ENVR06052 2019 Soils and the Environment
Full Title
Soils and the Environment
Transcript Title
Soils and the Environment
Code
ENVR06052
Attendance
75 %
Subject Area
ENVR - Environmental Science
Department
ESCI - Environmental Science
Level
06 - Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Ann-Marie Duddy, Cait Coyle
Programme Membership
SG_SAGRI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SAGRI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science in Agri-Food Science
SG_SECOL_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SENVI_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Protection
SG_SENVI_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science
SG_SECOL_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SSUST_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science in Sustainable Food Production
SG_SSCIE_B07 201900 Bachelor of Science in Science
SG_SSCIE_H08 201900 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science
SG_SSCIE_C06 201900 Higher Certificate in Science
SG_SAGRI_H08 202000 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Food Science
SG_SECOL_B07 202100 Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_H08 202100 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SSUST_C06 202400 Higher Certificate in Science in Sustainable Food Production
SG_SAGRI_H08 202400 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agri-Food Science
SG_SECOL_C06 202400 Higher Certificate in Science in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SECOL_H08 202400 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Environmental Science with Ecology
SG_SAGRI_B07 202400 Bachelor of Science in Agri-Food Science
Description
This module emphasises the importance of soil ecosystem services for the production of food and environmental protection, in addition to their value to society. Students are taught fundamental knowledge and practical skills on key physical, chemical and biological soil properties, in addition to their interactions, in agricultural, forest and urban soils. Factors influencing soil formation and the great soil groups are addressed. The module introduces students to the main global threats to soil health and their consequences.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Explain key physical, chemical and biological soil properties.
2.
Outline key characteristics of great soil groups and the influence of the main factors of their formation.
3.
Demonstrate knowledge of major global threats to soil health (including their cause, nature and consequences)
4.
Interpret field and laboratory data relating to key soil characteristics with a critical understanding of the context.
5.
Outline the concept of soil ecosystem services and its importance to food production, the environment and society.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered full-time. This will include lectures, laboratory practicals, and site visits augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals).
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 50% Continuous Assessment and 50% final exam.
A written class test during the mid-semester will comprise 20% of the module marks. A written report on a major soil topic will comprise 15% of the module marks and will be due during the latter part of the semester. A written report on soil analysis will consist of 15% of the module marks.
The student must reach an assigned gate (mark) in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam.
Indicative Syllabus
1.0 Explain key physical, chemical and biological soil properties.
1.1 Soil Physics (texture, structure, soil water relationships).
1.2 Soil Chemistry (pH, CEC, nutrients and potential pollutants).
1.3 Soil biology (introduction to soil fauna and soil microorganisms, in addition to their role in the degradation of organic matter, plant growth and soil health).
2.0 Outline key characteristics of great soil groups and the influence of the main factors of their formation.
2.1 Factors influencing soil formation.
2.2 Irish Soil Classification System.
3.0 Demonstrate knowledge of major global threats to soil health (including their cause, nature and consequences)
3.1 Effects on different land-use activities (e.g. agriculture, forestry, built environment, waste disposal) on soil health.
3.2 Soil erosion, compaction, soil sealing, nutrient depletion, organic matter decline, loss of biodiversity and contamination.
4.0 Interpret field and laboratory data relating to key soil characteristics with a critical understanding of the context.
4.1 Field Assessment
Soil texture/structure/colour.
Soil water content.
Soil sampling strategies in the field.
Field trip to agricultural/urban/forested site.
4.2 Laboratory Analysis
Soil preparation and sub-sampling for analysis.
Soil pH, loss on ignition, bulk density, moisture content, liming requirements and analysis of essential soil nutrients.
Experiment on soil biology
Plant growth experiment on different soil types.
5.0 Outline the concept of soil ecosystem services and its importance to food production, the environment and society
5.1 The concept of soil ecosystem services.
5.2 The key soil functions.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
50 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
50 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Short Answer Questions | Coursework Assessment | Assessment | 20 % | Week 7 | 1,2,3,5 |
| 2 | Report on Laboratory Analysis | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 15 % | Week 9 | 1,4,5 |
| 3 | Written Report | Coursework Assessment | Assignment | 15 % | Week 10 | 1,3,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 50 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Lecture Theatre | (lectures) | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Practical / Laboratory | Science Laboratory | (or field studies) | 2 | Weekly | 2.00 |
| Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self Study | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 4.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Fay, D., McGrath, D., Zhang, C., Carrigg, C., O'Flaherty, V., Kramers, G., Carton, O.T., and Grennan, E. (2007). Towards a National Soil Database: Synthesis Report. (2001-CD/S2 M2) ERTDI Report Series No.69. Teagasc and EPA, Wexford.
Fay, D., Kramers, G., Zhang, C., McGrath, D. and Grennan, E. (2007). Soil Geochemical Atlas of Ireland, Ed. Kramers, G. Teagasc and EPA, Wexford.
Paul, E.A. 2007. Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry. Academic Press.
Strawn, D.G., Bohn, H.L., O’Conor, G.A. 2015. Soil Chemistry. Wiley Blackwell
Weil, R.R. and Brady, N.C. 2016. The Nature and Properties of Soil. Pearson Education.
Journal Resources
Journal of Soil Science
URL Resources
www.teagasc.ie
www.fao.org
Other Resources
Examination hall for end of semester final theory exam.
Laboratory for practicals.
Lecture theatre for lectures.
Soil sampling equipment.
Transportation for a field trip.
Additional Information
None