Soil Morphology And Classification
- Agricultural Sciences
- 500 level
- 3 credit units
- 104 pages
- 13 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 150 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic Biology
- Basic Chemistry
- Basic Geology
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of SLM507, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
SLM507 · UNIT 1: CONCEPTS OF SOIL
Soils are made up of what they are by various contributing factors. The most obvious of such factors is the parent material. Soil formation, however, may result in many different kinds of soils from a given parent material. Parent material and the other factors that are responsible for the development of soil are the soil-forming factors.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concept of soil, its definition, origin, and formation
- Describe the roles of parent material, organism, climate, relief, and time in soil formation
- Study and identify the morphological characteristics of soil
- Know the historical background and purpose of soil classification
- Understand different types of classification systems and their formation
- Apply soil classification knowledge to practical soil management scenarios
What it prepares you for
- Soil Scientist
- Agronomist
- Environmental Consultant
- Land Surveyor
- Agricultural Extension Officer
- Agriculture
- Environmental Management
- Land Development
- Civil Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Munsell Soil Color Charts
- Soil Testing Kits
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Field Study of Soil
Unit 3: Soil Colour
Requires understanding of complex color charts and their application in field conditions.
- Module 3: Soil Classification & Principles, Historical Backgrounds, Type of Soil Classification Systems, Uses of Soil Classification
Unit 3: Types of soil classification systems, uses of soil classification
Involves grasping the nuances of various international soil classification systems and their historical evolution.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 67 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concepts, Definitions of Soil, Processes and Factors of Soil Formation
Unit 1: Concept of Soil · 3 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 hours
Learn different approaches to soil definitions.. Understand the roles of organisms and climate in soil origin..
- Week 2Module 1: Concepts, Definitions of Soil, Processes and Factors of Soil Formation
Unit 3: Processes of Soil Formation · 3 hours
Identify the characteristics of genetically developed horizons.. Understand the major processes associated with soil formation..
Unit 4: Factors of Soil Formation · 3 hours
Know the roles of parent material, organism, climate, relief, and time in soil formation.. Understand the relationship between these factors..
- Week 3Module 2: Field Study of Soil
Unit 1: Soil morphology · 4 hours
Understand soil morphological and micro-morphological properties.. Attempt to identify these properties in the field..
- Week 4Module 2: Field Study of Soil
Unit 2: Soil horizons and Boundaries · 5 hours
Identify surface diagnostic (master) horizons.. Learn subordinate distinctions within master horizons.. Identify transitional horizons.. Know and identify subsurface horizons..
- Week 5Module 2: Field Study of Soil
Unit 3: Soil Colour · 5 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 6Module 2: Field Study of Soil
Unit 4: Soil Texture · 5 hours
Understand soil texture.. Know the importance of soil texture to soil fertility and productivity.. Use the textural triangle to determine soil texture..
- Week 7Module 2: Field Study of Soil
Unit 5: Soil Structure · 5 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 8Module 2: Field Study of Soil
Unit 6: Soil Consistence, Root abundance, pH and Effervescence and Special features · 5 hours
Know what soil consistence, root abundance, pH, effervescence, special features, and concentrations stand for in soil morphology study..
- Week 9Module 3: Soil Classification & Principles, Historical Backgrounds, Type of Soil Classification Systems, Uses of Soil Classification
Unit 1: Soil classification & principles · 4 hours
Know the historical background of soil classification.. Understand the purpose of soil classification.. Know the principles of soil classification..
- Week 10Module 3: Soil Classification & Principles, Historical Backgrounds, Type of Soil Classification Systems, Uses of Soil Classification
Unit 2: Historical backgrounds · 4 hours
Understand how soil classification started.. Learn the full history of soil classification..
- Week 11Module 3: Soil Classification & Principles, Historical Backgrounds, Type of Soil Classification Systems, Uses of Soil Classification
Unit 3: Types of soil classification systems, uses of soil classification · 6 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 12Revision
Revision and Assignments · 6 hours
Review key concepts from Modules 1 and 2.. Work on assignments related to soil formation and field study..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 6 hours
Review key concepts from Module 3.. Complete assignments related to soil classification systems..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed concept maps linking soil formation factors to soil types (Modules 1-2)
- Practice identifying soil horizons and morphological features in field settings (Module 2)
- Compare and contrast different soil classification systems (Module 3)
- Focus on understanding diagnostic horizons and their significance in soil taxonomy (Module 3)
- Review and practice applying soil texture analysis techniques (Unit 4, Module 2)
- Study the uses of soil classification in various industries and applications (Unit 3, Module 3)
Questions students ask about this course
What is SLM507 about?
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.
How many units does SLM507 have?
SLM507, Soil Morphology And Classification, has 13 units across 3 modules, over 104 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is SLM507?
SLM507 carries 3 credit units, at 500 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is SLM507 hard?
SLM507 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does SLM507 take to study?
About 150 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is SLM507 assessed?
SLM507 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What do I need before starting SLM507?
Basic Biology Basic Chemistry Basic Geology
What can I do with SLM507?
Soil Scientist, Agronomist, Environmental Consultant, Land Surveyor and Agricultural Extension Officer.