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SOS301Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Pedology And Soil Classification

This course introduces the fundamental principles of soil pedology and classification. It explores soil origin, formation, morphological characteristics, and components. The course also covers soil-forming rocks and minerals, weathering processes, profile description, soil survey, and mapping techniques. Furthermore, it examines the properties and management of Nigerian soils, providing a comprehensive understanding of soil science and its practical applications.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Soil PedologySoil ClassificationSoil FormationNigerian SoilsSoil Management

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 Origin and Formation

2

Soil Morphology and Characteristics

3

Soil Components

4

Soil-Forming Rocks and Minerals

5

Weathering Processes

6

Soil Profile and Survey

7

Soil Mapping and Classification

8

Properties of Nigerian Soils

9

Management of Nigerian Soils

Total Topics9 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and 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 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

Agricultural Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Land Surveyor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agronomist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ManagementLand DevelopmentConstructionNatural Resource Management

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Soil Origin, Formation, Morphological Characteristics and Components

6h

Unit 1: Origin of Soil

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the definition of soil and its importance.
  • •Identify the different factors contributing to soil formation.
  • •Explain the weathering processes.

Unit 2: Soil Formation

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Describe the processes involved in soil formation.
  • •Explain the influence of climate, biota, and topography on soil development.
  • •Differentiate between various soil types.
Week
2

Module 1: Soil Origin, Formation, Morphological Characteristics and Components

6h

Unit 3: Soil Morphology

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Describe soil morphology and its observable attributes.
  • •Explain the significance of micromorphology, porosity, and soil texture.
  • •Relate soil morphology to soil classification.

Unit 4: Soil Characteristics

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Identify the key characteristics of soil.
  • •Explain the composition of soil and the role of its components.
  • •Understand the influence of parent materials on soil properties.
Week
3

Module 1: Soil Origin, Formation, Morphological Characteristics and Components

4h

Unit 5: Soil Components

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Identify the four major components of soil.
  • •Explain the types of primary and secondary minerals.
  • •Understand the importance of soil texture and weathering.
Week
4

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

6h

Unit 1: Soil- Forming Rocks

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Describe the formation of soil from rocks and minerals.
  • •Explain the five soil-forming factors.
  • •Understand the role of parent materials in soil formation.

Unit 2: Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explain the processes of physical and chemical weathering.
  • •Describe the effects of temperature, water, and organisms on rock weathering.
  • •Understand the formation of saprolite.
Week
5

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

4h

Unit 3: Profile Description and Soil Survey

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Describe the soil profile and its horizons.
  • •Explain the process of soil survey and its components.
  • •Understand the importance of soil surveys in land use planning.
Week
6

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

4h

Unit 4: Soil Mapping

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Explain the process of soil mapping.
  • •Understand the components of a soil survey.
  • •Describe the importance of soil mapping in sustainable development.
Week
7

Module 2: Soil- Forming Rocks and Minerals and Weathering of Rocks and Minerals

4h

Unit 5: Soil Classification

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Describe the principles of soil classification.
  • •Explain the different categories in soil classification.
  • •Understand the criteria used in soil classification systems.
Week
8

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

4h

Unit 1: Nigerian Soils

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Describe the climate, land use, and vegetation of Nigeria.
  • •Explain the major soil groups in Nigeria.
  • •Understand the factors contributing to soil erosion.
Week
9

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

4h

Unit 2: Properties of Nigerian Soils

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Identify the physical and chemical properties of Nigerian soils.
  • •Explain the components of Nigerian soils.
  • •Understand the factors affecting soil fertility.
Week
10

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

4h

Unit 3: Profile Description of Nigerian Soils

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Describe the major ecological regions of Nigeria.
  • •Explain the soil profile characteristics in different regions.
  • •Understand the factors influencing soil formation in Nigeria.
Week
11

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

4h

Unit 4: Classification of Nigerian Soils

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Describe the systems used to classify Nigerian soils.
  • •Explain the hierarchy of categories in the Soil Taxonomy classification.
  • •Understand the classification of Nigerian soils as a material and a resource.
Week
12

Module 3: Properties and Management of Nigerian Soils

4h

Unit 5: Management of Nigerian Soils

4 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Analyze soil management methods in Nigeria.
  • •Explain the maintenance of soil fertility through crop rotation and green manuring.
  • •Understand the role of farmyard manure and composting in soil management.
Week
13

Final Revision

6h

Final Revision

6 study hours
  • •Review all units and modules.
  • •Complete assignments and prepare for the final examination.

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 all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.

2

Practice answering questions from the tutor-marked assignments.

3

Create concept maps linking soil formation, classification, and management.

4

Study the characteristics of different soil types and their distribution in Nigeria.

5

Focus on understanding the factors affecting soil fertility and erosion.

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