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SLM516Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Advanced Soil Science

This course provides an in-depth exploration of advanced soil science principles. It covers silicate chemistry, soil formation processes, and the influence of microorganisms. Students will learn about soil texture, structure, water relationships, and the impact of tillage. The course also addresses factors affecting plant growth and the role of shifting cultivation, aiming to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of soil management for sustainable agriculture.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Soil ScienceSoil FormationSoil TextureSoil MicroorganismsTillage

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

Silicate Chemistry

2

Soil Formation

3

Soil Texture

4

Soil Structure

5

Soil Water Relationships

6

Soil Microorganisms

7

Tillage

8

Plant Growth Factors

9

Shifting Cultivation

Total Topics9 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 (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

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

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Land Management Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ManagementLandscapingHorticultureConstruction

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

5h

Unit 1: Silicate Chemistry

3 study hours
  • •Study silicate structures, focusing on tetrahedral arrangements and charge neutralization.
  • •Review examples like Olivine and Zircon.

Unit 2: Soil Forming Rocks

2 study hours
  • •Identify igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
  • •Examine the role of weathering in transforming rocks into soil particles.
Week
2

Module 1:

7h

Unit 3: Mineral Composition of Soil

4 study hours
  • •Analyze the size range of soil particles and their impact on soil properties.
  • •Study the mineralogy of sand, silt, and clay fractions.

Unit 1: Processes and Factors of Soil Formation

3 study hours
  • •Study the four major soil formation processes: addition, removal, translocation, and transformation.
  • •Examine the influence of parent material, topography, climate, and biological activity.
Week
3

Module 2:

5h

Unit 2: Physical State of Soils

5 study hours
  • •Differentiate between soil texture, structure, and porosity.
  • •Examine how soil particles are arranged and their effect on soil properties.
Week
4

Module 3:

4h

Unit 1: Soil Water Relationship

4 study hours
  • •Study the relationship between soil texture and water-holding capacity.
  • •Examine the concepts of saturation, field capacity, and wilting point.
Week
5

Module 3:

4h

Unit 2: Evapo-Transpiration

4 study hours
  • •Study the factors affecting evapotranspiration.
  • •Examine methods for determining evapotranspiration rates.
Week
6

Module 4:

5h

Unit 1: Tillage and Soil Properties

5 study hours
  • •Study the effects of tillage on soil properties.
  • •Examine different types of tillage practices.
Week
7

Module 4:

5h

Unit 2: Factors and Processes Affecting Plant Growth

5 study hours
  • •Study the factors affecting plant growth: light, temperature, water, and nutrients.
  • •Examine the role of plant hormones and genetic factors.
Week
8

Module 4:

5h

Unit 3: Soil Micro-Organisms

5 study hours
  • •Study the different types of soil microorganisms.
  • •Examine the activities of soil organisms, including nitrogen fixation and organic matter decomposition.
Week
9

Module 4:

5h

Unit 4: Shifting Cultivation and the Fallow System

5 study hours
  • •Study the practice of shifting cultivation.
  • •Examine the advantages and disadvantages of shifting cultivation.
Week
10

Module 1:

7h

Unit 1: Silicate Chemistry

4 study hours
  • •Review all units in Module 1.
  • •Focus on silicate chemistry, soil forming rocks and minerals, and soil composition.

Unit 2: Soil Forming Rocks and Minerals

3 study hours
  • •Review all units in Module 1.
  • •Focus on processes and factors of soil formation.
Week
11

Module 2:

7h

Unit 1: Texture Physical State of Soils

7 study hours
  • •Review all units in Module 2.
  • •Focus on texture, structure, porosity, and density.
Week
12

Module 3:

7h

Unit 1: Soil Water Relationships

7 study hours
  • •Review all units in Module 3.
  • •Focus on soil water relationships and evapotranspiration.
Week
13

Module 4:

7h

Unit 1: Tillage and Soil Properties

7 study hours
  • •Review all units in Module 4.
  • •Focus on tillage, plant growth factors, soil microorganisms, and shifting cultivation.

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 concept maps linking silicate structures to soil mineralogy (Units 1-3).

2

Practice soil texture identification using the feel method (Unit 2).

3

Review the factors affecting soil formation and their interactions (Unit 1).

4

Summarize the key activities of soil microorganisms and their impact on plant health (Unit 3).

5

Compare and contrast different tillage practices and their effects on soil properties (Unit 1).

6

Focus on understanding the relationships between soil water content, evapotranspiration, and plant water availability (Units 1-2).

7

Practice applying the principles of soil management to different agricultural systems (Units 1-4).

8

Review all TMAs and focus on areas where you received lower scores.

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