Soil Science

Introductory soil science 

• Introduction: Concept of soil,
•  major components of soil; 
• Soil genesis: Rocks and minerals –classification and properties; 
• Weathering – physical and chemical weathering;
•  Soil forming factors – climate, biosphere, parent material, relief and time Soil profile; 
• Soil properties: Physical –soil particles, soil texture, soil structure, particle density, bulk density, porosity;
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  Chemical – soil pH, ion exchange in soil; Biological – soil organisms and their importance;
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  Soil fertility and plant nutrition: Plant nutrients – criteria of essentiality, source, and available forms; 
• Soil organic matter – sources and functions; 
• Soil water: Importance, classification, soil water constants, evapotranspiration; 
• Agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh: Concept, location, extent and crops grown; Problem soils of Bangladesh.

Practical 

• Collection and preparation of soil samples; 
• Identification of important rock and mineral specimen;
•  Determination of particle density of soil by volumetric flask method;
  Determination of bulk density of soil by core sampler method; 
• Determination of soil pH by glass electrode pH meter;
•  Determination of soil organic carbon by wet oxidation method.