Applied Soil Science

Module Details

Module Code: n/a
Full Title: Applied Soil Science
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2023/24 ( September 2023 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Siobhan Jordan
Departments: Agriculture, Food and Animal Health
Module Description: In this module, students will acquire a knowledge and understanding of soil science and the evolving relevance in sustainable agriculture and it's pivotal role in GHG reduction and mitigation. This module will be applied to
to various management decisions based on soil properties and enviromental issues.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Appraise the sustainable management theory on soil ecology and sustainability with a view of incorporating theory into the change.
MLO2 Evaluate future trends in land use management and there relevance in evolving the agricultural sustainability ambition.
MLO3 Critique aspects of sustainable land use management of soils with reference to protection of the environment.
MLO4 Appraise the relevent legislation affecting soil quality.
MLO5 Perform laboratory practicals specific to soil science and to critically analyse and appraise laboratory results.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Overview of soil science
Soil Physics – Soil Chemistry – Soil Classification/Taxonomy: Soil texture, soil structure, soil organic matter: flora and fauna (mixed species /Monocultures) Soil agricultural impacts and affect: Soil Carbon, CEC, Drainage, compaction (avoidance and mit
Soil Ecology
Soil Ecology: Impacts of agricultural land use management principles on the soil biome, beneficial micro and microorganisms and potential species risks. Engineering soil ecology as a function of LUM. Avoidance of soil negative impacts and mitigation planning minimal tillage etc.,
Organic Soils
Peatlands characteristics, management uses and limitations. Non mineral soils
Soil management- Environmental protection.
Macro/micro nutrient cycle – LUM. Nutrient capture, retention, CEC, pH, inherent chemistry. Soil as an standalone ecosystem-habitat and recycling industrial by products, bio solids, EPA guidelines, European legislation (Directives), Soil Carbon – sequestration, NAP, CAP 2023 and beyond
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work60.00%
Practical40.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Portfolio % of Total Mark 60
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,2,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Present LUM principle and changes required to achieve goals in soil sustainability/
Soil history implemented land use management case study
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 40
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,5
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Soil practical experiments
No Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full-time workload.
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Interactive lectures specific to indicative content Every Week 1.50 1.5
Practical Contact Performance of laboratory skills specific to analysis of soils. Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Study Non Contact Independent study in relation to indicative content. Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact Directed reading specific to indicative content and reading list. Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Schaetzl, R. and Thompson, M.L.. (2015), Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology, 2nd. Cambridge University Press, [ISBN: 978-110701693].
  • Matt Powers. (2021), Regenerative Soil - The Science and Solutions, Permaculture Powers 123, [ISBN: 1732187894].
  • Bujang B.K. Huat, Arun Prasad, Afshin Asadi, Sina Kazemian. (2013), Geotechnics of Organic Soils and Peat, CRC Press, [ISBN: 978-0415659413].
  • Manoj K. Shukla.. (2011), Soil hydrology, land use and agriculture: measurement and modelling, Cambridge, Mass, [ISBN: 9781845937973].
  • David L. Rowell.. (1994), Soil science : methods and applications, [ISBN: 0582087848].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • (2020), Ireland’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions, https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/aire missions/ghgprovemissions2019/EPA-Prov_G HG-Inventory-Report-.
  • (2021), European Green Deal, https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/prior ities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en.