Module
Soil and Environmental Science
- Module code
- 1007
- Module leader
- Dr John Conway
- Module level
- 4
- Module credits
- 15
- Prerequisites
- None
- Min study time
- 150 hours
- Contact Hrs within study time
- 40 hours
- Teaching period
- Semester 2
Module content
- The environment: geology, climate and hydrology.
- Soil formation, mapping and classification.
- Soil properties: texture, organic matter, soil structure, erosion and other physical problems.
- Soil water relationships, drainage, plant availability, moisture deficits. Field sampling, laboratory analysis, data interpretation. Clay chemistry, acidity and liming. Nitrogen availability, organic manures and environmental risks; major nutrients and micronutrients – availability and fertiliser use.
- Soil and environmental protection policies, e.g. ALC, NVZ, water framework directive, etc.
Module outcomes
To achieve credit for this module, students must be able to:
- Understand how environmental systems function.
- Understand the role of soil in ecosystem services.
- Explain how soils are assessed.
- Plan sustainable soil and water management.
- Relate soil management decisions to policy.
Assessment
| Assessment | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Report - integrating and interpreting information on a specified soil | 50% |
| Coursework | Multiple choice examination (1.5 hours) | 50% |
Key texts
Students should be familiar with the content of at least one of the following:
- Ashman, M.R. and Puri, G. (2002). Essential Soil Science. Blackwell Science.
- White, R.E. (2006). Principles and Practice of Soil Science. (4th edition). Blackwell Science.