Principles of Soil Science Course Notes

Course Pack 2020 Edition

Principles of Soil Science

  • Contributors:

    • Arvelyn L. Cocamas

    • James Jade S. Lasquites

    • Mechelle R. Mangmang

    • Joannie O. Galupan

    • Dernie T. Olguera

    • Nelvin A. Villason

  • Affiliations:

    • Davao del Sur State College

    • Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology

    • University of Southeastern Philippines

Course Description

  • Introductory Course: Covers the nature, diverse properties, and management of soil resources in temperate and tropical areas, emphasizing tropical soils.

  • Key Expectations:

    • Recognize global issues related to soil science.

    • Acknowledge key soil functions within sustainable agriculture and development.

    • Discuss factors affecting soil formation and development across various ecosystems.

    • Describe soil physico-chemical and biological properties.

    • Identify environmental impacts of land use and effective soil conservation and management strategies.

Table of Contents

  • Fundamental Concepts and Definitions

  • Basic Principles in the Study of Soils

  • The Earth

  • Basic of Soil Genesis

  • Soil Formation

  • Soil Development

  • Soil as a Three-Phase System

  • Basic Composition of the Soil

  • Soil Physical Properties and Soil Water

  • Soil Biology and Organic Matter

  • Soil Chemical Properties

  • Soil Nutrition and Fertility Management

  • Soil Taxonomy and Land Use Planning

  • Soil Conservation and Management

  1. What is the Atmosphere?
    The air surrounding Earth, affecting environmental conditions.

  2. What is the Biosphere?
    Environments that support living organisms and their interactions.

  3. What is the Hydrosphere?
    All water bodies on Earth, influencing biogeochemical cycles.

  4. What is the Lithosphere?
    The solid outer layer of Earth that influences soil types.

  5. What is the Pedosphere?
    The layer where soil-forming processes occur, contributing to the ecosystem.

  6. What is Pedology?
    The study of soil as a natural entity.

  7. What is Edaphology?
    The study of soil in relation to plant growth.

  8. What are the Factors of Soil Formation?
    Key factors include parent material, climate, topography, biological factors, and time.

  9. What is a Soil Horizon?
    A concept describing layers within soil that influence ecological interactions.

  10. What is the Importance of Soil?
    Soil is essential for agriculture and ecology, affecting plant growth and environmental health.

Module 2: Basic of Soil Genesis

Objectives

  • Discuss soil formation through climate, organisms, and time.

  • Emphasize on processes leading to the development of true soil layers.

Soil Formation

  • Describes how soil is born from disintegrated rocks affected by environmental factors.

  • Influencing Factors:

    1. Parent material.

    2. Climate conditions—temperature and moisture.

    3. Biological contribution from flora and fauna.

    4. Relief factors affecting erosion and water flow.

    5. Temporal influences exhibited by weathering and nutrient availability.

Key Concepts in Soil Genesis

  • Weathering: Breakdown of rocks into soil through chemical, physical, and biological processes.

    • Types:

      1. Mechanical: Temperature changes, force from plant roots.

      2. Chemical: Reactions with water and acids leading to new compounds.

Outcomes of Soil Genesis Study

  • Increased appreciation for agricultural systems and environmental stewardship.

Erosion Dynamics

  1. Splash Erosion: Raindrop impact resulting in particle movement.

  2. Sheet Erosion: Uniform thin layer of soil erosion from precipitation.

  3. Rill/Gully Erosion: Increased runoff leading to soil channeling.

Soil Conservation Practices

  • Erosion Control Measures:

    1. Planting cover crops.

    2. Establishment of terraces.

    3. Organic amendments to improve soil structure.

Conclusion to Soil Management

  • Understand the linkage between soil properties, agricultural outputs, and ecological health.

- Develop sustainable practices to ensure long-term soil viability for future generations.

References

  1. Brady, N.C. & Weil, R. R. (2017). The Nature and Properties of Soils, 15th edition, Pearson Education Limited.

  2. IUSS Working Group WRB. (2015). World Reference Base for Soil Resources, FAO.

  3. Additional and context-based websites for soil health and management resources.