CODE | LAS1087 | ||||||
TITLE | Soil and Water Management Practice for Field and Garden | ||||||
UM LEVEL | I - Introductory Level | ||||||
MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
DEPARTMENT | Centre for the Liberal Arts and Sciences | ||||||
DESCRIPTION | This unit gives an insight on how soil and water are best managed for successful gardening, and also successful and profitable agricultural production. Soil and water are the two most important resources in respect of agriculture, horticulture, landscaping and also life on the planet. Thus, their proper use and management not only leads to successful agricultural operations and gardening but also will be a means of their protection and conservation. This unit covers the basic principles of soil science and soil management. Students will first be introduced to various fundamental aspects of soil science, including soil formation and morphology, soil profile development and soil classification systems. It will also address the study of soil texture, soil structure, and the properties and characteristics of soil water. It will introduce the student to various basic aspects of soil chemistry, such as salinity, pH, organic matter and plant nutrients. The function of soil as a life supporting medium will also be covered through various aspects of soil biology. Finally, the unit will address major aspects of soil management, that include water and nutrient management, soil preparation for cultivation and also aspects of soil degradation and soil protection and preservation. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the unit the student will be able to: - Define soil and water. - Describe major soil processes and properties such as: • Soil formation; • Soil classification systems; • Soil physical, chemical and biological properties; • Soil-water-plant interactions; • Plant nutrient dynamics in soil; • The importance of soil and water on the planet; • The mechanisms of soil degradation; • The importance of organic matter in soil; • How horticultural operations can damage the natural environment; - Provide an overview of the various practices of land preparation, such as tillage; - Provide an overview of the various methods of irrigation and fertiliser application. 2. Skills: By the end of the unit the student will be able to: - Evaluate the quality and characteristics of soil; - Evaluate the quality of water intended for irrigation use; - Interpret a soil analysis report; - Carry out simple soil analyses; - Modify the soil's physical state (compaction, structure and drainage) and amend the soil with the necessary nutrients following a soil analysis; - Set up the ideal irrigation system; - Calculate the right amount of water needed for irrigation; - Calculate the amount of fertiliser required for optimum yield; - Protect the natural environment; - Carry out measures that mitigate soil deterioration and erosion. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Eash, N.S., Sauer, T.J., O'Dell, D., Odoi, E. & Bratz, M.C. 2016. Soil Science Simplified, 6th Ed. Wiley and Sons. ISBN: 978-1118540695 (Available). - Ashman, M. R. & G. Puri.2002. Essential Soil Science. A Clear and Concise Introduction to Soil Science. Blackwell Sciences Ltd. |
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STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Fieldwork | ||||||
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |