Water, Soil and Nutrient Management

Subject 208-248 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Undergraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twenty-four hours of lectures and 36 hours of tutorials/workshops
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 202-110 Land Resources or 207-171 Sustainable Catchment Management.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Mr Roger Wrigley
Subject Overview:

This subject provides students with an understanding of the importance of optimal use of nutrients and water in production to ensure maximum productivity whilst maintaining sustainability and avoiding off-site impact. The impact of tillage practices, rotational sequences, and livestock grazing on soil physical properties that influence soil fertility, infiltration and soil water availability will be assessed.

Topics include:

  • evaluation of management strategies, cropping systems, and tillage systems that maximise infiltration and use stored soil water efficiently;

  • developing skills in identifying major soil groups and land capability for specific land-use;

  • providing a framework for evaluating soil: physical and chemical ­properties;

  • developing an understanding of sustainable crop and integrated crop-livestock production systems that sustain soil and water quality without impacting adversely in the environment;

  • evaluation of soil water and crop properties based on climatic parameters and meteorological conditions;

  • developing awareness of the impact on soil and water nutrient levels as a result of intensive agricultural practices;

  • the influence of intensive agriculture and horticulture on soil water and atmospheric conditions with examples of strategies to deal with these issues;

  • issues associated with allocation of water between agricultural, environmental, urban industrial and recreational uses;

  • developing knowledge of farm water supply systems for both stock and domestic use and irrigation in terms of both quality and quantity;

  • water reclamation and re-use;

  • methods of nutrient application including fertigation, broadcasting, row, deep placement and site specific will be discussed; and

  • efficient and economic application of nutrients including the preparation of nutrient budgets and performance monitoring.
Assessment: Three-hour examination (50%) and two assignments equivalent to 3000 words (each worth 25%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

Information Not Available
Breadth Options: This subject is a level 2 or level 3 subject and is not available to new generation degree students as a breadth option in 2008.
This subject or an equivalent will be available as breadth in the future.
Breadth subjects are currently being developed and these existing subject details can be used as guide to the type of options that might be available.
2009 subjects to be offered as breadth will be finalised before re-enrolment for 2009 starts in early October.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Information Not Available
Related Course(s): Associate Degree in Agriculture

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