Download Annexure CD-01 U T T A R P R A D E S H FORMAT FOR COURSE

Annexure CD-01
FORMAT FOR COURSE CURRICULUM
Course Title: FUNDAMENTALS OF SOIL
SCIENCE
Course Code:
Course Level:
L
T
P/
S
SW/F
W
3
-
2
-
TOTAL
CREDIT
UNITS
4
Course Objectives:
This course will help students to attain a comprehensive understanding of processes of soil
genesis, recognize diagnostic features of natural soils, and relate physical, chemical and
biological soil quality indicators to assess sustainability of land management practices.
Pre-requisites:
Student should have basic understanding & knowledge of life sciences and physical sciences
Course Contents/Syllabus:
Module I: Introduction
 Soil: Pedological and edaphological concepts
 Origin of the earth, earth’s crust
 Composition: Rocks and minerals Weathering

Soil formation factors and processes
Module II Components of Soils
 Components of Soils
 Soil profile, soil physical properties, soil texture, textural
classes, particle size analysis, soil structure classification, soil
aggregates, significance, soil consistency, soil crusting, bulk
density and particle density of soils & porosity, their
significance and manipulation, soil compaction, soil colour,
elementary knowledge of soil classification and soils of india;
soil water, retention and potentials, soil moisture constants,
movement of soil water, infiltration, percolation,
permeability, drainage, methods of determination of soils
moisture
 Hydraulic properties of soils
Weightage (%)
20%
45%
Module III Physio-chemical Properties of soil
 Thermal properties of soils, soil temperature, soil air, gaseous
exchange, influence of soil temperature and air on plant
growth; Soil colloids, properties, nature, types and
significance; Layer silicate clays, their genesis and sources of
charges, adsorption of ions, Ion exchange, CEC & AEC
factors influencing ion exchange and its significance; Soil
organic matter; Carbon cycle, C: N ratio, Soil biology,
biomass, soil organisms and their beneficial and harmful
roles; Biofertility indicators of soil health.
35%
Student Learning Outcomes:
On completion of the course the student will be able to:





Explain how soils are formed and describe the properties of the main layers.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic elements of soil science
Identify and describe the main soil types and texture classes using examples
To Identify and describe the main soil types and texture classes using examples
Explain soil sampling methods and some simple soil tests
Pedagogy for Course Delivery:
The course pedagogy will include lectures, discussion on applications of the topics covered.
Practicals :
List of experiments:
Study of soil pedon
Soil sampling methods, collection and preparation of soil samples
Determination of soil textures by feel method
Description of soil colour using munsell soil colour chart
Determination of soil pH in the field (by Kuhn’s method)
Determination of soil water content
Determination of particle density of soils
Determination of bulk density of soils
Determination of air porosity and total porosity of soils
Determination of soil organic carbon
Assessment/ Examination Scheme:
Theory L/T (%)
Lab/Practical/Studio (%)
End Term Examination
65
35
Theory Assessment (L&T):
Continuous Assessment/Internal Assessment
Components
CT
S/V/Q
(Drop down)
10
05
Weightage (%)
Lab/ Practical/ Studio Assessment:
100
HA
A
End Term
Examination
EE
10
05
70
Continuous Assessment/Internal Assessment
Components
(Drop down
Weightage (%)
Minor Exp.
P
10
5
Performance
& Viva
10
A
End Term
Examination
EE
05
70
Text Reading:
James F Power and Rajendra Prasad, 2012. Soil Fertility Management for Sustainable
Agriculture CRC Press
N. C. Brady and R. R. Weil 2002 Nature & Properties of Soil Prentice Hall, NJ
Dilip Kumar Das 2012. Introductory Soil Science. Kalyani Publishers
Rai Mangat, 2008. Soil Science .Anmol Publications Pvt. Ltd.
Henry D Foth , 2003. Fundamentals of Soil Science, John Willey and Sons Pvt. Ltd.
Dhyan Singh, Chhonkar, P K. and Dwivedi, B S. 2005. Manaul on Soil, Plant and Water
Analysis. Westville Publishing House.
Rana K S, Chaudhary A K, Bana R S, Sepat S and Dass A 2014 Methodological and
Analytical Agronomy P G School IARI New Delhi Publication