SOQ-30806 Field Practical Soil Quality

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Soil Pollution and Soil Protection (SOQ-21306), Soil Quality (SOQ-21806)

Continuation courses:

Soil Chemical Applications (SOQ-34306); Nutrient management (SOQ-31806); Major/ minor Soil Quality

Contents:

A common research project with experimental field and laboratory work is formulated, executed, presented, and reported. Based on a selection of literature, students will write a research proposal on a current environmental issue in the area of soil quality related to e.g. nutrients, contaminants etc. A work plan, time schedule and budget is established. Soil chemical and biological factors will be integrated in the study that will take place in the surroundings of Wageningen and in the laboratory. The results of the research project will be described in the format of paper for an appropriate scientific journal and will include a discussion on the scientific results, taking into account the environmental implication. A pubic oral presentation of the main results will be given.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course the student is expected to:
- be able to apply knowledge obtained in basic and more advanced courses related to soil quality, to current research questions in soil pollution and/or soil fertility issues;
- be able to analyse a soil pollution and/or soil fertility issue and to design a relevant research programme, including the writing of a research proposal;
- be able to interpret research results and report them in the form of an official scientific publication;
- have a balanced but critical view on the theoretical, experimental, and practical results of the investigation as will be demonstrated by the research proposal, the scientific paper and oral presetation.

Activities:

Literature search and study, discussion, setting-up research project, writing research proposal, field sampling and measurements, chemical and biological laboratory analysis and experimentation, data analysis, writing scientific publication, making a presentation.

Examination:

Based on attitude, keenness, and participation in discussions, experimental performance, reporting, and presentation.

Literature:

More detailed information will be provided via EDUweb.