agr2ils introduction to land and soil
INTRODUCTION TO LAND AND SOIL MANAGEMENT
AGR2ILS
2015
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 CHE1BAS or 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. After successful completion of the subject, students will be able to: Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the development of soil in the landscape, by written descriptions and answers to essay and quiz questions.
- Activities:
- Lectures and laboratory classes. In lectures, students will be instructed in development of soils from parent rocks by studying the origin, weathering, climate and mineralogy of soils and their physical and chemical properties. These concepts will be reinforced in the laboratory classes.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
02. Explain classification of soils, by written descriptions and answers to essay or quiz questions.
- Activities:
- Laboratory classes, lectures and one excursion. In laboratory classes, students will classify soils by estimating soil texture, describing colour, and depth of soil layers in the field. These concepts will be reinforced in the lectures and excursions.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Writing(Writing)
03. Explain development and variation of physical properties of soil across the landscape, and their relevance to plant growth and land use, by written descriptions and answers to essay and quiz questions.
- 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.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
04. Explain the significance and relevance of soil properties in agriculture and the environment, by written descriptions and answers to essay and quiz questions.
- 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.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Writing(Writing)
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
05. Explain movement and storage of water in soil, and the relevance to plant growth and agricultural production, by written descriptions and answers to essay and quiz questions.
- 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.
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Inquiry/ Research(Inquiry/ Research)
- Discipline-specific GCs(Discipline-specific GCs)
- Critical Thinking(Critical Thinking)
- Writing(Writing)
06. Compute basic mathematical calculations and prepare graphic presentations of soils data consistent with scientific standards.
- Activities:
- Calculations and graphic analyses will commonly be performed as part of laboratory classes
- Related graduate capabilities and elements:
- Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy(Quantitative Literacy/ Numeracy)
Subject options
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Melbourne, 2015, Semester 1, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorGary Clark
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Online content"
PracticalWeek: 10 - 22
Three 1.0 hours practical per week on weekdays during the day from week 10 to week 22 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Including field excursions"
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation and project | A project will require an oral and written assessment of an exercise in land capability, incorporating knowledge of soil, formation, soil physical and chemical properties learned during the semester. | 10 | 03, 04 |
| Scientific reports (approx 500-1000 words each) based on laboratory work | 30 | 01, 03, 04, 05, 06 | |
| Tests/exams throughout the semester equivalent to 3-hours | 60 | 01, 02, 03, 04, 05 |