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Mod 4 - Soil Data Interpretation and Application (ex GST)

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Module Summary

The Soil Data Interpretation and Application module is designed to provide participants with a broad understanding and practical skills related to the interpretation of physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil in an agricultural, agronomic and environmental setting. Participants will gain knowledge of how key soil properties influence fertility, nutrient availability, and plant production.

 

The course will cover nutrient cycles, soil biology, the capacity of soil to store and exchange nutrients and water, and management options for optimizing agricultural production within the broader environment. Participants will also learn to interpret and classify data in a soil test report, relate it to soil characteristics, and determine management implications. The module will focus on identifying soil limitations, providing recommendations, and understanding amelioration methods through case studies and practical examples.

 

Module Requirements

This module requires successful completion, or recognition of prior learning, of the Basic fundamentals in soil science module and the Soil field analysis and site interpretation module. 

This module assumes access to an existing field site of relevance, or the ability to travel to a local area of interest to conduct the case study application. 
 
This module assumes access to soil sampling equipment through existing employment, or local services. In cases where no soil sampling equipment is available, alternatives can be discussed with the module custodian through Soil Science Australia.

Module 4 Content

Topic 1:  Determining a soil sampling regime

Topic 2:  Project scheme development

Topic 3:  Fundamentals of recording-keeping

Topic 4:  Digital record-keeping

Topic 5:  Accepted methodology for soil analysis

Topic 6:  Identifying suitable laboratories for soil analysis

Competency Areas

1. Basic physical, chemical and biological soil properties

2. Identify and understand the data obtained from soil test report

3. Determine soil/site limitations and suggest management recommendations

 

Learning Outcomes

 

A. Demonstrate broad experience and understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil in an agricultural, agronomic and environmental setting. 

 
B. Explain how key physical soil properties influence fertility and nutrient availability. 
 
C. Understand nutrient cycles and their relation to nutrient availability and plant production in the soil. 
 
D. Recognize the role and influence of soil biology in agricultural production. 
 
E. Assess the capacity of soil to store, cycle, and exchange nutrients and water for plant production and determine appropriate management options. 
 
F. Interpret and classify data in a soil test report, considering soil characteristics and management implications. 
 
G. Identify site limitations using site assessment and soil test results. 
 
H. Provide recommendations for addressing soil limitations. 

Who is it for?

  • Practitioners - agronomic, environmental, civil industry and commercial
  • Policy advisors and regulators

What are the core concepts?

  • Identify and explain soil functions delivered by soil
  • Identify and explain ecosystem services delivered by soil
  • Demonstrate knowledge and practical experience with regards to describing a soil profile, include the ability to find and describe relevant soil development factors
  • Demonstrate the ability to classify soil both a. in the field and b. from a data set
  • Demonstrate understanding - including causes, key impacts and limitations for a least two processes
  • Demonstrate broad experience and understanding with regards to basic physical, chemical and biological soil properties and an ability to explain these properties
  • Describe basic soil properties including physical properties, chemical properties and biological properties

What are the prerequisites:

The training assumes that applicants have operational knowledge of soil management through formal or informal (on the job) training. There are no formal prerequisites for this training. It is expected that trainees have a working knowledge of soil fundamentals, have been involved with soil sampling and soil sampling regimes and have some experience with soil analysis reports.

Modules 1 to 4 are delivered via pre-recorded lessons. This allows participants to pace the learning to suit their lifestyles and job requirements. You are encouraged to ask questions – please contact office@soilscienceaustralia.org.au. Given the practical nature of soil management, there is a face to face, in-field component of this course - Module 5.  Please contact office@soilscienceaustralia.org.au regarding dates and locations. 

Assessment

The Assessment for Modules 2 to 4 will be provided after the completion of the field training (Module 5).

Accreditation

Can I apply for accreditation when completed?

Undertaking the assessment does not guarantee accreditation, as prior experience is a prerequisite e.g. at least three years professional work experience in soil management.

For further information on the accreditation pathways that this training facilitates, see accreditation requirements on the Soil Science Australia website. 

Disclaimer: Please note SSA Training modules are being rebranded. For example, current online information refers to RSP-Soil Management. However, downloads will refer to Soil Management. The Soil Management training course is one pathway to RSP accreditation.

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Mod 4 - Soil Data Interpretation and Application (ex GST)

Price

$362.73
Members Only
$544.55
Non-Members

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