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EMT409Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Soil Analysis

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of soil analysis. It covers various types of laboratory chemicals, analytical instruments, and techniques for soil sampling and preparation. The course also delves into macronutrient and micronutrient analysis, laboratory safety measures, and evaluation of analytical data. Students will learn about standard soil testing laboratories and special techniques for micronutrient analysis.

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91h
Study Time
13
Weeks
7h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Soil AnalysisLaboratory ChemicalsMacronutrientsMicronutrientsSoil Testing

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Laboratory Chemicals

2

Analytical Instruments

3

Soil Sampling

4

Macronutrient Analysis

5

Micronutrient Analysis

6

Laboratory Safety

7

Data Evaluation

Total Topics7 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Chemistry

Introductory Soil Science

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Soil Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Laboratory Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ScienceResearch and DevelopmentGovernment AgenciesSoil Testing Laboratories

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: Types of Laboratory Chemicals

3 study hours
  • •Read about different categories of laboratory chemicals.
  • •Understand the uses of peroxides, cryogenics, oxidizing and reducing agents.
  • •Learn about general solvents, hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvents, acids, and bases.
  • •Study inorganic and organic chemicals, and high-risk chemicals.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 1.
Week
2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: Analytical Instruments and Principles of Operation

3 study hours
  • •Study the functions of colorimeter, flame analyzer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and pH meter.
  • •Understand the principles of operation for each instrument.
  • •Learn the suitability of each instrument for specific operations.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 2.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Soil Sampling and Sample Preparation

3 study hours
  • •Understand the importance of soil sampling.
  • •Learn the procedure for carrying out soil sampling.
  • •Study how to prepare soil samples without contamination.
  • •Review sampling materials and selection of a sampling unit.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 3.
Week
4

Module 1:

3h

Unit 4: Macronutrient Analysis in Soil

3 study hours
  • •Study nitrogen determination in soil using alkaline KMnO4.
  • •Understand phosphorus determination in soil using Bray's Method No. 1 and Olsen's method.
  • •Learn about potassium analysis in soil using flame photometry.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 4.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Features and Functions of a Standard Soil Testing Laboratory

3 study hours
  • •Study the features of a standard soil testing laboratory.
  • •Understand the functions of a standard soil test.
  • •Learn about laboratory safety measures including equipment, chemical reagents, and waste disposal.
  • •Review general rules and requirements in a soil testing laboratory.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 5.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Special Techniques and Precautions in Micronutrient Analysis

3 study hours
  • •Understand the importance of plant-available micronutrients.
  • •Learn about micronutrient extraction techniques.
  • •Study the preparation of standard curves for zinc, copper, iron, and manganese.
  • •Learn about available boron and molybdenum estimation.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 6.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Evaluation of Analytical Data

3 study hours
  • •Study measurement principles and variation in analytical data.
  • •Understand how to handle outlying results.
  • •Learn about comparison of analytical methods including precision and accuracy.
  • •Study the determination of sample size.
  • •Complete Tutor-Marked Assignment 7.
Week
8

Module 1:

4h

Review of Module 1

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 1 Units 1-4
  • •Revise types of laboratory chemicals, analytical instruments and principles of operation.
  • •Revise soil sampling and sample preparation, and macronutrient analysis in soil.
Week
9

Module 2:

4h

Review of Module 2

4 study hours
  • •Review Module 2 Units 1-3
  • •Revise features and functions of a standard soil testing laboratory.
  • •Revise special techniques and precautions in micronutrient analysis.
  • •Revise evaluation of analytical data.
Week
10

Module 1:

4h

Assignments on Module 1

4 study hours
  • •Work on assignments related to Module 1.
  • •Focus on applying concepts of laboratory chemicals and soil sampling.
  • •Prepare detailed notes for each unit.
Week
11

Module 2:

4h

Assignments on Module 2

4 study hours
  • •Work on assignments related to Module 2.
  • •Focus on applying concepts of micronutrient analysis and data evaluation.
  • •Prepare detailed notes for each unit.
Week
12

Comprehensive Course Review

4h

Final Revision: Part 1

4 study hours
  • •Comprehensive revision of all course materials.
  • •Focus on key concepts and formulas.
  • •Practice solving problems from previous TMAs.
Week
13

Comprehensive Course Review

4h

Final Revision: Part 2

4 study hours
  • •Comprehensive revision of all course materials.
  • •Focus on key concepts and formulas.
  • •Practice solving problems from previous TMAs.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed concept maps linking macronutrient and micronutrient analysis techniques.

2

Practice operating analytical instruments (colorimeter, AAS) using virtual lab simulations.

3

Review soil sampling procedures from Unit 3, focusing on contamination prevention.

4

Solve numerical problems related to data evaluation and statistical analysis from Unit 3.

5

Memorize key chemical formulas and reactions involved in soil nutrient determination.

6

Focus on understanding the principles behind each analytical method, not just the steps.

7

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and identify areas needing further study.

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