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SLM514Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Soil Ecosystem

This course explores the soil ecosystem, focusing on the interactions between its physical, biological, and chemical components. It examines how these interactions influence nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ultimately, agricultural productivity. Key topics include organic matter decomposition, the roles of rhizobia and mycorrhizae, and the impact of aerobic and anaerobic processes. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of soil ecology and its practical applications in improving crop production.

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195h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Soil ecosystemNutrient cyclingRhizobiaMycorrhizaeDecomposition

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

Ecosystem concept

2

Soil ecosystem structure and function

3

Organic matter decomposition

4

Nutrient cycling (C, N)

5

Rhizobia and mycorrhizae contributions

6

Soil and vegetation interrelationships

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

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

Agronomist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Soil Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ManagementLand ReclamationHorticultureForestry

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

1.5h

Unit 1: The Concept of Ecosystem

1.5 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to the concept of an ecosystem.
  • •Identify the different categories of organisms within an ecosystem.
  • •Explain the functions of each organism in maintaining the ecosystem.
  • •Describe the factors that contribute to ecosystem productivity.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

1.5h

Unit 2: The Soil Ecosystem

1.5 study hours
  • •Differentiate the soil ecosystem from other types of ecosystems.
  • •Identify and describe the roles of soil ecosystem engineers.
  • •Explain the factors that affect the functions of the soil ecosystem, such as decomposition rates and soil texture.
  • •Discuss the importance of soil structure in gas exchange and water movement.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

2h

Unit 3: Structure and Function of Organisms in the Soil Ecosystem

2 study hours
  • •Describe the diversity of organisms found in the soil ecosystem.
  • •Classify soil organisms based on size and function.
  • •Explain the functions of different organisms in maintaining soil health and fertility.
  • •Understand the roles of microbiota, mesobiota, and macrobiota in soil processes.
Week
4

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

2h

Unit 4: Development of the Soil Ecosystem

2 study hours
  • •Describe the process of ecological succession in soil ecosystems.
  • •Distinguish between autotrophic and heterotrophic succession.
  • •Explain the meristic approach to soil ecosystem development.
  • •Understand the role of biotic components in the development of soil ecosystems.
Week
5

Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

1.5h

Unit 5: Microbial Ecology

1.5 study hours
  • •Define and explain the meaning of microbial ecology.
  • •State the scope of organisms involved in microbial ecology.
  • •Explain the importance of microbial ecology in environmental restoration and food production.
  • •Discuss the interactions between microbes and their environment.
Week
6

Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

2h

Unit 1: Organic Matter Decompositions and Energy

2 study hours
  • •State the role of microorganisms in organic matter decomposition.
  • •Describe the products of organic matter decomposition, including energy and nutrients.
  • •Explain the process of organic matter decomposition and the formation of humus.
  • •Understand the carbon cycling process in the soil.
Week
7

Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

2h

Unit 2: Role of Different Components of Organic Matter

2 study hours
  • •Describe the decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, chitin, lignin, lipids, and proteins.
  • •State the products of decomposition for each component.
  • •Identify the contribution of each component to nutrient and energy supply.
  • •Understand the role of enzymes in breaking down complex organic molecules.
Week
8

Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

1.5h

Unit 3: The Soil Food Web

1.5 study hours
  • •State the organisms that constitute the soil food web.
  • •Explain the factors affecting the composition of the soil food web.
  • •Describe the number and activities of organisms in the soil food web.
  • •Understand the role of soil life in nutrient and water availability.
Week
9

Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

2h

Unit 4: Biogeochemistry and Nutrient Cycling, C and N Cycling

2 study hours
  • •Explain the basis of biogeochemical cycles.
  • •Describe the carbon cycle in soils, including photosynthesis and respiration.
  • •Explain the nitrogen cycle in soils, including gains and losses.
  • •Understand the roles of mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification.
Week
10

Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

1.5h

Unit 5: Aerobic and Anaerobic Processes

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain soil factors leading to aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
  • •Explain the variation among organisms in their oxygen requirements.
  • •Compare and contrast aerobic and anaerobic processes such as respiration.
  • •Understand the role of oxygen in microbial metabolism.
Week
11

Module 3: Soil-Vegetation Interrelationships

4h

Unit 1: Contributions of Rhizobia to Nutrient Cycling and Energy Flow

2 study hours
  • •Explain the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the ecosystem.
  • •Explain the nature of the symbiosis between rhizobia and legumes.
  • •Describe the diversity of organisms involved in nitrogen fixation.
  • •Understand the process of biological nitrogen fixation.

Unit 2: Contributions of Mycorrhizae to Nutrient Cycling and Energy Flow

2 study hours
  • •Explain the different types of mycorrhiza associations with plants.
  • •Describe the contribution of mycorrhiza to nutrient cycling in soils.
  • •Understand the symbiotic relationships between mycorrhizae and plants.
  • •Discuss the role of mycorrhizae in phosphorus uptake.
Week
12

Module 3: Soil-Vegetation Interrelationships

4h

Unit 3: Inter Relationship Between Soil and Vegetation

2 study hours
  • •Explain how plants are the main sources of carbon and energy for the soil ecosystem.
  • •Discuss the contribution of dead plant energy and nutrients in agricultural systems.
  • •Describe the relationship between plants and soil microorganisms.
  • •Understand the role of plants in the rhizosphere.

Unit 4: The Role of Plant Roots

2 study hours
  • •State the importance of plant roots in soil-plant relationships.
  • •Explain the nature and function of plant roots in relation to the soil biota.
  • •Describe the parts of plant roots and their contribution to soil development.
  • •Understand the role of root hairs and root caps.
Week
13

Module 3: Soil-Vegetation Interrelationships

2h

Unit 5: The Concept of Rhizosphere

2 study hours
  • •Understand that the rhizosphere is the biologically, chemically, and energetically active area of soil.
  • •Explain the extent of the rhizosphere and its characteristics.
  • •Describe the activities of microorganisms in the rhizosphere.
  • •Discuss the manipulation of rhizosphere microorganisms for increased crop productivity.

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

Create detailed notes for each unit, focusing on key terms and processes.

2

Develop diagrams illustrating nutrient cycles (C, N) and energy flow in the soil ecosystem.

3

Practice explaining the symbiotic relationships of rhizobia and mycorrhizae without referring to notes.

4

Review the factors affecting organic matter decomposition and nutrient mineralization.

5

Study the differences between aerobic and anaerobic processes and their impact on soil fertility.

6

Use past TMA questions to practice applying concepts and improve exam technique.

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