FBL 101: Introduction to Soil Science

  1. 1.1Course Contents

Subject Ante and Title: FBL 101 Introduction to Soil Science

Prerequisite: None

Subject status:                       Core

Credits rating:                       8 credits

Time distribution:

Lectures:                     30 hours

Seminars/Tutorials:      10 hours

Practical:                     15 hours

Assignments:               10 hours

Independent study:     15 hours

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  1. Define key concepts and terminologies used in soil science
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the elementary aspects of soil formation.
  3. Discuss basic soil physical, chemical, biological and morphological properties.
  4. Explain the behaviour of soils in managed and natural landscapes.
  5. Apply soil science knowledge in land use planning and development.

Contents: Principles of modern geology. The constitution of the earth’s crust. Rock types and mineralogy. Weathering of rocks. Soil development. Soil as a natural body. Soil profile, horizons and their nomenclature with emphasis on forest soils. Physical and chemical properties of soil. Soil water – plant relationships. Soil organisms. Soil organic matter formation and dynamics. Nutrient availability in forest soils. Use of soil information on forest management. Impact of selected forest practices on soil properties. Impact of environmental pollution on forest soil productivity.

Required readings

  1. Brady, N. C. and Weil, R. R. (2008). The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Pearson-Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
  2. White, R.E. (1997). Principles and Practice of Soil Science: The Soil as a Natural Resource. 3rd Edition. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford, UK.
  3. Brady, N.C. (1994). Nature and Properties of Soils. 10th Edition. Macmillan Publishing Company.

Recommended readings

  1. Gardiner, D.T. and Miller, R.W. (2004). Soils in Our Environment. 10th Edition. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
  2. Donahue, R.L., Miller, R.W. and Shickluna, J.C. (l992). Soils: An introduction to soils and plant growth. Prentice Hall, Inc., Inglewood Cliffs, N.J. USA
  3. Maliondo, S.M.S. (1994). Introduction to Soil Science: A compendium. SUA, Morogoro.