BASIC SOIL SCIENCE
Course Duration: 2 hours.
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:
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Explain the origin and formation of soils.
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Identify major soil components and their functions.
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Classify soils based on physical and chemical characteristics.
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Analyze soil properties such as texture, structure, and pH.
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Understand the role of soil in water and nutrient management.
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Describe basic soil fertility and conservation practices.
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Conduct basic soil testing and interpret soil test results.
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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
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Textbook: Brady, N.C. & Weil, R.R. (2016). The Nature and Properties of Soils.
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Journals: Soil Science Society of America Journal
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Field Guides: Soil Profile Identification Manuals
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Online Tools: Soil Texture Triangle, FAO Soil Database
????️ Tools & LMS Integration
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Moodle or Canvas LMS
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Soil Lab Kit for Demonstrations
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Virtual Labs for Texture and pH
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Multimedia (YouTube, animations, GIS maps)
| | COURSE MODULES |
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