Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The aim of this course is to develop an understanding of various tools and components of soil fertility evaluation among students. The students will be able to diagnose deficiency and toxicity symptoms of different nutrients on plants.  The various objectives of this course is to develop an understanding about the methods of soil and plant sampling, samples handling, Samples preparation and analysis methods of various nutrients. Critical concentration of various nutrients in soil and plant will also be described. After completion of this course, students will be able to diagnose the deficiency and toxicity symptoms of various macro and micro nutrients exerted in the field. Students will be handy in conducting soil and plant sampling and analysis in the laboratory.

Contents

Theory

1. Introduction and Review
2. Objectives of soil fertility evaluation
3. Nutrient deficiency and toxicity symptoms and causes
4. Tissue testing in the field and in the laboratory
5. Method and time of sampling and handling
6. Critical concentration of nutrients in the plant
7. Biological testing: Laboratory, green house and field trials
8. Soil testing: Sampling, handling and analysis
9. Critical nutrient ranges in soils; Correlations, calibration and recommendations

Practical

1. Sampling, handling and analysis of plant tissues in the field and laboratory

2. Handling and analyses for plant nutrients

3. Soil sampling for plant nutrients

4. Soil test and plant analysis evaluation and interpretation

Recommended Books

1. Havlin, J.L., S.L. Tisdale, J.D. Beaton and W.L. Nelson. 2005. Soil Fertility and Fertilizers: An Introduction to Nutrient Management. 7th Ed. Pearson Education Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA.
2. Mengel, K. and E.A. Kirkby. 2005. Principles of Plant Nutrition. 5th Ed. Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York, USA.
3. Westerman, R.L. 1990. Soil Testing and Plant Analysis. Soil Science Society of America, Inc. Madison, WI, USA.

Assessment Criteria

Sessional: 08 (project, presentation, participation)

Project: 04

Presentation: 02

Participation: 02

Mid exam: 12

Final exam: 20

Practical exam: 20