Module Details

Module Code: SCIE C3F01
Module Title: Applied Soil Science
Title: Applied Soil Science
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: This module aims to build upon Soil Science 1, further enhancing the students understanding of the importance of soils in a sustainable agricultural system. Specifically, this module will focus on the application of principles of soil structural and nutrient management
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate a knowledge of the interactions between the plant, the rhizosphere and the soil and how these can be manipulated to enhance crop production
LO2 Understand the influence of geology and weather on the formation of soils and their subsequent influence on maintenance of soil structure
LO3 Understand the importance of nutrient cycling within the soil- plant- animal system.
LO4 Interpret detailed soil analysis and be capable of giving recommendations of these results for the nutrition of the crop
LO5 Be capable of designing a field management system to incorporate proper machinery management and field drainage
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
7836 AGRI H2703 Soil science 1
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Soil acidity and alkalinity
• Soil acidity and alkalinity and how they are controlled by farmers
Macro and Micro-Elements
• Macro and Micro-Elements in plant nutrition and how they affect each other in the soil • Fertilization of soil and types and mode of action of fertilizers
Nutrient cycling
The importance of complete nutrient cycles in the maintenance of the soil
Soil Management
How to manage soils to avoid compaction. How to deal with compaction.
Field Drainage
How to drain waterlogged areas of fields.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment60.00%
Project40.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Multiple Choice Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
MCQ based on learning outcomes 1 and 2
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Complete a nutrient management plan for a farm based on a soil analysis and all management factors
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 10
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Short answer question assessment
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Conduct a management survey of a land parcel that the student is familiar with. This would include an assessment of the animal/machinery traffic, compaction and a detailed remediation plan to include drainage
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of theory in relation to all learning outcomes Every Week 1.50 1.5
Practicals Contact Practical application of the theories applied in lectures Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Completion of field laboratory reports. Autonomous student learning and revision of concepts delivered through the lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brady, N.C and Weil, R.R. (2007), The Nature and Properties of Soils, 14.
  • Teagasc. Major and Micro Nutrient Advice for Productive Agricultural Crops.
  • AHDB. Field Drainage Guide.
  • Teagasc. Land Drainage - A farmer's practical guide to draining grassland.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: