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SLM307Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Soil Microclimatology

This course introduces the principles of soil microclimatology, focusing on the interactions between weather, climate, and soil environments. It explores weather and climatic variables, seasonal variations, and the influence of soil factors on microclimate. The course covers equipment used for measuring climatic elements, maintenance of meteorological stations, and the impact of microclimate on agriculture, pests, diseases, and livestock in tropical regions. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of soil microclimatic environments for improved agricultural management.

Take a practice test or generate AI study notes to help you excel in this course.

45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Soil MicroclimatologyWeatherClimateSoil MoistureAgrometeorology

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
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Weather and Climate

2

Atmospheric Dynamics

3

Solar Radiation

4

Soil Properties

5

Soil Moisture

6

Microclimate Management

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignment

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Practical Assessment

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

Agricultural Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agrometeorologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Soil Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Climate Change Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ManagementClimate ResearchLand ManagementMeteorology

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

3h

Unit 1: The Principles, Aims and Scope of Soil Microclimatology

3 study hours
  • Define weather and climate, understand principles and scope of microclimatology.
Week
2

Module 1:

3h

Unit 2: Elements of Weather and Climate

3 study hours
  • Understand characteristics of climatic elements and effects of non-climatic factors.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 3: Atmospheric Dynamics

3 study hours
  • Describe atmospheric dynamism and factors responsible for atmospheric circulation.
Week
4

Module 1:

3h

Unit 4: Solar Radiation and Heating effects of the Atmosphere

3 study hours
  • Describe the sun, solar energy transmission, earth and atmosphere heating.
Week
5

Module 1:

3h

Unit 5: Heat transfer in soils

3 study hours
  • Explain thermal properties of soil and heat transfer from surface to sub-surface layers.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Forcing Mechanisms in the Boundary layer

3 study hours
  • Understand boundary layer limits, forcing mechanisms, and wind decomposition.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Atmospheric Moisture

3 study hours
  • Understand atmospheric moisture, define humidity, and explain humidity distribution.
Week
8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Soil Moisture

3 study hours
  • Understand soil moisture, define available water, and explain water distribution within the soil.
Week
9

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: Soil Properties

3 study hours
  • Learn about soil properties affected by microclimate and how to manage soils for optimum utilization.
Week
10

Module 2:

3h

Unit 5: Soil Conservation

3 study hours
  • Learn soil conservation techniques in a microclimate for sustainable land use.
Week
11

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Equipments and Maintenance of a Standard Meteorological Station

3 study hours
  • Describe weather station layout, recognize equipment for measuring rainfall, air temperature and humidity.
Week
12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Measurement of Climatic Variables

3 study hours
  • Recognize equipment for measuring air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, radiation and sunshine duration.
Week
13

Module 3:

9h

Unit 3: Measurement of Evaporation and Evapotranspiration

3 study hours
  • Recognize equipment for measuring evaporation and evapotranspiration and how to maintain a meteorological station.

Unit 4: Microclimate and Soil Management in the Tropics

3 study hours
  • Learn about the importance of microclimate in influencing ecological processes.

Unit 5: Influence of Microclimate on Agriculture

3 study hours
  • Explain effects of solar radiation and moisture on crops and the relationship between microclimate and pest and diseases on crops.

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.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed notes for each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts

2

Practice identifying different types of weather instruments and their uses

3

Review the relationships between soil properties and microclimatic conditions

4

Focus on understanding the impact of microclimate on agriculture, pests, and diseases

5

Practice applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies

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