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ESM234Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Soil Resources

This course introduces students to the fundamental aspects of soil resources. It covers soil definition, nature, functions, and constituents, including mineral and organic matter. The course also explores physical and chemical properties of soil, factors influencing soil formation, and simple and complex soil formation processes. Additionally, it examines traditional and integrative soil classification systems, soil erosion, and conservation techniques, providing a comprehensive understanding of soil as a vital natural resource.

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39h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
SoilPedologySoil FormationSoil PropertiesSoil Conservation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Soil Definition

2

Soil Constituents

3

Soil Physical Properties

4

Soil Chemical Properties

5

Soil Formation Factors

6

Soil Classification

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of geography and environmental 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 Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Soil Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Land Resource Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Impact Assessor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ManagementLand DevelopmentCivil EngineeringMining

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Resources

2h

Unit 1: Definition, Nature and Functions of Soil

2 study hours
  • •Define soil from different perspectives (agriculturist, chemist, physicist, geologist, geographer).
  • •Explain the role of pedology in soil science.
  • •List and describe the five key functions of soil.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Resources

2h

Unit 2: Constituents of Soil

2 study hours
  • •Identify the four main constituents of soil (mineral matter, organic matter, soil air, soil water).
  • •Compare and contrast invariable and variable constituents of soil.
  • •Explain the functions of each soil component.
Week
3

Module 2: Soil Properties and Formation

2h

Unit 3: Physical Properties of Soil

2 study hours
  • •Describe soil texture and its influence on soil properties.
  • •Identify different types of soil structure (granular, crumbly, platy, columnar, prismatic, blocky).
  • •Explain the Munsell Colour Chart and its use in soil color determination.
Week
4

Module 2: Soil Properties and Formation

2h

Unit 4: Chemical Properties of Soil

2 study hours
  • •Explain the importance of soil pH and its influence on chemical properties.
  • •Describe the roles of nitrogen and phosphorus in soil fertility.
  • •List and describe the key exchangeable cations in soil (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium).
Week
5

Module 3: Soil Formation Processes

2h

Unit 5: Factors of Soil Formation

2 study hours
  • •Identify the active and passive factors of soil formation (climate, organisms, relief, parent material, time).
  • •Explain the role of climate in soil formation.
  • •Describe how organisms contribute to soil formation.
Week
6

Module 3: Soil Formation Processes

2h

Unit 6: Simple Processes of Soil Formation

2 study hours
  • •Differentiate between simple and complex processes of soil formation.
  • •Explain leaching, eluviation, and illuviation.
  • •Describe the processes of humification and mineralization.
Week
7

Module 4: Soil Types and Classification

2h

Unit 7: Complex Processes of Soil Formation

2 study hours
  • •Identify the complex processes of soil formation (lateritisation, podsolisation, calcification, gleisation).
  • •Describe the climatic regions associated with each complex process.
  • •Explain the basic characteristics of each complex process.
Week
8

Module 4: Soil Types and Classification

2h

Unit 8: Major Soil Types of the World

2 study hours
  • •List the three major soil types based on genetic classification (zonal, intrazonal, azonal).
  • •Describe the characteristics of tundra, podsol, chernozem, and tropical soils.
  • •Explain the causes of intrazonal soil types.
Week
9

Module 5: Soil Erosion and Conservation

2h

Unit 9: Traditional Soil Classification Systems

2 study hours
  • •Define soil classification.
  • •Identify the three types of traditional soil classification systems (empirical, morphological, genetic).
  • •Differentiate between the various types of traditional soil classification systems.
Week
10

Module 5: Soil Erosion and Conservation

2h

Unit 10: Integrative Soil Classification Systems

2 study hours
  • •Explain how integrative systems of soil classification are achieved.
  • •List some integrative systems of soil classification in use today.
  • •Distinguish the characteristics of the USDA and FAO soil classification systems.
Week
11

Module 5: Soil Erosion and Conservation

2h

Unit 11: Soil Erosion

2 study hours
  • •Define soil erosion.
  • •Identify the types of erosion (normal geological erosion, accelerated soil erosion).
  • •Describe the agents and forms of soil erosion (water, wind, ice).
Week
12

Module 5: Soil Erosion and Conservation

2h

Unit 12: Soil Conservation

2 study hours
  • •Know what soil conservation objectives are.
  • •Recognize the soil conservation practices.
  • •Discuss the various conservation practices (soil management, erosion control, land reclamation).
Week
13

Module 5: Soil Erosion and Conservation

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all units and key concepts.
  • •Work on tutor-marked assignments.
  • •Prepare for final examination.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking soil properties to soil formation factors (Units 3-5).

2

Practice identifying soil types based on descriptions of their characteristics (Units 7-8).

3

Review the different soil classification systems and their criteria (Units 9-10).

4

Focus on understanding the causes and effects of soil erosion (Unit 11).

5

Study the various soil conservation techniques and their applications (Unit 12).

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