Course Description
This course provides the fundamental principles of the nature and properties of soils including their origin, formation and biological, chemical and physical aspects. Soil dynamics, texture, structure, and soil reactions will be studied.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop an understanding and knowledge of the basic and applied chemical, physical, and biological concepts in soils
- Explain the foundation and derivation of soils of significant agricultural importance in the area
- Describe the procedures and methods used in the testing and analysis of soil properties related to crop production
- Analyze soils based on soil texture, structure, and chemical makeup
- Identify means of soil management and soil conservation
Topical Outline
1. Rocks to soil
2. Particles, structures and water
3. Soil parent materials & texture
4. Soil surfaces, acidity, and nutrients
5. Soil chemistry
6. Soil testing, fertility, nitrogen & nitrates
7. Soil microbes & nutrient cyclying
8. Soil biology & organic matter
2. Particles, structures and water
3. Soil parent materials & texture
4. Soil surfaces, acidity, and nutrients
5. Soil chemistry
6. Soil testing, fertility, nitrogen & nitrates
7. Soil microbes & nutrient cyclying
8. Soil biology & organic matter