CURRICULUM OF SOIL SCIENCE
CURRICULUMOFSOIL SCIENCEBS/B.Sc (Hons)MS/M.Sc (Hons)(Revised 2010)HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSIONISLAMABAD
CURRICULUM DIVISION, HECDr. Syed Sohail H. NaqviExecutive DirectorProf. Dr. Altaf Ali G. ShaikhMember (Acad)Mr. Muhammad Javed KhanAdviser (Acad)Ms. Ghayyur FatimaDirector (Curri)Dr. M. Tahir Ali ShahDeputy Director (Curri)Composed by: Mr. Zulfiqar Ali, HEC, Islamabad2
CONTENTS1.Introduction62.Framework / Template for BS/B.Sc (Hons) inAgriculture Discipline93.Scheme of Studies for 4-year10BS/B.Sc (Hons) in Soil Science4.Details of Courses for BS/B.Sc (Hons)125.Scheme of Studies for MS/M.Sc (Hons)276.Detail of Courses for MS/M.Sc (Hons)287.Details of Compulsory Courses40Annexures A, B, C, D, E & F8.3Recommendations56
PREFACEThe curriculum of subject is described as a throbbing pulse of a nation. Byviewing curriculum one can judge the stage of development and its pace ofsocio-economic development of a nation. With the advent of new technology,the world has turned into a global village. In view of tremendous researchtaking place world over new ideas and information pours in like of a stream offresh water, making it imperative to update the curricula after regular intervals,for introducing latest development and innovation in the relevant field ofknowledge.In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 3 Sub-Section 2 (ii) of Actof Parliament No. X of 1976 titled “Supervision of Curricula and Textbooksand Maintenance of Standard of Education” the erstwhile University GrantsCommission was designated as competent authority to develop review andrevise curricula beyond Class-XII. With the repeal of UGC Act, the samefunction was assigned to the Higher Education Commission under itsOrdinance of 2002 Section 10 Sub-Section 1 (v).In compliance with the above provisions, the HEC undertakes revamping andrefurbishing of curricula after regular intervals in a democratic mannerinvolving universities/DAIs, research and development institutions and localChamber of Commerce and Industry. The intellectual inputs by expatriatePakistanis working in universities and R&D institutions of technically advancedcountries are also invited to contribute and their views are incorporated whereconsidered appropriate by the National Curriculum Revision Committee(NCRC).To bring international compatibility to qualifications held from Pakistaniuniversities/DAIs for promotion of students mobility and job seekers aroundthe globe, a Committee comprising of Conveners of the National CurriculumRevision Committee of HEC met in 2009 and developed a unified template forstandardized 4-years/8-semesters BS degree programmes. This unifiedtemplate was aimed to inculcate broader base of knowledge in the subjectslike English, Sociology, Philosophy, Economics etc in addition to majordiscipline of study. The Bachelor (BS) degree course requires to be completedin 4-years/8-semesters, and shall require qualifying of 130-140 credit hours ofwhich 77% of the curriculum will constitute discipline specific and remaining23% will comprise compulsory and general courses.In line with above, NCRC comprising senior university faculty and experts fromvarious stakeholders and the respective accreditation councils has finalizedthe curriculum for BS and MS (Soil Science). The same is beingrecommended for adoption by the universities/DAIs channelizing throughrelevant statutory bodies of the universities.PROF. DR. ALTAF ALI G. SHAIKHMember AcademicsMarch 20104
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENTAbbreviations Used:NCRC. National Curriculum Revision CommitteeVCC.Vice-Chancellor’s EP. PreparationREC.RecommendationsLILearning InnovationR&DResearch & Development OrganizationHECHigher Education Commission5
INTRODUCTIONA meeting of the National Curriculum Revision Committee of SoilSciences was held on June 07-09, 2010 at HEC Regional Centre, Lahore tofinalize the draft curriculum prepared in its meeting held on January 25-27,2010. The following attended the meeting.6Prof. Dr. Anwar-ul-Hassan,Director,Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences,University of AgricultureFaisalabad.ConvenerProf. Dr. Abdulrauf Farooqi,Department of Environmental Sciences,International Islamic University,Islamabad.MemberProf. Dr. Safdar Ali,Chairman, Department of Soil Sciences and Soil & WaterConservation,PMAS – Arid Agriculture University,Rawalpindi.MemberProf. Dr. Zahir Shah,Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences,KPK Agriculture University,Peshawar.MemberDr. Inayatullah Rajpar,Associate Professor & Chairman,Department of Soil Sciences,Sindh Agriculture University,Tandojam.MemberMr. Nasir Rahim,Assistant Professor,Chairman, Department of Soil and EnvironmentalSciences,University of AJ&K,Faculty of Agriculture,Rawalakot.MemberDr. Muhammad Jamil Khan,Associate Professor & Chairman,Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences,Gomal University, D.I. Khan.Member
Dr. Ghulam Sarwar,Assistant Professor,Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences,University College of Agriculture,University of Sargodha, Sargodha.MemberDr. Moazzam Jamil,Associate Professor & Principal,Department of Soil Science,University College of Agriculture & EnvironmentalSciences,The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.MemberDr. Muhammad Salim,Chief Scientist,National Agriculture Research Centre,Park Road, Chak Shahzad Islamabad.MemberMr. Riaz Ahmad,Technical Services Manager,Fauji Fertilizer Company Ltd,Lahore Trade Centre,11-Shahrah-E-Aiwan-E-Tijarat, Lahore.MemberMr. Zubair Rehman,Head of Soil Science Department,Baluchistan Agriculture College,Chaman Road, Beleli, Quetta.MemberMs. Saima Kalsoom Babar,Assistant Professor,Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & MarineSciences,Uthal, Baluchistan.MemberProf. Dr. Muhammad Abid,Department of Agronomy & Soil Science,University College of Agriculture,B.Z. University, Multan.SecretaryThe meeting started with recitation from the Holy Quran by Dr. MuhammadTahir Ali Shah, Deputy Director (Curriculum) Higher Education Commission(HEC) Islamabad.7
Mr. Bashir Ahmed, Director HEC Regional Centre, Lahore welcome theparticipants. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Ali Shah, briefed about the objectives ofthe meeting.The committee, after considering the draft curriculum and suggestionsreceived from the experts for its improvement, finalized the curriculum alongwith scheme of studies in the subject of Soil Science for B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Sc.(Hons.)/M.Phil. and Ph.D. degree programs.The meeting adjourned with vote of thanks by the Convener.8
Template for 4-Year BS/B.Sc. (Hons)in Agricultural Disciplines1. Compulsory CoursesMathematics / Biology (2 courses)Statistics 1 & 2Computers / ITPakistan StudiesIslamic StudiesCommunications SkillsEnglishBasic AgricultureCredits Hours6 (3-0) (2-1)6 (3-0) (3-0)3 (2-1)2 (2-0)2 (2-0)3 (3-0)3 (3-0)3 (2-1)Sub-Total 282. Interdisciplinary Foundation CoursesAgronomyPlant Breeding & GeneticsEntomologyPlant PathologyFood TechnologyHorticultureSoil SciencesAgriculture Economics3.3 (2-1)3 (2-1)3 (2-1)3 (2-1)3 (2-1)3 (2-1)3 (2-1)3 (2-1)Sub-Total 24Supporting Courses {6-8 courses (3 Cr. hr) amongst below}Agriculture ExtensionForestry & Range ManagementAnimal ScienceMarketing & Agri BusinessRural DevelopmentHuman NutritionAgriculture ChemistryAgriculture EngineeringWater ManagementAny other discipline recommended by the universitySub-Total 18-24Sub-Total during the first four semesters70-76Semester 5, 6, 7 & 856-60Project / Internship04Grand Total130-140 1 credit of theory one contact hour per week for 16-18 weeks and 1practical/Lab hour 3 contact hours per week for 16-18 weeks. In case of non availability of department of supporting courses, coursesfrom foundation courses can be opted.9
