Soil and Water Management (5cr)

Objective

The student is able to explain the main factors of soil influencing plant growth as well as the role of soil as carbon sink. The student is able to determine the objectives of fertilization and liming based on soil data taking into account environment, sustainability and circular economy.
The student is able to describe the factors related to the formation, composition, function and quality of soil. The student is able to define the soil types and their properties, and is able to apply data in agricultural use.
The student is able to explain basic meteorological concepts and is able to explain the factors influencing weather phenomena, especially in Finnish conditions.
The student is able to assess the need for drying and irrigation required for arable farming and to present different drying and irrigation methods.

Content

The chemical, physical and biological condition of the soil and their importance for crop cultivation.
Nutrient cycles and environmental effects of nutrients, fertilization according to plant need and environmental support conditions, fertilizers including livestock manure and other organic and circular fertilizers,
Soil formation, soil types and their properties, soil minerals and soil organic matter,
Weather observations, Climate zones and Finland's climate, meso- and micro-climates, Weather services for farming,
Principles of soil water management, drainage and irrigation methods.

Materials

Maan vesi- ja ravinnetalous Ojitus, kastelu ja ympäristö, https://www.salaojayhdistys.fi/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/web_maanvesijaravinnetalous_B5_2016.pdf , luvut 2-9

Teaching methods

On line teaching 20%, laboratorywork and field observations (compulsory presence) 20 %, distance learning and tasks 60 %

Exam schedules

Soil species identification exam, soil and nutrients Moodle exam

Completion alternatives

Opintojakson voi myös opinnollistaa, mikäli opiskelija on työpaikassa, jossa työtehtävissä tulee vastaavia sisältöjä. Osaamisen tunnustamisen kautta voidaan ottaa huomioon aikaisemmat vastaavat opinnot. Sovitaan opettajan kanssa.

Student workload

Field water management and weather 54 h: teaching 10 h, learning tasks and independent study 44 h
Soil and fertilization 81 h: teaching 10 h, exercises and practice 14 h, learning tasks and independent study 57 h.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Learning tasks graded or passed/failed, exercises passed/failed. Attendance is mandatory for exercises and field observations. Exam 1-5.

Evaluation scale

1-5