Soil Science

After taking this course, this course, the students should be able to: 1. apply the knowledge acquired in soil pedagogy, nutrient and nutrient exchange to managing soil fertility; 2. apply the different fertilizer types (organic and inorganic) appropriately to different soil types; 3. explain and describe the paedology, mineralogy and classification of soils; 4. undertake soil survey and mapping; and 5. manage soils for agricultural production.

Origin and formation of soils. Physical properties of soils. Basic concept of soil paedology. Soil colloids; soil reaction; soil mineralogy. Soil organic matter. Soil survey and mapping. Soil classification. Soil fertility and fertilizers. Particle size distribution analysis/sieve analysis. Properties and management of Nigerian soils.