SGL-12803 Introduction to Soil Geography

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English.

Continuation courses:

SOC-22803 Introduction to Soil Physical, Chemical and Biological Processes (BBW, BIL, BMW);
SGL-22306 Geology, Soils and Landscapes of the Rhine-Meuse Delta (BBW).

Contents:

This course explains how geological processes and soil forming processes shape the soil and lead to soil spatial variation. It describes the main physical, chemical and biological properties that characterise the soil and explains how soils are grouped by soil classification systems. Students also learn how soil maps are made and how these maps are used in soil suitability and land evaluation studies.
**Practicals alternate lectures and illustrate and deepen the subject knowledge. A field excursion shows the relationships between geology, soils, and landscape (including land use) around Wageningen.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- describe and explain geological processes in relation to the genesis of landscapes, parent materials and soils;
- describe and interpret how soil forming processes lead to different soil properties and variations in soil types;
- describe and apply basic approaches in soil inventarisation and digital soil mapping in order to use relevant soil information as a basis for land evaluation.

Activities:

- attend lectures;
- practicals (compulsory);
- field excursion by bike (compulsory).

Examination:

- written examination, consisting of multiple choice questions, short-answer open questions, and short-answer calculations;
- participation in practicals and excursion is obligatory in order to pass;
- a test-examination is available in the practical guide (answers included).

Literature:

Reader ‘Introduction to Soil Geography’ and practical guide. Available at WUR shop.