GG21310 - PRACTICAL PEDOLOGY: SOIL CHEMICAL METHODS

Module Identifier	GG21310
Module Title	PRACTICAL PEDOLOGY: SOIL CHEMICAL METHODS
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Dr Peter W Abrahams
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-Requisite	GG10410 Single or Joint Honours Geography student.
Co-Requisite	GG32910 or GG32110
Mutually Exclusive	Because of the course nature, student intake is restricted to 40.
Course delivery	Practical	Practicals / Field Days. 10 x 3 hour practicals including fieldwork in mid-Wales.
Assessment	Semester Exam	2 Hours Written exam: comprising Section A (a number of questions demanding relatively short answers and calculations) and Section B (a pre-seen essay question).	80%
	Semester Assessment	Continuous Assessment: Comprising (i) a laboratory report to be submitted at the end of week 11 of the Semester, and (ii) satisfactory completion of analytical work.	20%
	Supplementary Assessment	2 Hours Written examination: comprising Section A (a number of questions demanding relatively short answers and calculations) and Section B (a pre-seen essay question).	100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students should be :-

technically proficient in the sampling of soils

technically proficient in soil chemical analysis

aware of the logistics involved in undertaking soil sampling

be able to analyse chemical data

be able to present the results of field/ laboratory work in a technically sound report

Content

The themes of the 10 practical classes are as follows:

1. Laboratory techniques: tools of the trade. Soil N and its determination.

2. Local soil sampling and preliminary preparation and analysis

3. Soil pH and gravimetric determination of soil organic matter

4. Walkley-Black technique for soil organic carbon

5. Analysis of macro-nutrients (Na and K) by flame photometry

6. Analysis of macro-nutrients (Mg and Ca) by atomic absorption spectrophotometry

7. Analysis of macro-nutrients (P) by colorimetry

8. Analysis of trace-elements (e.g. Pb and Zn); analytical quality control

It is assumed (incorrectly) that no student has had any previous experience in laboratory work and the chemical principles involved will be given only a minimal treatment, sufficient to carry out the work and to calculate the results. All students are reminded that the departmental safety regulations MUST be obeyed: adherence to rules, bench tidiness and orderly behaviour are absolute prerequisites for personal safety. For the purposes of safety, ALL students MUST provide themselves with a laboratory coat.

Aims

To provide students with the knowledge and skills required for the successful sampling of soil and their analysis and interpretation.

Reading Lists

Books
Rowell, D.L.. Soil Science: Methods and Applications. Longman