Introduction To Soil Microclimatology
- Agricultural Sciences
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 85 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Tutor Marked Assignment
- Practical Assessment
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of SLM307, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
SLM307 · UNIT 1 PRINCIPLES, AIMS AND SCOPE OF MICROCLIMATOLOGY
Soil Microclimatology is the study concerned with the influence of weather and climate on boundary layer. Microclimatology of soil is the distance between the deepest tree-root to about one meter above crop canopy.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the nature and scope of soil microclimatology
- Explain weather and climatic variables
- Appreciate the seasonal variation of the soil environments
- Appreciate the influence of soil factors on microclimatology
- Differentiate between the influence of soil and air temperature on crops
What it prepares you for
- Agricultural Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Agrometeorologist
- Soil Scientist
- Climate Change Analyst
- Agriculture
- Environmental Management
- Climate Research
- Land Management
- Meteorology
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1:
Unit 1: The Principles, Aims and Scope of Soil Microclimatology
Understanding the principles requires integrating knowledge from both climatology and soil science, demanding a broad understanding of environmental factors.
- Module 3:
Unit 1: Equipments and Maintenance of a Standard Meteorological Station
Requires understanding of complex instruments and their maintenance for accurate data collection.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: The Principles, Aims and Scope of Soil Microclimatology · 3 hours
Define weather and climate, understand principles and scope of microclimatology..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: Elements of Weather and Climate · 3 hours
Understand characteristics of climatic elements and effects of non-climatic factors..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: Atmospheric Dynamics · 3 hours
Describe atmospheric dynamism and factors responsible for atmospheric circulation..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Solar Radiation and Heating effects of the Atmosphere · 3 hours
Describe the sun, solar energy transmission, earth and atmosphere heating..
- Week 5Module 1:
Unit 5: Heat transfer in soils · 3 hours
Explain thermal properties of soil and heat transfer from surface to sub-surface layers..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: Forcing Mechanisms in the Boundary layer · 3 hours
Understand boundary layer limits, forcing mechanisms, and wind decomposition..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Atmospheric Moisture · 3 hours
Understand atmospheric moisture, define humidity, and explain humidity distribution..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: Soil Moisture · 3 hours
Understand soil moisture, define available water, and explain water distribution within the soil..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 4: Soil Properties · 3 hours
Learn about soil properties affected by microclimate and how to manage soils for optimum utilization..
- Week 10Module 2:
Unit 5: Soil Conservation · 3 hours
Learn soil conservation techniques in a microclimate for sustainable land use..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 1: Equipments and Maintenance of a Standard Meteorological Station · 3 hours
Describe weather station layout, recognize equipment for measuring rainfall, air temperature and humidity..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 2: Measurement of Climatic Variables · 3 hours
Recognize equipment for measuring air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, radiation and sunshine duration..
- Week 13Module 3:
Unit 3: Measurement of Evaporation and Evapotranspiration · 3 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 hours
Learn about the importance of microclimate in influencing ecological processes..
Unit 5: Influence of Microclimate on Agriculture · 3 hours
Explain effects of solar radiation and moisture on crops and the relationship between microclimate and pest and diseases on crops..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed notes for each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts
- Practice identifying different types of weather instruments and their uses
- Review the relationships between soil properties and microclimatic conditions
- Focus on understanding the impact of microclimate on agriculture, pests, and diseases
- Practice applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies
Questions students ask about this course
What is SLM307 about?
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.
How many units does SLM307 have?
SLM307, Introduction To Soil Microclimatology, has 15 units across 3 modules, over 85 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is SLM307?
SLM307 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is SLM307 hard?
SLM307 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does SLM307 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is SLM307 assessed?
SLM307 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignment, Practical Assessment and Final Examination.
What can I do with SLM307?
Agricultural Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Agrometeorologist, Soil Scientist and Climate Change Analyst.