2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information
Hobart
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 | KLA613 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture |
| Discipline | Agriculture and Food Systems |
| Coordinator | Doctor Bianca Das |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 |
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- Key:
- On-campus
Off-Campus- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | 5/7/2026 | 27/7/2026 | 30/8/2026 | 24/10/2026 |
* 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 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Explain key soil physical and chemical processes how they relate to soil development and management.
- Analyse key soil chemical and physical properties in the field and / or laboratory
- Propose strategies for land use based on soil data.
- 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 | $1,192.00 | $1,192.00 | not applicable | $2,862.00 |
- Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
- HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
- FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4
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.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Two 50 min lectures per week One 3 hr practical per week |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Soil Physics - Critical Thinking (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.