Key words
Tropical soils, soil classification, physical and chemical characterisation
Objectives
Study of the genesis, the classification and the regional distribution of soils in tropical and subtropical regions. To gain an insight into the main physical, physico-chemical and chemical parameters affecting the suitability of tropical soils for plant production.
Prerequisites
General knowledge in soil science required
Topics
The first chapter deals with the study of soil-forming processes and factors affecting the genesis of tropical and sub-tropical soils. The principles of the most widely used soil classification systems (FAO, WRB, Soil Taxonomy) are discussed. Also attention will be given to soil survey techniques and the elaboration of a soil legend.
The following chapters successively deal with the physical and chemical properties, the geographical distribution, the agronomic value and the management of soils of the humid tropics, soils of the arid and semi-arid regions and alluvial soils. The most important topics are : charge characteristics of soils with variable charges, phosphate retention, aluminium toxicity, base saturation, acid sulphate soils, …
Teaching Methods
Lectures combined with homestudy and exersises, discussed and evaluated in group.
Materials used
- Lecture notes 'Tropische Bodemkunde' (G. Baert), in dutch
- Booker's Tropical Soil Manual (JJ. Landon)
- Interactive software: Interactive Soils, Soil Map of the World, …
Study guidance
Books and software available at the Laboratory
Assessment
Oral and written examination and exersises
3/4 theory
1/4 exersises
Study costs
10 Euro
Lecturer(s)
G. Baert
Language
Dutch
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