| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 02240600 | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Department: Plant Science |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 135 | NQF level: 08 |
Minimum credits: 135
Additional information:
The honours degree is awarded on the basis of formal modules passed. Students registered for the BScHons in Soil Science [Option: Environmental Soil Science] will register for all the soil science modules prescribed at honours level, as well as any other modules deemed necessary by the head of department.
Module content:
Integrated agronomic, climatic, soil, botanical, economic and managerial considerations in crop production systems aimed at maximum economic yield and sustainability. The use of conservation agriculture (CA) in field crop production is becoming ever increasingly important, especially since it is directly related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (food), 6 (water), 7 (energy) 13 (climate) and 15 (soil). During the semester applicable AC and SDG examples will be highlighted in case studies of specific field crops. Practicals will consist out of a trial on the experimental farm.
Module content:
The principles of experimental design as required for the selection of an appropriate research design. Identification of the design limitations and the impact thereof on the research hypotheses and the statistical methods. Identification and application of the appropriate statistical methods needed. Interpreting of statistical results and translating these results to the biological context.
Module content:
Advanced theoretical and experimental soil chemistry, including the organic fraction.
Module content:
In soil physics, the principles of physics, chemistry, engineering, and meteorology are applied to address practical problems in agriculture, ecology, and engineering. This module provides an overview of the basics of soil physical properties, followed by soil water properties and the relationship between soil water content and potential. Next, the various processes in the soil are discussed, including heat flow, water flow, and solute movement. To familiarize students with the use of models for planning and as a tool for reasoning, we will use the HYDRUS model extensively in both practice and theory. This module integrates both theoretical and computational elements to enhance the overall scientific, quantitative, and computer skills so as to provide: a) a fundamental understanding of how water, solutes, and heat transfer in soils influence the physical environment for agriculture, hydrology, and the environment; b) conceptual and practical tools to deal with agricultural, hydrological, and environmental challenges.
Module content:
Soil ultimately controls nutrient supply to plants and organisms. The health and resilience of biota are therefore closely linked to the interaction between the pedosphere and the biosphere. This course deals with the availability and uptake of macro and micro nutrients in the plant - microbial– soil system, nutrient deficiencies and toxicities, as well as soil properties and soil environmental conditions that influence soil fertility and its suitability to act as a growth medium. Practical work includes the laboratory evaluation of soil fertility and greenhouse pot trials to investigate nutrient uptake as well as deficiencies and toxicities symptoms in plants.
Module content:
Research project on a practical aspect of Environmental Soil Science.Literature review, formulation of a problem statement, hypotheses and aims of the research, as well as the design and execution of a laboratory or field scale trial. Project to be written up in a specific scientific format suitable for publication with an oral and visual presentation on the research.
Module content:
Environmental variables. Quantitative description and measurements of atmospheric environmental variables and water in organisms. Mass and energy fluxes. Quantitative description of energy fluxes in organisms' environments. Energy balances of animals and plant communities will be derived.
Module content:
Principles of the scientific process. Literature accessing and article assessment. Manuscript preparation and presentation of seminars. Use of visual aids.
Module content:
Introduction to Community Engagement (CE) in the South African and University of Pretoria context; plant blindness. Identification of community engagement topic and activities, field work and submission of report on these activities.
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