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 Assessment
60.00%
Project
40.00%
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