ISSSF BPAG 2107: INTRODUCTION TO SOIL SCIENCE AND SOIL FERTILITY

This course introduces the student to soil as a medium of plant growth; physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, and how soil originated, the soil classification system and reaction that influence nutrient availability; soil factors which alter the supply and availability of micro- and macronutrients to plants are studied in relation to crop productivity, soils and habitat. Practicals will involve basic soil tests.  Practical work will deal with soil sampling, determining soil pH, organic matter, soil air, soil moisture content, bulk density, and compositing.  Field survey will involve identifying crops with nutrient deficiencies, different types of fertilizers, and how they are applied.