Course Code: EST 202

Course Title: Soil Science

Haftalık Ders ve Uygulama Saati:3-0

Short Course Description: This course introduces the student to basic concepts of soil science and fertilization of crops. During the course the following topics are covered: Soil as an independent physical system. Elements of soil mineralogy. Soil formation. Soil texture analysis. Soil solution and electrolytes. Soil acidity and soil buffering capacity. Soil organic matter. Physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.

General aspects of soil fertility. Fertilization methods and tools.

The course includes lectures, laboratory exercises and a field exercise. The soil science

laboratory exercises aim to introduce the student to the practical aspect of soil sampling

and soil physical and chemical analysis techniques. In the context of soil science practical the following topics are covered:

  1. Soil texture analysis.

  2. Soil density.

  3. Soil Porosity.

  4. Soil moisture content and soil organic matter.

  5. Determination of variety of chemical parameters in soils.

  6. Determination of Cation

  7. Exchange Capacity (CEC).

Textbook and Supplementary Books::

  1. Textbook of Soil Sciences : by Tarak Das Biswas, S.K.Mukherjee

  2. Soils: Basic Concepts and Future Challenges 330 pages EDITOR: Giacomo Certini, Università degli studi di Firenze, Italy . AUTHOR: Riccardo Scalenghe, Università degli studi, Palermo, Italy

Course Assessment:

  • Class Participation 10%,

  • Mid-term Examination 30%,

  • Assignments 10%,

  • Final Examination 50%,

Attendance 95%compulsory