SOT-30306 Advanced Soil Technology

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

FTE-21306

Contents:

This course offers a common part with an in-depth treatment of various aspects of soil technology and tillage, such as; (a) methodologies and techniques for measuring soil physical, mechanical and dynamical parameters, both in the field and in the laboratory, (b) approaches for research in tillage and soil mechanics e.g. by CSSM (critical state soil mechanics), modelling the effects of tillage on soil structure and related parameters (water, gas, strength, erosion), including prediction methods.
In addition to this common part, the student can choose to study in detail a number of cases, leading either to a specialisation in 'green space technology' (turf technology, labour, machinery, design of horticulture-like growing sites) or to an emphasis on tropical subjects (tillage systems for various climatic regions, irrigated farming and conservation tillage systems).

Aims:

- to understand methodologies for soil tillage and technology research;
- to conduct experiments and test equipment for soil mechanics and tillage studies;
- to set up research for determining the effects of tillage operations and systems;
- to analyse and interpret research data ;
- to learn the principles of reviewing and writing scientific publications.

Activities:

- attending lectures;
- practical training in field and laboratory techniques and modelling;
- studying material on the various cases and completing assignment on these cases .

Examination:

Written examination with open-end questions for the lecture part.
Assessment of the assignments for practical training and case studies.

Literature:

Study guide is available, lecture notes and literature on cases will be provided.