EMT409

Soil Analysis

Sciences
400 level
3 credit units
62 pages
6 units

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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About this course

Difficulty: Intermediate
Study hours: 91 hours
Maths: Intermediate
Content: Theoretical, practical
Practical work: Yes

Before you start

Basic Chemistry
Introductory Soil Science

How it is assessed

Assignments
Tutor Marked Assignments
Final Examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of EMT409, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

Module 1

Module 2

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

EMT409 · UNIT 2 ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

A hydrocarbon is a compound containing hydrogen and carbon while chlorinated solvents are solvents that have chlorine as part of their constituents. Examples of hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvents are Toluene, Xylene, Hexane, Cyclohexane, Trichloroethylene, Dichloromethane, Chloroform, Carbon tetrachloride etc.

Start reading Get the original PDF, if you want it

What you should be able to do

Identify and classify different types of laboratory chemicals.
Operate and maintain analytical instruments used in soil analysis.
Perform soil sampling and preparation techniques accurately.
Analyze macronutrient and micronutrient content in soil samples.
Apply laboratory safety measures to prevent accidents and hazards.
Evaluate and interpret analytical data using statistical methods.

What it prepares you for

Careers

Soil Scientist
Agricultural Consultant
Environmental Analyst
Laboratory Technician
Research Scientist

Where it is applied

Agriculture
Environmental Science
Research and Development
Government Agencies
Soil Testing Laboratories

Tools

Colorimeter
Flame Analyzer
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
pH Meter

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

Module 1:
Unit 1: Types of Laboratory Chemicals
Requires understanding of complex chemical reactions and handling of hazardous substances.
Module 1:
Unit 2: Analytical Instruments and Principles of Operation
Involves detailed knowledge of instrument components and their specific functions.
Module 2:
Unit 2: Special Techniques and Precautions in Micronutrient Analysis
Requires careful attention to detail and precise execution of analytical procedures to avoid contamination.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.

Week 1Module 1:
- Unit 1: Types of Laboratory Chemicals · 3 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 2Module 1:
- Unit 2: Analytical Instruments and Principles of Operation · 3 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 3Module 1:
- Unit 3: Soil Sampling and Sample Preparation · 3 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 4Module 1:
- Unit 4: Macronutrient Analysis in Soil · 3 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 5Module 2:
- Unit 1: Features and Functions of a Standard Soil Testing Laboratory · 3 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 6Module 2:
- Unit 2: Special Techniques and Precautions in Micronutrient Analysis · 3 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 7Module 2:
- Unit 3: Evaluation of Analytical Data · 3 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 8Module 1:
- Review of Module 1 · 4 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 9Module 2:
- Review of Module 2 · 4 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 10Module 1:
- Assignments on Module 1 · 4 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 11Module 2:
- Assignments on Module 2 · 4 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 12Comprehensive Course Review
- Final Revision: Part 1 · 4 hours
  Comprehensive revision of all course materials.. Focus on key concepts and formulas.. Practice solving problems from previous TMAs..
Week 13Comprehensive Course Review
- Final Revision: Part 2 · 4 hours
  Comprehensive revision of all course materials.. Focus on key concepts and formulas.. Practice solving problems from previous TMAs..

Preparing for the exam

What to do

Create detailed concept maps linking macronutrient and micronutrient analysis techniques.
Practice operating analytical instruments (colorimeter, AAS) using virtual lab simulations.
Review soil sampling procedures from Unit 3, focusing on contamination prevention.
Solve numerical problems related to data evaluation and statistical analysis from Unit 3.
Memorize key chemical formulas and reactions involved in soil nutrient determination.
Focus on understanding the principles behind each analytical method, not just the steps.
Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and identify areas needing further study.

Questions students ask about this course

What is EMT409 about?

How many units does EMT409 have?

EMT409, Soil Analysis, has 6 units across 2 modules, over 62 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is EMT409?

EMT409 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.

Is EMT409 hard?

EMT409 is rated intermediate level, with intermediate mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.

How long does EMT409 take to study?

About 91 hours of study, spread across its 6 units.

How is EMT409 assessed?

EMT409 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.

What do I need before starting EMT409?

Basic Chemistry Introductory Soil Science

What can I do with EMT409?

Soil Scientist, Agricultural Consultant, Environmental Analyst, Laboratory Technician and Research Scientist.