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SLM303Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Pedology And Soil Physics

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of pedology and soil classification. It explores soil origin, formation, morphological characteristics, and components. Students will learn about soil-forming rocks and minerals, weathering processes, and soil profile description. The course also covers soil survey, mapping, and classification techniques. Furthermore, it examines the properties and management of Nigerian soils, providing a comprehensive understanding of soil science principles and their practical applications in the Nigerian context.

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52h

Study Time

13

Weeks

4h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

PedologySoil ClassificationSoil FormationNigerian SoilsSoil Management

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 Origin and Formation

2

Soil Morphology and Characteristics

3

Soil Components

4

Soil-Forming Rocks and Minerals

5

Weathering Processes

6

Soil Profile Description

7

Soil Survey and Mapping

8

Soil Classification

9

Properties of Nigerian Soils

10

Management of Nigerian Soils

Total Topics10 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of biology

Basic knowledge of chemistry

Basic knowledge of geology

💡 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

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Soil Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Land Use Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agronomist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ManagementLand DevelopmentConstructionNatural Resource Management

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Soil Origin, Formation, Morphological Characteristics and Components

4h

Unit 1: Origin of Soil

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Origin of Soil, focusing on the definition of soil and its variations.
•Identify the ionic forms of plant macronutrients.
•Differentiate between minerals and rocks, noting examples from which soils form.

Unit 2: Soil Formation

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Soil Formation, paying attention to the methods used by soil-makers.
•Understand the roles of heat, cold, water, frost, ice, and biological agents in soil formation.
•Differentiate between sand, silt, and clay soil types.

Week

2

Module 1: Soil Origin, Formation, Morphological Characteristics and Components

2h

Unit 3: Soil Morphology

2 study hours

•Review Unit 3: Soil Morphology, focusing on field-observable attributes of soil.
•Understand the composition, form, soil structure, and organization.
•Examine the use of a petrographic polarizing light microscope in micromorphology.

Week

3

Module 1: Soil Origin, Formation, Morphological Characteristics and Components

2h

Unit 4: Soil Characteristics

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Soil Characteristics, focusing on the four main components of soil.
•Understand the ideal soil composition (50% solid material, 50% pore space).
•Learn about soil parent materials and their categories.

Week

4

Module 1: Soil Origin, Formation, Morphological Characteristics and Components

2h

Unit 5: Soil Components

2 study hours

•Study Unit 5: Soil Components, focusing on mineral and organic components.
•Differentiate between primary and secondary minerals.
•Understand the concept of soil texture and its importance.

Week

5

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

2h

Unit 1: Soil- Forming Rocks

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Soil-Forming Rocks, focusing on the formation of soil from weathering rocks and minerals.
•Understand the five soil-forming factors and their influence.
•Learn about igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Week

6

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

2h

Unit 2: Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Weathering of Rocks and Minerals, focusing on physical and chemical weathering processes.
•Understand the role of water in chemical weathering.
•Learn about carbonation, hydrolysis, hydration, and oxidation.

Week

7

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

2h

Unit 3: Profile Description and Soil Survey

2 study hours

•Study Unit 3: Profile Description and Soil Survey, focusing on soil horizons and their characteristics.
•Understand the process of leaching and its effects.
•Learn about soil survey components and their importance.

Week

8

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

2h

Unit 4: Soil Mapping

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Soil Mapping, focusing on the process of classifying soil types.
•Understand the use of aerial photography in soil mapping.
•Learn about the information contained in a published soil survey.

Week

9

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

2h

Unit 5: Soil Classification

2 study hours

•Study Unit 5: Soil Classification, focusing on the systematic categorization of soils.
•Understand the different approaches to soil classification.
•Learn about the orders in the US classification system.

Week

10

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

2h

Unit 1: Nigerian Soils

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Nigerian Soils, focusing on the types of Nigerian soils and their distribution.
•Understand the influence of climate on ecological zones.
•Learn about the major rivers and their drainage patterns.

Week

11

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

2h

Unit 2: Properties of Nigerian Soils

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Properties of Nigerian Soils, focusing on physical and chemical properties.
•Understand the relationship between vegetation and climate.
•Learn about the four main components of soil.

Week

12

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

2h

Unit 3: Profile Description of Nigerian Soils

2 study hours

•Study Unit 3: Profile Description of Nigerian Soils, focusing on the major ecological regions.
•Understand the characteristics of the Coastal Swamp Region.
•Learn about the Moist Lowland Region and its vegetation.

Week

13

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

4h

Unit 4: Classification of Nigerian Soils

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Classification of Nigerian Soils, focusing on the USDA Soil Taxonomy and FAO/UNESCO legend.
•Understand the hierarchy of categories in the Soil Taxonomy.
•Learn about the ten orders and their major characteristics.

Unit 5: Management of Nigerian Soils

2 study hours

•Study Unit 5: Management of Nigerian Soils, focusing on maintaining soil fertility.
•Understand the importance of crop rotation and green manures.
•Learn about the use of farmyard manure and composting.

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 summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and processes.

2

Practice identifying soil types based on their morphological characteristics.

3

Review case studies on soil management practices in Nigeria.

4

Develop concept maps linking soil formation factors to soil properties.

5

Solve practice problems related to soil classification and mapping.

6

Allocate study time evenly across all modules, with extra focus on challenging units.

7

Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex concepts.

8

Review all tutor-marked assignments and feedback.

9

Practice answering past examination questions under timed conditions.

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