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SLM507Agricultural Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Soil Morphology And Classification

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of soil morphology and classification. It covers soil definitions, processes of soil formation, and factors influencing soil development. The course also explores field study techniques, including soil morphology, horizon identification, color determination, texture analysis, and structure evaluation. Additionally, it examines various soil classification systems, their historical backgrounds, and practical applications in soil management and land use.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Soil MorphologySoil ClassificationSoil FormationSoil TextureSoil Horizons

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

Soil Concepts and Definitions

2

Processes of Soil Formation

3

Factors of Soil Formation

4

Field Study of Soil

5

Soil Classification Principles

6

Soil Classification Systems

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Biology

Basic Chemistry

Basic 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 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

Land Surveyor

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 ManagementLand DevelopmentCivil EngineeringGeotechnical Engineering

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Concepts, Definitions of Soil, Processes and Factors of Soil Formation

6h

Unit 1: Concept of Soil

3 study hours
  • •Understand the two basic concepts of soil.
  • •Explore the relationship between soil and plants.
  • •Learn the factors that make soil exist as a natural body.

Unit 2: Definitions of Soil

3 study hours
  • •Learn different approaches to soil definitions.
  • •Understand the roles of organisms and climate in soil origin.
Week
2

Module 1: Concepts, Definitions of Soil, Processes and Factors of Soil Formation

6h

Unit 3: Processes of Soil Formation

3 study hours
  • •Identify the characteristics of genetically developed horizons.
  • •Understand the major processes associated with soil formation.

Unit 4: Factors of Soil Formation

3 study hours
  • •Know the roles of parent material, organism, climate, relief, and time in soil formation.
  • •Understand the relationship between these factors.
Week
3

Module 2: Field Study of Soil

4h

Unit 1: Soil morphology

4 study hours
  • •Understand soil morphological and micro-morphological properties.
  • •Attempt to identify these properties in the field.
Week
4

Module 2: Field Study of Soil

5h

Unit 2: Soil horizons and Boundaries

5 study hours
  • •Identify surface diagnostic (master) horizons.
  • •Learn subordinate distinctions within master horizons.
  • •Identify transitional horizons.
  • •Know and identify subsurface horizons.
Week
5

Module 2: Field Study of Soil

5h

Unit 3: Soil Colour

5 study hours
  • •Understand how color is impacted on the soil during soil forming processes.
  • •Use soil color to determine soil horizon boundaries.
  • •Use the Munsell color chart to determine soil colors.
Week
6

Module 2: Field Study of Soil

5h

Unit 4: Soil Texture

5 study hours
  • •Understand soil texture.
  • •Know the importance of soil texture to soil fertility and productivity.
  • •Use the textural triangle to determine soil texture.
Week
7

Module 2: Field Study of Soil

5h

Unit 5: Soil Structure

5 study hours
  • •Classify soil structure into grade, form, and sizes.
  • •Understand how structure is formed and its influence on biological activities, root growth, water, and air movement.
Week
8

Module 2: Field Study of Soil

5h

Unit 6: Soil Consistence, Root abundance, pH and Effervescence and Special features

5 study hours
  • •Know what soil consistence, root abundance, pH, effervescence, special features, and concentrations stand for in soil morphology study.
Week
9

Module 3: Soil Classification & Principles, Historical Backgrounds, Type of Soil Classification Systems, Uses of Soil Classification

4h

Unit 1: Soil classification & principles

4 study hours
  • •Know the historical background of soil classification.
  • •Understand the purpose of soil classification.
  • •Know the principles of soil classification.
Week
10

Module 3: Soil Classification & Principles, Historical Backgrounds, Type of Soil Classification Systems, Uses of Soil Classification

4h

Unit 2: Historical backgrounds

4 study hours
  • •Understand how soil classification started.
  • •Learn the full history of soil classification.
Week
11

Module 3: Soil Classification & Principles, Historical Backgrounds, Type of Soil Classification Systems, Uses of Soil Classification

6h

Unit 3: Types of soil classification systems, uses of soil classification

6 study hours
  • •Learn about different types of classification systems and their purposes.
  • •Understand how different countries developed their own classification systems.
  • •Explore commonly used classification systems such as USDA Soil Taxonomy and FAO/UNESCO System.
Week
12

Revision

6h

Revision and Assignments

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Modules 1 and 2.
  • •Work on assignments related to soil formation and field study.
Week
13

Final Revision

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours
  • •Review key concepts from Module 3.
  • •Complete assignments related to soil classification systems.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed concept maps linking soil formation factors to soil types (Modules 1-2)

2

Practice identifying soil horizons and morphological features in field settings (Module 2)

3

Compare and contrast different soil classification systems (Module 3)

4

Focus on understanding diagnostic horizons and their significance in soil taxonomy (Module 3)

5

Review and practice applying soil texture analysis techniques (Unit 4, Module 2)

6

Study the uses of soil classification in various industries and applications (Unit 3, Module 3)

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