ENV2747

Soil science ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Tony Patti

Offered:
Gippsland Second semester 2005 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: Topics include the nature of soil, its formation and classification; physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil; soil organic matter; chemistry of the nutrients in soil including ion exchange, ion sorption, redox potential; environmental impact of soil salinity, acidity and soil erosion and their management practices; effect of human inputs and activities on soils including agrochemicals, agricultural and industrial wastes and pollutants.

Objectives: On completion of this unit student will gain an understanding of: the fundamental properties of soil and its composition; the role of physical, chemical and biological properties of soil in maintaining soil fertility; the chemistry of essential plant nutrients including N, P, K, and trace metals; the biotransformation of selected plant nutrients; environmental and resource issues relevant to soil including acidity, salinity, soil erosion, chemical pollution, soil management practices and effects of human inputs to soil; the use of selected laboratory and field techniques to assess soil chemical and physical properties

Assessment: Written examination: 60% + Written assignments/field excursion report: 15% + Laboratory work: 25%

Contact Hours: 3 hours lectures/tutorial per week and 3 hours of practical work per week

Prerequisites: CHM1022 or CHM1639 or CHm1742