Key words
Tropical soils, soil classification, physical and chemical characterisation
Objectives
General 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.
Competences
The course enables the student to interpret and improve the soils of the tropics and subtropics, and to apply this knowledge when employed in the topics in the agro-industry or research projects. The student also disposes of the necessary knowledge of international terminology on tropical soils and soil classification to consult international literature to collect and interpret data on tropical soils and their management.
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.
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.
Prerequisites
General knowledge in soil science required
Final Objectives
Materials used
- FAO publication: lecture notes on the major soils of the world + interactif CD with pictures
- 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 costs
15 Euro
Study guidance
Books and software available at the Laboratory
Teaching Methods
Lectures combined with homestudy and exersises, discussed and evaluated in group.
Assessment
Oral and written examination and exersises
3/4 theory
1/4 exersises
Lecturer(s)
G. Baert
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