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SLM309Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Soil Analytical Techniques

This course introduces students to soil analytical techniques, covering essential methods used in soil science. It explores laboratory safety, quality assurance, and the principles of precision and accuracy. Students will learn about soil and plant sampling, preparation, and analysis, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium determination. The course also examines analytical instruments like colorimeters, flame photometers, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers, along with techniques for micronutrient analysis and the features of a standard soil-testing laboratory.

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156h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Soil AnalysisAnalytical TechniquesLaboratory MethodsNutrient DeterminationMicronutrients

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

Laboratory Safety

2

Quality Assurance

3

Soil Sampling

4

Plant Analysis

5

Nitrogen Determination

6

Phosphorus Determination

7

Potassium Determination

8

Colorimetry

9

Flame Photometry

10

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

11

pH Measurement

12

Micronutrient Analysis

Total Topics12 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Chemistry

Introductory Soil 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 assignments

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

Agronomist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Laboratory Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental MonitoringSoil ConservationFertilizer ProductionResearch and Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: The Basics of Analytical Laboratory

1.5h

Unit 1: Features and Functions of a Standard Laboratory

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Features and Functions of a Standard Laboratory
•Understand the layout and equipment requirements for a soil analysis lab
•Review the importance of proper ventilation and temperature control

Week

2

Module 1: The Basics of Analytical Laboratory

1.5h

Unit 2: Safety Measures in the Laboratory

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Safety Measures in the Laboratory
•Identify potential hazards in a soil science laboratory
•Learn about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Week

3

Module 1: The Basics of Analytical Laboratory

1.5h

Unit 3: Quality Assurance Control

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Quality Assurance Control
•Understand the meaning of quality, quality assurance, and quality control
•Learn about the steps to ensure accurate and verifiable results

Week

4

Module 1: The Basics of Analytical Laboratory

1.5h

Unit 4: Precision and Accuracy

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Precision and Accuracy
•Differentiate between precision and accuracy in soil analytical procedures
•Learn about sources of error and how to minimize them

Week

5

Module 1: The Basics of Analytical Laboratory

1.5h

Unit 5: Laboratory Chemicals

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Laboratory Chemicals
•Identify key chemicals used for laboratory analysis
•Understand the importance of reagent purity and standardization

Week

6

Module 2: Soil and Plant Analysis

1.5h

Unit 1: Soil Sampling and Sample Preparation

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Soil Sampling and Sample Preparation
•Learn about different soil sampling methods and techniques
•Understand the steps involved in preparing soil samples for laboratory analysis

Week

7

Module 2: Soil and Plant Analysis

1.5h

Unit 2: Plant Sampling and Sample Preparation

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Plant Sampling and Sample Preparation
•Learn about crop sampling techniques and precautions
•Understand the steps involved in preparing plant tissue samples for analysis

Week

8

Module 2: Soil and Plant Analysis

1.5h

Unit 3: Nitrogen Determination in Soil and Plant

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Nitrogen Determination in Soil and Plant
•Understand the Kjeldahl method for nitrogen determination
•Learn about the reagents and procedures used in nitrogen analysis

Week

9

Module 2: Soil and Plant Analysis

1.5h

Unit 4: Phosphorus Determination in Soil and Plant

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Phosphorus Determination in Soil and Plant
•Learn about Bray's and Olsen's methods for phosphorus determination in soil
•Understand the spectrophotometric vanadium phosphomolybdate method for plant analysis

Week

10

Module 2: Soil and Plant Analysis

1.5h

Unit 5: Potassium Determination in Soils, Plants and Fertilisers

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Potassium Determination in Soils, Plants and Fertilisers
•Learn about the methods for potassium determination in soil, plants, and fertilizers
•Understand the use of flame photometer and AAS for potassium analysis

Week

11

Module 3: Analytical Instruments and Principles of Operation

3h

Unit 1: Principles and Operations of Colorimeter

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Principles and Operations of Colorimeter
•Understand the principles of colorimetry and the operation of a colorimeter
•Learn about the applications of colorimeters in soil analysis

Unit 2: Principles and Operations of Flame Photometer

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Principles and Operations of Flame Photometer
•Understand the principles of flame photometry and the operation of a flame photometer
•Learn about the applications of flame photometers in soil analysis

Week

12

Module 3: Analytical Instruments and Principles of Operation

3h

Unit 3: Principles and Operation of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Principles and Operation of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)
•Understand the principles of atomic absorption spectrophotometry and the operation of an AAS
•Learn about the applications of AAS in soil analysis

Unit 4: Principles and Operation of A pH Meter

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Principles and Operation of A pH Meter
•Understand the principles of pH measurement and the operation of a pH meter
•Learn about the applications of pH meters in soil analysis

Week

13

Module 4: Techniques and Precautions in Micronutrients Analysis

3h

Unit 1: Analytical Techniques for Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn)

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Analytical Techniques for Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn)
•Understand the analytical techniques for determining Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in soil
•Learn about the preparation of standard curves for these micronutrients

Unit 2: Analytical Techniques for available Boron (B) and Molybdenum (Mo)

1.5 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Analytical Techniques for available Boron (B) and Molybdenum (Mo)
•Understand the analytical techniques for determining available B and Mo in soil
•Learn about the extraction and estimation methods for these micronutrients

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

Review all unit objectives and ensure you can explain each concept clearly.

2

Practice calculations for nutrient determination, focusing on the formulas and units.

3

Create flowcharts outlining the steps in each analytical procedure (e.g., Kjeldahl method).

4

Study the principles of operation for each instrument (colorimeter, flame photometer, AAS, pH meter).

5

Focus on understanding the sources of error and quality control measures in laboratory analysis.

6

Review the critical limits for DTPA-extractable micronutrients and their implications for soil fertility.

7

Practice sample preparation techniques, paying attention to safety precautions and contamination control.

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