| Module Identifier |
RD15310 |
| Module Title |
SOIL MANAGEMENT |
| Academic Year |
2002/2003 |
| Co-ordinator |
Dr Alun Davies |
| Semester |
Semester 1 |
| Course delivery |
Lecture | 22 Hours 22 x 1 hour lectures |
| |
Practical | 21 Hours 7 x 3 hour practicals |
| Assessment |
Semester Exam | 3 Hours Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4 | 50% |
| |
Semester Assessment | Soil assessment assignment Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4 | 50% |
| |
Supplementary Assessment | Candidates will be required to re-take the element(s) of assessment that led to failing the module. The practical assessment will be re-assessed by essay. | 100% |
Learning outcomes
Outcome 1
Assess the physical and biological properties of soils
Performance criteria:
a) The processes involved in soil formation and soil profile development are described.
b) The major soil groups are identified.
c) Physical and biological aspects of the soil profile are identified, assessed and related to agricultural characteristics.
Ranges:
Soils: Local soils of agricultural importance, soils in East of England.
Outcome 2
Identify appropriate means of soil improvement.
Performance criteria:
a) Soil structure and drainage problems are identified.
b) Appropriate techniques for improving soil structure are selected.
c) Soil pH and liming recommendations are determined
Ranges:
Soils: Local soils of agricultural importance.
Outcome 3
Assess the chemical properties of soil and the plants requirement for nutrients.
Performance criteria:
a) Factors affecting availability of plant nutrients in the soil are outlined
b) The behaviour and role of major and minor plant nutrients are described
c) Deficiency symptoms of major nutrients are identified
Ranges:
Availability: weathering, cation exchange, leaching, acidification, antagonism, synergism, fixation, mineralisation
Outcome 4
Identify appropriate fertiliser types and plan fertiliser programmes for arable crops
Performance criteria:
a) Fertiliser rates are calculated and costed
b) Factors affecting choice of fertilisers and manures are understood and used to decide on appropriate materials
c) The principles of fertiliser response and fertiliser recommendations are used in planning fertiliser programmes
d) Fertiliser programmes are designed in a manner appropriate to the crop, the locality and the environment
Ranges:
Fertilisers: inorganic, fertiliser quality.
Manures: FYM, slurry, straw, green manures.
Brief description
An understanding of soil physical, chemical and biological processes is fundamental to successful crop and grassland management. This module will firstly concentrate on the physical and biological processes of soils in particular: soil formation and classification, soil texture and organic matter, soil structure. Following this the focus will move to the soil chemical processes, in particular crop nutrition. This involves students gaining a firm understanding of plant nutrients, how they may be supplied to crops as fertilisers and fertiliser planning.
Transferable skills
Common skills assessed:
1 Managing own roles and responsibilities
6 Relate to and interact effectively with individuals and groups
8 Receive and respond to a variety of information
9 Present information in a variety of visual forms
10 Communicate in writing
11 Participate in oral and non-verbal communication
12 Use information sources
Reading Lists
Books
Batey T. (1988)
Soil husbandry.
Rudeforth C et al. (1984)
Soils and their use in Wales. Soil Survey of England and Wales.
Russell E W.
Soil conditions and plant growth. Longman Group