Module Title:Soil Science 2
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:7
Module Delivered In No Programmes
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 interaction between the plant, the microbiome and the soil and how they contribute to crop production systems.
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 Interpret detailed soil analysis and be capable of giving recommendations of these results for the nutrition of the crop and subsequent effects on animal health
LO4 Demonstrate a knowledge of the influence of the soil micro and macro biota on soil structure
LO5 Understand the importance of nutrient cycling within the soil- plant- animal system including the importance of human derived nutrients in the recycling of nutrients
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
Ion exchange in soils
Cations, Anions, • Cation and Anion Exchange Capacity and movement of ions from soils to roots
Ion exchange in soils
Cations, Anions, • Cation and Anion Exchange Capacity and movement of ions from soils to roots
Ion exchange in soils
Cations, Anions, • Cation and Anion Exchange Capacity and movement of ions from soils to roots
Soil microbiology
Soil microbiology and the effects of micro-organisms on crops • Use of beneficial micro-organisms now on the market and in use in crop production
Soil microbiology
Soil microbiology and the effects of micro-organisms on crops • Use of beneficial micro-organisms now on the market and in use in crop production
Soil microbiology
Soil microbiology and the effects of micro-organisms on crops • Use of beneficial micro-organisms now on the market and in use in crop production
Soil acidity and alkalinity
• Soil acidity and alkalinity and how they are controlled by farmers
Soil acidity and alkalinity
• Soil acidity and alkalinity and how they are controlled by farmers
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
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
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
Nutrient cycling
The importance of complete nutrient cycles in the maintenance of the soil
Nutrient cycling
The importance of complete nutrient cycles in the maintenance of the soil
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment10.00%
Project20.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Multiple Choice Questions MCQ based on learning outcome 1 1 5.00 n/a
Practical/Skills Evaluation Complete a nutrient recomendation for a farm based on a soil analysis. 3 5.00 n/a
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Conduct a soil survey of a land parcel that the student is familiar with. This would include an assessment of the underlying geology, the influence of local weather and an assessment of the soil horizon. The students will present the findings of this work to their peers 2,3 20.00 n/a
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Students will complete reports on laboratory and field studies. 1,2,3,4,5 20.00 n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Students to complete an end of year formal exam. 1,2,3,4,5 50.00 End-of-Semester

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

 

Module Workload