Offered in even-years only.
Introduction
This unit aims to develop your understanding of key soil physical and chemical properties and processes, and your ability to relate these properties and processes to soil constraints, soil suitability, and agricultural management. It also focuses on building your ability to critically analyse soil data and soil research in order to solve real-world soil issues and problems.
The unit 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.
Practical sessions demonstrate key soil properties and processes and provide experience in measurement techniques. Upon completion of the unit, you will be able to explain key soil physical and chemical processes and relate them to soil development and management, measure important soil chemical and physical properties in the field or laboratory, and interpret and communicate soil data to inform land use, agricultural management, and soil sustainability.
Summary
| Unit name | Soil Science |
| Unit code | KLA397 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Discipline | Agriculture and Food Systems |
| Coordinator | Doctor Bianca Das |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Learning Outcomes
- Explain key soil physical and chemical processes how they relate to soil development and management.
- Measure key soil chemical and physical properties in the field and / or laboratory
- Communicate the interpretation of soil data to inform land use
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
KLA213 OR KEA101 OR KEA102Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Two 50 minute lectures weekly, one 3-hr practical weekly |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Soil Physics - Critical Literature review (15%)|Soil Chemistry Presentation (20%)|Soil Physics Report (20%)|Soil Physics Test (20%)|Soil Chemistry Test (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 |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.