BASIC SOIL SCIENCE

Duration: 2 hours
Certificate: Professional Certification
Level: All Levels
BASIC SOIL SCIENCE

Course Overview

 course outline for "Basic Soil Science", designed for Diploma and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students at Purview University.


???? LMS Format: Basic Soil Science

???? Course Title: Basic Soil Science

Program: Diploma / BSc in Agriculture
Institution: Purview University
Credit Hours: 3–4
Semester: Typically offered in Year 1 or 2
Delivery Mode: Blended (Lectures, Practicals, LMS Activities)


???? Course Aim

To equip students with foundational knowledge of soil formation, classification, properties, and its role in crop production and environmental sustainability.


Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the origin and formation of soils.

  2. Identify major soil components and their functions.

  3. Classify soils based on physical and chemical characteristics.

  4. Analyze soil properties such as texture, structure, and pH.

  5. Understand the role of soil in water and nutrient management.

  6. Describe basic soil fertility and conservation practices.

  7. Conduct basic soil testing and interpret soil test results.

  8. Appreciate the role of soils in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.


???? Course Modules/Weekly Breakdown

Week Topic LMS Activities
1 Introduction to Soil Science Reading: Importance of SoilForum: “Soil in Our Lives”
2 Soil Formation and Weathering Quiz + Short Essay: "Local Soil Formation"
3 Soil Profile and Horizons Diagram Labeling + Virtual Tour
4 Physical Properties of Soil (Texture, Structure) Activity: Soil Texture TestVideo Demo
5 Chemical Properties of Soil (pH, CEC, salinity) Quiz + pH Testing Lab Report
6 Soil Water and Moisture Retention Assignment: Water-Holding Capacity Chart
7 Soil Air and Temperature Discussion + Matching Activity
8 Soil Fertility and Essential Nutrients Worksheet + Short Quiz
9 Organic Matter and Microorganisms in Soil Forum: CompostingReading: Soil Biology
10 Soil Erosion and Degradation Case Study + Preventive Measures Chart
11 Soil Conservation Techniques Assignment + Poster Creation
12 Soil Classification Systems Quiz: FAO vs USDA Systems
13 Soil Sampling and Testing Fieldwork: Soil Sample Report
14 Land Evaluation and Suitability Case Study: Land Use Planning
15 Soils and Sustainable Agriculture Group Discussion + Research Task
16 Course Review and Final Exam Practice Quiz + Final Exam

???? Assessment Breakdown

Assessment Type Weight (%)
Weekly Quizzes 15%
Assignments/Reports 20%
Practical Activities 20%
Final Examination 35%
Participation (LMS) 10%

???? Recommended Reading & Resources

  • Textbook: Brady, N.C. & Weil, R.R. (2016). The Nature and Properties of Soils.

  • Journals: Soil Science Society of America Journal

  • Field Guides: Soil Profile Identification Manuals

  • Online Tools: Soil Texture Triangle, FAO Soil Database


????️ Tools & LMS Integration

  • Moodle or Canvas LMS

  • Soil Lab Kit for Demonstrations

  • Virtual Labs for Texture and pH

  • Multimedia (YouTube, animations, GIS maps)



Learning Outcomes:

  • Master key concepts and principles
  • Develop practical skills through hands-on exercises
  • Gain industry-relevant knowledge
  • Prepare for professional certification

Course Modules

Expand each module to view detailed content and learning materials

Module Details Coming Soon

Detailed module information will be available soon. Check back for updates.

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