06, 07
Post-workshop quizzes (8) (Total 1600 words)4001, 02, 03, 05, 06, 07