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 crop production.
Topics
The first part 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 treat 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 the alluvial tropical lowlands.
Prerequisites
General knowledge in soil science required, as well asz basical knowledge of chemistry for interpretation of chemical soil properties and processes in soils of the tropical and subtropical regions.
Final Objectives
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.
Materials used
::Click here for additional information::
· FAO publication: lecture notes on the major soils of the world + interactive CD with pictures on different soils
· Lecture notes 'Tropische Bodemkunde' (G. Baert), in dutch
· Various textbooks and Interactive softwares available in the laboratory
Study costs
Cost: 15.0 EUR
15 Euro
Study guidance
Permanent possibility for questions and counselling
Teaching Methods
Lectures combined with exersises.
Assessment
Theory : oral examination (open questions)
Coefficient
Theory: 4/5
Exercises: 1/5
Lecturer(s)
G. Baert
F. Debersaques
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