Unit Code: SAC413

Unit Name: Soil Management for Horticulture

Description: This unit focuses on the study of soil in relation to horticulture: Introduction, soil as a natural body, major components, types of soil. Types of rocks and minerals, weathering processes. Factors of soil formation and soil profile. Physical properties of soils, soil texture, structure, bulk density, particle density and pore space, soil colour, soil temperature and soil moisture. Chemical properties of soils, soil colloids, soil organic matter. Ion exchange, cation and anion exchange, CEC. Soil water, forms, soil moisture constants, wilting point, field capacity, water holding capacity, pF scale, measurement. Soil acidity and alkalinity. Essential nutrient elements, availability and their functions. Diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies. Soil organic matter decomposition, mineral nutrient transformation, Carbon and Nitrogen Cycle. Role of organic matter in soil fertility. Soil erosion.

Learning Target Outcomes:

Prerequisite: N/A

Prerequisite Sentence: Student must be enrolled in the programme.

Credit Point: 12

Offered In: Semester 1