EA3004:03
Applied Soil Science
Cairns
Prerequisites: 18 level 2 units
26 lectures, 36 hours practicals, 8 hours field work. April/May intensive mode.
Staff: Dr B Lottermoser.
Nature and description of soils: components, soil mineralogy, macro- and micro-morphology; chemical attributes: hydrogen ion concentration, exchangeable cation behaviour and exchange rates; soil organic matter and colloids; soil moisture behaviour and parameterisation; biological processes in soils; soil classification; soil genesis. Soil management and benefication: disturbed, dispersive, low fertility, acidic and waterlogged soils; land degradation, rehabilitation and sustainability.
Learning Objectives:
- to train students in the recognition and documentation of soil attributes;
- to provide a general background in the mineralogical, chemical, physical and biological processes involved in soil systems;
- to provide an overview of procedures and management strategies directed to the benefication, maintenance and sustainability of soil cover.
Assessment by a three-hour theory examination (50%); practical exercises, fieldwork, seminars and assignments (50%).
[Contents]