Soil and water management 1. (3cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The student is able to explain the main chemical, physical and biological factors of soil influencing plant growth as well as the role of soil as carbon sink. The student is able to determine the objectives of fertilization and liming based on soil data taking into account environment, sustainability and circular economy. The student is able to describe the factors related to the formation, composition, function and quality of soil. The student is able to define the soil types and their properties, and is able to apply data in agricultural use.The student is able to explain basic meteorological concepts and is able to explain the factors influencing weather phenomena, especially in Finnish conditions.

Content (course unit)

The chemical, physical and biological condition of the soil and it’s importance for crop cultivation. Nutrient cycles and environmental effects of nutrients, fertilization according to plant need and environmental support conditions, fertilizers including livestock manure and other organic and circular fertilizers, Soil formation, soil types and their properties, soil minerals and soil organic matter, Weather observations, Climate zones and Finland's climate, meso- and micro-climates, Weather services for farming,

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning materials

Maan vesi- ja ravinnetalous Ojitus, kastelu ja ympäristö. Available: https://www.salaojayhdistys.fi/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/web_maanvesijaravinnetalous_B5_2016.pdf , luvut 2-4