SCHEME OF STUDIESCURRICULUM FOR SOIL SCIENCEBS/BSc. (HONS.) AGRICULTUREFoundation CourseSS-301 Introduction to Soil Science3(2-1)Major CoursesSS-501 Physical Properties of Soil4(3-1)SS-502 Salt-Affected Soils and Water Quality4(3-1)SS-503 Chemical Properties of Soil4(3-1)SS-504 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers4(3-1)SS-505 Analytical Techniques in Soil Science3(1-2)SS-506 Soil Survey and Land Evaluation3(2-1)SS-507 Soil Genesis and Taxonomy3(2-1)SS-508 Soil and Water Conservation3(2-1)SS-601 Soil Microbiology4(3-1)SS-602 Soil Water Plant RelationshipSS-603 Environmental Pollution and Management3(3-0)3(3-0)SS-604 Land Degradation and Management3(3-0)SS-605 Research Project and Scientific Writing3(2-1)SS-606 Trace Elements in Agriculture3(2-1)SS-607 Municipal Waste ManagementSS-608 Internship/ Research Project3(3-0)Total106(0-6)56 (38-18)
SEMESTER WISE BREAK UPCourse No. Course TitleCredit Hoursth5 SemesterSS-501Physical Properties of Soil4(3-1)SS-503Chemical Properties of Soil4(3-1)SS-505Analytical Techniques in Soil Science3(1-2)SS-507Soil Genesis and Taxonomy3(2-1)Elective – I3(3-0)Total Credit Hours176th SemesterSS-502Salt-Affected Soils and Water Quality4(3-1)SS-504Soil Fertility and Fertilizers4(3-1)SS-506Soil Survey and Land Evaluation3(2-1)SS-508Soil and Water Conservation3(2-1)Elective – II3(3-0)Total Credit Hours17SS-601Soil Microbiology4(3-1)SS-603Environmental Pollution andManagement,3(3-0)SS-605Research Project and Scientific Writing3(2-1)SS-607Municipal Waste Management3(3-0)Elective – III3(3-0)7th SemesterTotal Credit Hours16th8 SemesterSS-602Soil Water Plant Relationship3(3-0)SS-604Land Degradation and Management3(3-0)SS-606Trace Elements in Agriculture3(2-1)SS-608Internship/ Research Project6(0-6)15Total Credit HoursSub Total11135
DETAIL OF COURSESFoundation CourseSS-301INTRODUCTION TO SOIL SCIENCE3(2-1)ObjectivesThis course is designed to introduce the concept and importance of soilscience for agriculture students at under-graduate level.Course Outline1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.Definition of earth, geology and soil science; Disciplines of soil science.Soil forming rocks and minerals: Types and their formation.Weathering of rocks and minerals: Parent materialsSoil formation: Processes and factors affectingSoil profile and its descriptionPhysical, chemical and biological properties of soilIntroduction to soil classification and land use capability classesSoil organic matter: Sources, composition and significanceElements essential for plant growthOrganic and inorganic fertilizersSalt-affected and waterlogged soilsSoil and water conservationSoil and water pollutionPracticals1.2.3.4.5.6.Soil sampling and handlingPreparation of saturated soil pasteDetermination of soil water contentsAnalysis of irrigation water, report writing and interpretation.Determination of soil texture and bulk densityFertilizers: Identification, composition and calculation of nutrientpercentage7. Determination of soil pH and ECe8. Determination of soil organic matterBooks Recommended1. Bashir, E. and R. Bantel. 2001. Soil Science. National Book Foundation,Islamabad.2. Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2007. The Nature and Properties of Soils.14th Ed. Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA.3. Singer, M.J. and D.N. Munns. 2002. Soils- An Introduction. 5th Ed.12
Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA.4. Hillel, D. 2008. Soil in the Environment: Crucible of Terrestrial Life.Elsevier Inc., Burlington, MA, USA.Major CoursesSS-501PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL4(3-1)ObjectivesThe students will learn important physical properties of soil and their role inwater and nutrient holding capacity, aeration and their significance in cropgrowth.Course Outline1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.IntroductionSoil texture, specific surface area and importanceSoil structure: Genesis, description and importanceSoil crusting and sealing: Mechanism and significanceParticle and bulk density: Description and significanceTotal porosity and pore-size distribution and their significanceSoil air and aeration: Description and significanceSoil temperature: Factors affecting, significance and managementSoil color: Causes and significanceSoil consistency and strength: Description and significanceSoil water: Soil water potential and its components; Soil hydraulicproperties; Soil available water capacity12. Soil compaction: Causes and remedies13. Soil tillage: Systems and significance14. Introduction to solute movement in soilPracticals1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Textural analysis: Hydrometer, Pipette and Feel methodsDetermination of bulk and particle densityTotal soil porosity estimationAggregate stability estimationMeasurement of soil water contentsSoil color and its interpretationDetermination of soil strength/soil penetrometer resistanceBooks Recommended1.13Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2009. Elements of the Nature andProperties of Soils. 3rd Ed. Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River,
2.3.4.NJ, USA.Hillel, D. 2004. Introduction to Environmental Soil Physics. Elsevier, SanDiego, CA, USA.Jury, W. A. and R. Horton. 2004. Soil Physics. 6th Ed. John Wiley &Sons. Inc., NY, USA.Hillel, D. 2008. Soil in the Environment: Crucible of Terrestrial Life.Elsevier Inc., Burlington, MA, USA.SS-502SALT-AFFECTED SOILS AND WATERQUALITY4(3-1)ObjectivesThe objective of this course is to introduce the kinds of salts present in soiland irrigation water, their impacts on soil management and crop growth, andhow such soils can be reclaimed.Course Outline1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.Salt-affected soils: Introduction, classification, properties and extentSalination and sodication: Gapon and pHc equationsSystems of characterization of salt-affected soilsChemistry of soil solutionRoot zone salinityReclamation and management of salt-affected soilsIrrigation water: Criteria and classificationGroundwater: Characteristics and resourcesSalinity build up and predictionWaterlogged soils: Causes, impact and managementBio-saline AgriculturePracticals1.2.3.4.5.Sampling of salt-affected soils and irrigation waterSaturated soil extract analysisAnalysis of irrigation water, classification and report preparationDetermination of gypsum requirement of soil and waterField visits of salt-affected / waterlogged areas and projectsBooks Recommended1.2.3.4.14Ghafoor, A., M. Qadir and G. Murtaza. 2004. Salt-Affected Soils:Principles of Management. Allied Book Center, Lahore, Pakistan.Bohn, H.L., B.L. McNeal and G.A.O. Connor. 2001. Soil Chemistry. 3rdEd. John Wiley & Sons Inc., NY, USA.Essington, M.E. 2004. Soil and Water Chemistry: An IntegratedApproach. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA.Molden, D. (ed.). 2007. Water for Food, Water for Life: A ComprehensiveAssessment of Water Management in Agriculture. Earthscan Colombo,
5.IWMI, Sri Lanka.Tanji, K.K. and N.G. Kielm. 