PSC104 Soil Science (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Agricultural and Horticultural Studies (AGHOR)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
In this subject you will be introduced to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and their influence on soil fertility and plant production. Understanding principles of soil formation, distribution and classification are important in determining where different soils are found within a landscape. A set of practical skills will be developed which are required to determine and report soil qualities for the purpose of soil management/improvement or environmental monitoring. The subject is written for students with no prior soils knowledge and serves as an introductory soil subject for any course related to land productivity, sustainability and/or environmental management.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Orange |
| Internal | Wagga Wagga |
| Distance * | Wagga Wagga |
| Distance * | Wangaratt |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: PSC104
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of soil formation processes and their effect on the distribution of soils on the landscape;
- be able to demonstrate how to create and interpret soil maps including basic soil classification;
- be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to create soil profile descriptions and interpret profile descriptions for the purpose of identifying soil based restrictions to plant growth.
- be able to show an appreciation of the importance of soils as a resource limiting rural production and land use;
- be able to show appreciation for the role of management to optimize soil health and production from soils in accordance with its capability;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the influencing factors contributing to nutrient supply from soils, the cause and effects of waterlogging, soil pH extremes and salinity/sodicity.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- Composition of soils, properties of the soil solid fraction, soil formation and classification - Properties of the liquid fraction, soil aeration and soil temperature - Soil chemical properties: nutrient supply, nutrient retention, introduction to fertilizer, salinity/sodicity and pH extremes.
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school.
To develop practical field skills to assses the suitability of soils for plant growth. To reinforce principles from the theory component.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.