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SLM504Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Anthropogenic Impact On Land

This course introduces undergraduate Agriculture students to the anthropogenic impact on land. It covers farming systems, land use, soil erosion, and conservation strategies. Students will learn about soil resources, land use relationships, and the effects of fertilizers and pesticides. The course also explores environmental impact assessments and sustainable soil management practices to minimize soil erosion and ensure soil productivity.

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312h
Study Time
13
Weeks
24h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Anthropogenic ImpactLand UseSoil ErosionSoil ConservationFarming Systems

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 Resources

2

Land Use

3

Soil Erosion

4

Soil Conservation

5

Fertilizers

6

Pesticides

7

Acid Rain

8

Organic Amendments

9

Environmental Impact Assessment

Total Topics9 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of agricultural science

Understanding of ecological principles

💡 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

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Soil Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Land Use Planner

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 Resource ManagementSoil ConservationEnvironmental Consulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Current Types of Soil Resources Concepts

4h

Unit 1: Users' Concept of Definition of Soil as a Resource

2 study hours
  • •Define soil from different land users' perspectives.
  • •Identify human uses of soil.
  • •Discuss the importance of soil as a resource.

Unit 2: Composition of Soils

2 study hours
  • •Describe the components of soil.
  • •Explain the role of organic matter in soil.
  • •Discuss the importance of soil water and air.
Week
2

Module 1: Current Types of Soil Resources Concepts

2h

Unit 3: Soil Properties

2 study hours
  • •Explain the physical properties of soil, including color and texture.
  • •Describe the chemical properties of soil, such as pH and CEC.
  • •Discuss the role of organic matter and living organisms in soil.
Week
3

Module 1: Current Types of Soil Resources Concepts

2h

Unit 4: Soil Classification Systems

2 study hours
  • •State reasons for classifying soils.
  • •Explain scientific and technical classifications.
  • •Discuss the USDA Soil Taxonomy Classification System.
Week
4

Module 1: Current Types of Soil Resources Concepts

2h

Unit 5: Earth Natural Resources

2 study hours
  • •Identify different natural resources.
  • •Classify earth resources based on source and renewal.
  • •Discuss the importance of renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Week
5

Module 2: Land Use as Related To Soils

4h

Unit 1: Meaning of Soil and Land

2 study hours
  • •Differentiate between soil and land.
  • •Explain the factors influencing agricultural production.
  • •Discuss the importance of land as a resource.

Unit 2: Uses of Land

2 study hours
  • •List agricultural benefits derived from land.
  • •List non-agricultural benefits derived from land.
  • •Discuss the various uses of land.
Week
6

Module 2: Land Use as Related To Soils

2h

Unit 3: Land Use and Land Cover Change

2 study hours
  • •Explain changes occurring on land surface due to land use changes.
  • •State factors influencing land use and land cover change.
  • •Discuss the effects of land use on land cover change.
Week
7

Module 3: Interaction Technology on Soil Environment

4h

Unit 1: Concept of Interactive Technology

2 study hours
  • •Explain the concept of interaction in the soil environment.
  • •Enumerate sources of organic and inorganic substances interacting in the soil environment.
  • •Discuss the importance of interactive technology.

Unit 2: Forms of Organic and Inorganic Materials Interaction

2 study hours
  • •Explain metal and metal interaction in the soil environment.
  • •Explain organic substances interaction in the soil environment.
  • •Discuss metal-organic substances interaction in the soil environment.
Week
8

Module 3: Interaction Technology on Soil Environment

2h

Unit 3: Interaction of Microorganisms

2 study hours
  • •Explain the nature of microorganisms communities.
  • •Mention methods used in studying microorganisms communities.
  • •Discuss interaction between community of microbes and plant rhizosphere.
Week
9

Module 4: Effect of Fertilisers on the Soil-Water Ecosystem

4h

Unit 1: Component and Importance of Mineral Fertilisers

2 study hours
  • •Define fertilizer.
  • •Identify types of fertilizers based on their components.
  • •State benefits of fertilizer application.

Unit 2: Effect of Fertiliser on Soil Properties and Soil Organisms

2 study hours
  • •Explain the effect of fertilizer on physical properties of soil.
  • •State the effect of fertilizer on chemical properties of soil.
  • •Explain the effect of fertilizer on biological components of soil.
Week
10

Module 4: Effect of Fertilisers on the Soil-Water Ecosystem

4h

Unit 3: Effect of Fertiliser on Water and Atmospheric Environment

2 study hours
  • •Explain the effect of fertilizer on the water environment.
  • •Explain the effect of fertilizer on the atmospheric environment.
  • •Discuss the environmental impacts of fertilizer use.

Unit 4: Long and Short Term Effect of Fertilisers

2 study hours
  • •Explain the short-term effects of fertilizers.
  • •State the long-term effects of fertilizers.
  • •Discuss the sustainable use of fertilizers.
Week
11

Module 5: Effect of Pesticides and Herbicides on the Soil-Water Ecosystem

4h

Unit 1: Fate of Pesticides

2 study hours
  • •Define pesticides.
  • •Explain the entry and fate of pesticides in soils.
  • •Discuss the environmental impacts of pesticide use.

Unit 2: Effects of Pesticides on Soils and Water Ecosystems

2 study hours
  • •Explain the effect of pesticides on soil properties.
  • •Explain the effect of pesticides on water.
  • •Discuss the environmental impacts of pesticide use.
Week
12

Module 5: Effect of Pesticides and Herbicides on the Soil-Water Ecosystem

4h

Unit 3: Effect of Pesticides on Organisms

2 study hours
  • •Explain the effect of pesticides on soil microorganisms.
  • •Explain how pesticide application affects soil invertebrates.
  • •Discuss the impacts of pesticides on birds, bees, fish and aquatic organisms.

Unit 4: Effect of Herbicides on Soil

2 study hours
  • •State how herbicides enter soils.
  • •Explain the effect of herbicides on physical and chemical properties of soils.
  • •Explain how herbicides affect soil living organisms.
Week
13

Module 6: Effects of Acid Rain (Short and Long-Term) on the Soil-Water Ecosystem

4h

Unit 1: Acid Rain

2 study hours
  • •State sources of acid in rain.
  • •Explain how acid rain is formed.
  • •List effects of acid rain on the environment.

Unit 2: Other Water Sources

2 study hours
  • •State how and where surface and groundwater can be obtained.
  • •Explain how salt builds up in soil and water.
  • •Explain the effect of both acidic and saline water on the environment.
  • •State measures that can be taken to remedy salt-affected soils.

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 definitions of soil from various users (Unit 1, Module 1).

2

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 soil properties and classification.

3

Practice identifying soil types based on descriptions (Unit 4, Module 1).

4

Summarize the key factors influencing land use change (Unit 3, Module 2).

5

Outline the steps in the Environmental Impact Assessment process (Module 8).

6

Focus on understanding the short-term and long-term effects of fertilizers and pesticides.

7

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their feedback.

8

Allocate study time proportionally based on the number of units per module.

9

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions from each unit.

10

Practice answering essay questions from past exam papers.

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