MV0215, Soils of the world and sustainable water and soil management, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus

Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Soil Science, Technology

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The objective is to provide the student with knowledge of the global soil resources and of methods to address soil degradation and agricultural production through soil and water management strategies. Further the course will provide deeper expertise on approaches and aids that are used for characterisation of soils, and to suggest appropriate soil and water use in the agro-ecological landscapes in national and international contexts.

On completion of the course students will be able to: • describe the variation of soil properties in the world and how different processes, environmental conditions and human activities influence these properties, • describe soils in the field, classify them and evaluate their properties, • understand principal processes of soil and water degradation, and how soil and water management technologies contribute to soil health (in different agro-ecological landscapes), • propose measures that build soil health through soil and water management practices in selected problem situations, • critically evaluate feasibility of proposed solutions around soil and water management for sustainable land use in selected problem situations.

Content

The course is based on a combination of lectures, exercises and field excursions. Skills will be further developed through project work around selected problem situations.

The course covers the following topics:
• how natural and anthropogenic factors and processes alter soils,, • soil formation processes, properties and use of soils in different climatic and other site conditions, • classification of soils, including soil profile description, • land evaluation according to international reference systems and interpretation of soil and land evaluation maps, • water and soil management technologies and sustainable land management that can build soil health and promote agricultural production: basic principles, methods and design on drainage and diversion solutions (such as ditches and pipes), soil erosion control, water harvesting and storage, irrigation technologies, water use efficiency, methods to avoid salinization, • project on water management and soil conservation in case study areas.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The following is required for a pass mark on the course: • passed written or oral examination, • approved reporting of exercises and assignments including project work, • active participation in compulsory components; the latter comprise field excursions, selected exercises and group project activities.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Soil and Environment

Transitional Provisions

Examination: At least three re-examinations shall be offered within two years after the date of the decision to cancel the course syllabus. Mandatory elements: At least one renewed opportunity to fulfill mandatory requirements within two years after the

Supplementary information

Included in program

• EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
• Soil, Water and Environment - Master's Programme
• Agriculture and Plant/Soil Sciences
• Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Plant and Soil Sciences

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Soils of the world	5.0	0202
Water and soil management	4.0	0203
Project and exercises	6.0	0204

The Course Replaces

MV0197, MV0206

Decision Information

2025-07-02