Courses & Units
Soil Science KLA397
Introduction
This unit in soil science aims to develop students’ ability to understand key soil physical and chemical properties and processes, and their ability to relate these to soil management in agriculture.
The unit is taught in two sections; (i) Soil Chemistry - which focuses on weathering and clay formation, clay chemistry, cation exchange, acidity (pH), oxidation – reduction, the nitrogen cycle and organic matter. (ii) Soil Physics – which focuses on soil structure, porosity, water flow and storage in soils, and catchment hydrology.
Practical sessions will demonstrate key soil properties and processes, and practice measurement, analysis and management response to a limited range of soil properties.
At the end of this unit candidates should be able to sample, analyse and interpret basic soil tests and relate basic soil properties to their development and function in soil.
Summary
| Unit name | Soil Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KLA397 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Discipline | Agriculture and Food Systems |
| Coordinator | Mr Marcus Hardie |
| Available as an elective? | |
| Delivered By | Delivered wholly by the provider |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
This unit is currently unavailable.
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2021 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2021 will be available from the 1st October 2020. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Measure accurately key soil chemical and physical soils properties in the field and laboratory
- Use soil data to inform land use, agriculture management constraints and sustainability
- Explain key soil physical and chemical processes and how they influence soil properties and management.
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not applicable |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Requisites
Prerequisites
(Admission into a Masters course) OR ((KLA213 - Soil Formation, Function and Fertility OR KEA101 - Understanding Earth Systems OR KNE273 - Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics))Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | 2 x 50 minute lectures weekly, 1 x 3-hr practical weekly |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Quizzes (5%)|Examination (45%)|Soil Chemistry Report (25%)|Soil Physics Report (25%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Bohn, F, McNeal, B and O’Connor, G. (2001). Soil Chemistry – 3rd Edition, John Wiley and Sons Publishers McLaren, R.M. and K.C. Cameron (1996). Soil science: sustainable production and environmental protection. Published by Oxford University Press, 304p. Soil Physical Measurement and Interpretation for Land Evaluation, Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbooks Series 5. CSIRO Publishing Irrigation Association (2011) Irrigation - 6th edition. Fall Church, Vancover Rainer Horn, Roger Horton, Stephan Peth, (2016) Essential Soil Physics. An Introduction to Soil Processes, Functions, Structure and Mechanics. CSIRO publishing Hilell, D. (1998) Environmental Soil Physics: Fundamentals, Applications, and Environmental Considerations. Academic Press. Shukla, M. K., (2014) Soil Physics and Introduction,. CRC press: Boca Raton Price, G (2006). Australian Soil Fertility Manual – 3rd Edition, Fertiliser Industry Federation of Australia and CSIRO Publishing | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.