FTE-32306 Advanced Soil Technology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course offers an in-depth treatment of various aspects of soil technology and tillage, such as:
- soil physical characteristics and conditions which are crucial for an understanding of the effect of mechanical manipulation of the soil and for processes in the field such as compaction and erosion;
- methodologies and techniques for measuring soil physical, mechanical and dynamical parameters, both in the field and in the laboratory;
- state-of-the-art approaches for research in tillage and soil mechanics, including modelling the effects of tillage on soil structure and related parameters (water, gas, strength, erosion).
Each student studies a scientific paper and reports on the approach, methodology and findings to fellow students, followed by discussion.
In addition to this common part, each student:
- chooses a topic related to soil technology and writes an essay/literature review which is presented to fellow students by a poster;
- assesses various scenarios of soil management under different soil, terrain, crop and climate conditions with respect to crop yields, soil structure and erosion.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to:
- understand the principles of soil physics in their relationship with soil tillage;
- understand methodologies for soil tillage and technology research (in the field, in the laboratory, by modelling);
- be up to date with the latest developments in tillage research;
- be able to analyse and evaluate soil management decisions;
- know and apply the principles of studying and interpreting scientific publications in the field of soil tillage.

Activities:

- attending lectures;
- writing and presenting an essay or literature review on soil tillage-related subject;
- peer review of products of fellow-students;
- practical training in using and applying a soil management model;
- studying a scientific article and orally presenting contents and relevance.

Examination:

- examination of lectures (closed book) 35%;
- assignment (essay) 25%;
- analysis and presentation of a scientific article 20%;
- computer-based practical 20%.

Literature:

Study guide.
Lecture notes and literature on cases.