Module Title:Applied Soil Science
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:8
Module Delivered In 4 programme(s)
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Formal lectures, field studies and laboratory work will be used engage the student in the importance of soils in a sustainable agricultural system. Where appropriate, case studies will be used to demonstrate the benefit of soil remediation on crop growth.
Module Aim: 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 should be able to:
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
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
7836 AGRI H2703 Soil science 1
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

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.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment60.00%
Project40.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Multiple Choice Questions MCQ based on learning outcomes 1 and 2 1 10.00 n/a
Project Complete a nutrient management plan for a farm based on a soil analysis and all management factors 1,3,4 40.00 n/a
Short Answer Questions Short answer question assessment 1,2,3 10.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project 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 2,5 40.00 n/a
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Every Week 1.50
Practicals Every Week 1.50
Independent Learning Time Every Week 3.00
Total Hours 6.00
 

Module Delivered In

Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CW_EFARG_B Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Agricultural Systems Engineering 5 Mandatory
CW_EFARG_D Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural Systems Engineering 5 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_B Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 5 Mandatory
CW_SWSFM_D Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Farm Management and Agribusiness 5 Mandatory