Courses & Units
Soil Science KLA613
Introduction
This unit aims to develop your understanding of key physical and chemical properties and processes of soils and how these attributes relate to and inform land use and management. This unit will develop your ability to critically analyse soil data and published research in soil science and is taught in two sections;
(i) Soil Chemistry - which focuses on weathering and clay formation, clay chemistry, cation exchange, acidity (pH), and organic matter.
(ii) Soil Physics – which focuses on soil structure, porosity, water flow and storage in soils, and catchment hydrology.
Weekly practical sessions provide opportunity for students to develop skills in the measurement and interpretation of key soil properties and processes.
Summary
| Unit name | Soil Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KLA613 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Discipline | Agriculture and Food Systems |
| Coordinator | Mr Marcus Hardie |
| Teaching staff | Associate Professor Richard Doyle |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 11/7/2022 | 9/8/2022 | 29/8/2022 | 16/10/2022 |
* 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 2022 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2022 will be available from the 1st October 2021. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain key soil physical and chemical processes and how they relate these properties to soil development and management
- Measure key soil chemical and physical properties in the field and / or laboratory
- Critically evaluate soil data to inform land use, agricultural management and soil sustainability
- Evaluate published literature in the field of soil science
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 010709 | $1,002.00 | $1,002.00 | not applicable | $2,354.00 |
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.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Two 50 min lectures per week One 3 hr practical |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Test or quiz (5%)|Soil Physics Test (20%)|Soil Physics Practical Report (20%)|Soil Chemistry Exam (20%)|Soil Chemistry Presentation (25%)|Critical Review (10%) |
| 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.