Soil Science

Code:

CAGR1004

Acronym:

CAGR1004

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Agrarian Sciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Agricultural Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
A:A	4	PE_Agronomia	1	-	6	49	162
L:EA	12	The study plan from 2019	1	-	6	49	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

The general objective of this course is to provide basic knowledge of soil science from an agronomic perspective, including pedogenic processes as well as all the geological, physical, chemical and biological factors involved that determine its quality and fertility. To achieve this general objective, the following specific objectives are advocated:

- Identify the different geological, physical, chemical, climatic and biological factors that determine the formation and existence of different types of soils, and which subsequently govern the biological processes that occur in them;

- Know the taxonomy of soils and the international soil classification system;

- Recognize the main functions and services provided by the soil ecosystem;

- Acquire the ability to evaluate different soil characteristic parameters;

- Acquire basic capacity to control soil agricultural productivity.

Learning outcomes and competences

As a result of the frequency of the course unit in Soil Science, students will be made aware of the problem of controlling soil quality in order to optimize agricultural production. Students will also acquire the basic skills to assess different soil characteristic parameters that can be used to assess their quality and to acquire the ability to suggest management practices appropriate to specific agronomic activities.

Working method

Presencial

Program

THEORETICAL PROGRAM

 1 - The soils around us: soil ecosystem services; how soils support plant growth; how soils regulate the supply of water and raw materials; how soils change the atmosphere; what lives in the soil habitat; the soil profile and its layers (horizons); the topsoil and subsoil; what are the (inorganic) mineral constituents of soils; the nature of soil organic matter; soil water; soil air: how soil components interact to provide nutrients to plants; how plant roots get nutrients.

2 - Soil Formation

3 - Soil Classification

4 - Soil architecture and physical properties

5 - Soil water: characteristics and behavior

6 - Aeration and Soil Temperature

7 - Ion exchange in soils

8 - Soil acidity

9 - Alkalinity, salinity and sodicity

10 - Soil organic matter

11 - Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium and Micronutrients

 

 

 

PL PROGRAM

- Determination of soil moisture and organic matter.

- Soil color.

- Determination of soil texture.

- Determination of soil pH and electrical conductivity.

- Measurement of soil nutrient concentration

- Measurement of total organic carbon (TOC). TOC fractionation in humic and fulvic acids.

- Observation of the soil load. Determination of Cation Exchange Capacity (CPC)

- Activity of earthworms in the soil.

- Germination and seed viability.

- Plant growth.

- Aluminum toxicity test.

Mandatory literature

Raymond R. Weil; Nyle C. Brady; The Nature and Properties of Soils, Pearson Higher Ed USA, 2017. ISBN: 9780133254488, 0133254488
John L. Havlin; Samuel L. Tisdale; Werner L. Nelson; James D.,; Soil Fertility and Fertilizers, Pearson Higher Ed USA, 2014. ISBN: 9780135033739, 013503373X
Ashman, M.R., Puri, G; Essential Soil Science, Blackwell Publishing, 2002
Costa, J.B.; Caracterização e Constituição do Solo, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, Serviço de Educação e Bolsas, 2011. ISBN: 978-972-31-0073-0
Wall, D.H., Bardgett, R.D., Behan-Pelletier, V., Herrick, J.E., Jones, T.H., Ritz, K., Six, J., Strong, D.R., van der Putten, W.H.;; Soil Ecology and Ecosystem Services, Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0-19-968816-6

Teaching methods and learning activities

In addition to the formal classes, it promotes learning the correct interpretation of the questions and the planning of the answers, through the practice of answering theoretical questions and problem solving that also aim to: (a) foster the study throughout the course and, ( b) by acquiring knowledge, acquiring a taste for the subject and interest in the subjects, cementing the acquired knowledge and improving the training and the final results. Framework in small teams (predefined student groups), with preparation and presentation of practical work.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Trabalho laboratorial	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	113,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Mandatory attendance to practical classes. The student may not miss more than 25% of the expected number of practical classes (except for students in special situations who are legally exempt from attending).

Calculation formula of final grade

The evaluation of the discipline of soil sciences is based on the following parameters:

                 - Final exam (60% of the classification);

                 - Report of one of the works of the practical classes corresponding to each part (40% of the classification) - Groups of 2 students;