Formal lectures will be complemented by practical field sessions that allows for a balance of theory and hands on learning activities. Classroom activities will focus on aspects of soil nutrient content and the interactions between these nutrients and the plant. Visiting lecturers will be used where appropriate to enhance the learning experience of the students and expose them to new concepts in soil management. Learners will brought to selected tillage and grassland farms in the South East to assess soil structure and nutrient content.
Module Aim:
This module aims to develop the students understanding of the importance of soil in agricultural systems. Students will learn how assess the physical and chemical properties of the soil including; structure, porosity, pH and nutrient content.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Recognise and apply soil fertility concepts and land use to ensure that land is managed in a sustainable manner
LO2
Conduct infield soil tests and use this data to form a crop nutrient plan
LO3
Critically assess the suitability of soils to grow a variety of crops
LO4
Be capable of conducting in field assessments of soil structure
LO5
Have a basic understanding of the influence of underlying geology on soil function
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
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 nutrient management
The interaction between soil nutrients and availability for the crop
Soil pH
The effect of pH on the chemical properties of soil and crop growth
Physical properties of soil
Assessment of soil porosity, water holding capacity and free drainage
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
10.00%
Project
20.00%
Practical
20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Students will complete a nutrient management plan for a crop based on soil nutrient analysis
2,3
10.00
n/a
Project
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Project
Students will assess soil physical properties in a variety of cropping systems and areas in the field
3,4
20.00
n/a
Practical
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Students will submit reports upon completion of each practical session
2,3,4
20.00
n/a
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
An end of year exam will take place covering aspects of animal production delivered during the term
1,2,5
50.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment