Module Description

A holistic understanding of how good soil conditions are critical to the health of most plants and the role that research has in informing soil and environmental management.

The module has a strong focus on soil health, specifically the study of geology, landscape and soil formation, climate, hydrology, soil biology (microbes, mesofauna and macrofauna), physics (texture, structure, porosity, compaction), chemistry (organic matter, pH, macro and micronutrients), supporting environmental cycles and soil-water relationships. How soil protection policy is being developed, environmental pollution and living with environmental change will be considered in relation to the research and management of sustainable soils. As well as a practical element with field sampling, laboratory analysis, data interpretation.

Students will demonstrate a critical understanding of the relevance of soil and environmental science to the management of ecosystems, with reference to research.