Assessment of Soil Structure and Drainage Situation (3cr)

Objective

The student understands the importance of soil structure for growth conditions and can determine soil structure in the field using the MARA test. The student can determine aggregate stability and assess the biological growth condition in the field (e.g., root growth patterns, microbial activity, earthworms, decomposition of organic matter in the soil, aggregate stability, amount of residues on the field surface, plant growth and health). The student knows methods to determine the drainage status of the field and understands the fertility classes of drainage. The student assesses the drainage status of the field plot, identifies drainage deficiencies, and can plan measures to improve drainage.

Content

Factors affecting drainage
Fertility classes of drainage
Methods to identify drainage status
Examples of drainage deficiencies and their correction options
Soil structure as a growth condition factor and the significance of different aggregates and their structure
Sensory determination of soil structure
Determination of subsoil structure
Aggregate stability and its determination
Biological growth condition of the soil
Humus content and the division of organic matter into easily decomposable and very slowly decomposable parts
Increasing humus content, i.e., carbon sequestration in agricultural soil
Options for improving soil structure in various cases

Qualifications

Previous studies: Soil and water management or equivalent knowledge

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student knows methods to determine the drainage status of the field. Understands factors affecting soil structure. Knows some methods to examine soil structure.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student knows methods to determine the drainage status of the field plot and identifies drainage deficiencies. Understands factors affecting soil structure and can determine the condition of soil structure using appropriate methods.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student knows methods to determine the drainage status of the field plot, identifies drainage deficiencies, and can plan measures to improve drainage. Understands factors affecting soil structure and can determine the condition of soil structure using appropriate methods and can plan plot-specific restoration needs based on them.