Offered in even-years only.
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 | KLA397 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Discipline | Agriculture and Food Systems |
| Coordinator | Associate Professor Marcus Hardie |
| 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.
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
- Interpret soil data to inform land use, agricultural management and soil sustainability
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 UniConnect 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
KLA213 OR KEA101 OR KEA102Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Two 50 minute lectures weekly, one 3-hr practical weekly |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Weekly Quizzes (5%)|Soil Chemistry Exam (20%)|Soil Physics Test (20%)|Soil Chemistry Presentation (25%)|Soil Physics Report (30%) |
| 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.