Soil and Water (Agriculture)

Course programme

The subjects covered are shown below and will normally be taught in this order

Day one

• Why the emphasis on soil and water?
• Cross compliance schemes
• Basic soil science
  - Texture, Structure, Erosion

• Erosion assessment methods
• Methods for reducing erosion

Exercise on soil erosion and associated risk assessment

Day Two

• Soil profile assessment - soil pits
• In-field erosion risk assessment exercise
• The soil as a substrate
• Methods of cultivation

- Soil type, Need, Geometry, Work rates

• Compaction and its alleviation (including the effects of traction)

Exercise on cultivation choice for crop soil type and condition

Day Three

• Plant water interactions for optimum growth
• The role of irrigation and scheduling
• Types of water pollution and the COGAP Water
• Including methods of analysis
• Drainage systems - types, importance and maintenance
• Water table maintenance
• Exercise on designing a drainage system

Day Four

• NVZ legislation
• Organic wastes

- Types, Nutrient value, Application, Problems

• Preparing a Farm nutrient balance sheet using RB 209
• Preparing a manure management plan
• Exercise preparing nutrient and manure management plans for a farm rotation

Day Five

• Producing a farm soil and water management plan
• Practical exercise
• Discussion of the course and revision exercises

Day Six

• The exam includes 20 multi-choice questions 3 short answer papers
• Farm Management Plan - open book VIVA exam in field using soil pit/s
• VIVA exam office based