Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MV0224 Soil as plant habitat and plant knowledge 3, 15.0 Credits

Marken som växtplats och växtkännedom 3

Subjects

Soil Science Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Soil Physics	4.0	0102
Soil biology and chemistry	5.0	0103
Plants	3.5	0104
0206 Plant expertise	2.5	0106

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to:

• 30 credits, including

• 5 credits Geology and Hydrology.

Objectives

The aim of the soil part of the course is to give basic knowledge about processes in the soil and about the geotechnical properties of the regolith and rock as well as about the soil as plant environment. The plant part gives knowledge of the building and function of the plant and its requirements of the habitat as well as further skill in identifying plant species.

After completing of the course, the student should be able to:

• explain how a natural soil profile is built up,

• account for basic soil science concepts and processes,

• explain how the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil affect the soil as a place for crop growing and how different soil types differ in this respect;

• account for basic plant anatomy and plant physiological concepts and processes,

• describe the plants’ requirements at the place of planting,

• describe the annual rhythm of plants, climate adaptation and stress resistance, as well as the factors that control this,

• identify a selection of trees, shrubs and perennial herbaceous plants,

• perform simple interpretations of soil data to be able to assess the properties of a soil,

• recognize Swedish vegetation types and plant communities and account for the connection to soil and other site specific factors,

• assess the requirements of plants at the plant site in terms of soil conditions and the need for light, water and nutrients.

Content

In the soil module of the course, the following fields are treated through lectures and literature:

• the components of the soil: solid material (mineral particles, organic material) and pore systems (water and air), the soil profile,

• the properties of different soil textures and how they influence the suitability for different land use alternatives,

• the natural ability of soils and soil materials to deliver nutrients and counteract acidification, and the role of the weathering in this,

• the ability of clay particles and organic matter to bind nutrients,

• binding and transport of water in soil and different soil materials, plant-available water and soil air,

• soil temperature,

• turnover of organic material and biological nitrogen processes in the soil,

The contents of lectures are processed in exercises where important soil processes are studied, different types of data are discussed and interpreted.

In the plant module of the course, the following fields through lectures and literature are treated:

• basic plant anatomy and plant physiology including the relationship between anatomy and function,

• site factors (light, water and nutrients etc) that are essential for plant establishment, growth and development and how these can be inferred in the external characters of the plants,

• the annual pattern, climate adaptation, stress resistance and growth dynamics of plants as well as which factors in their environment that affects these relations,

• learning of new plant species and review of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants known from earlier courses.

In field exercises, the two course modules are connected through studies of soil profiles and plant communities and how they relate to one another.

Field activities and parts of the exercises are compulsory.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

To pass the course, passed results are required of both the soil module and the plant module.

The following is required for for passed soil module:

• passed written examination,

• passed practical assignments,

• participation in compulsory components.

The following is required for for passed plant module:

• passed written examination,

• passed växtidentifiering,

• passed practical assignments,

• participation in compulsory components.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The entry requirement 5 credits in Geology and Hydrology is fulfilled on completion of the corresponding course module of LK0292.

Responsible department

Department of Soil and Environment