2002. Agricultural Drainage WaterManagement in Arid and Semi-arid Areas. FAO Agri. Drainage Paper 61.Rome, Italy.SS-503CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL4(3-1)ObjectivesThe students will learn chemical properties of soil and their role in nutrientavailability and plant growth.Course e clay minerals: Structures and propertiesAllophanes and sesquioxidesSoil colloids: Inorganic and organicCharge characteristics of colloids: Sources and significanceCation exchange and its significanceZero point of chargeDDL theory: Assumptions and propertiesAnion exchange and its significanceSoil pH: Description and significanceBasic cation saturation percentage: Description and significance;Buffering capacity of soils and significance12. Exchange equations: Limitations and assumptions13. Sorption in soilsPracticals1.2.3.4.5.Determination of pH of different soil to water ratios and saturated soilpasteDetermination of soluble and extractable cations in soilDetermination of CECDetermination of basic cation saturation percentageDetermination of lime contents in soilBooks Recommended1.2.3.4.15Bohn, H. L., D. L. McNeal and G. A. O‘Connor. 2001. Soil Chemistry. 3rdEd. John Wiley & Sons. Inc., NY, USA.Essington, M.E. 2004. Soil and Water Chemistry: An IntegratedApproach. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA.Sparks, D.L. 2003. Environmental Soil Chemistry. 2nd Ed. AcademicPress, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA.Sposito, G. 2008. The Chemistry of Soils. 2nd Ed. Oxford University
5.Press, NY, USA.Tan, K.H. 2009. Environmental Soil Science. 3rd Ed. CRC Press,Greensboro, GA, USA.SS-504SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS4(3-1)ObjectivesThis course is aimed to highlight the role of essential plant nutrients in cropproduction and how these nutrients can be replenished in soil throughapplication of organic and inorganic fertilizers.Course Outline1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Crop growth and factors affectingEssential plant nutrients: Functions, deficiency and toxicityMovement of nutrients to roots and uptake by plantsNitrogen: Gains and losses in soilN-fertilizers and their fate in soilPhosphorus: Forms in soilP-Fertilizers and their behavior in soils; Crop responses; Factor affectingand residual effects8. Potassium: Forms, amount, exchange equilibrium and factors affecting9. Soil status of calcium, magnesium and sulfur and factors affecting10. Integrated plant nutrient management: Organic and inorganic sources11. Nutrients behavior in submerged soilsPracticals1.2.3.4.5.6.Fertilizers: Identification and compositionFertilizer requirement calculationFertilizer analyses: Urea, CAN, DAP, SOPDetermination of available P and K in soilPlant analysis for N, P and KVisit to fertilizer factories, soil fertility institutes and demonstration trialsBooks Recommended1.2.3.16Ahmad, N. and M. Rashid. 2003. Fertilizer and Their Use in Pakistan: AnExtension Guide. Planning Commission, National Fertilizer DevelopmentCentre, Islamabad, Pakistan.Havlin, J.L., J.D.Beaton, S.L.Tisdale and W.L. Nelson. 2005. Soil Fertilityand Fertilizers: An Introduction to Nutrient Management. 7th ed. PearsonEducation, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA.Mengel, K. and E.A. Kirkby. 2001. Principles of Plant Nutrition. 5thEd. International Potash Inst., Bern, Switzerland.
4.Elsworth, L. and W.O. Relay (eds.). 2009. Fertilizers: Properties,Applications and Effects. Nova Science. Publ. Inc., NY, USA.SS-505ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN SOIL SCIENCE 3(1-2)ObjectivesThis course is aimed to teach students how soil and plant samples arecollected, processed, analyzed and interpreted.Course Outline1.2.3.4.5.Quality assurance and safety measures in the laboratoryS.I. and derived S.I. unitsExtraction, digestion and dry ashingAnalytical techniquesInterpretation of analytical resultsPracticals1.2.3.4.Preparation of standard solutionsSoil and plant sampling and preparationIntroduction to specialized equipmentsInstrumental analysesa. Conductivitymetry: Principle and instrumentationb. Potentiometry: Principle and instrumentationc. Spectrophotometry: Principle and instrumentationd. Emission spectroscopy: Principle and instrumentatione. Absorption spectroscopy: Principle and instrumentationBooks Recommended1.2.3.4.5.6.17Ryan, J., G. Estefan and A. Rashid. 2001. Soil and Plant Analysis.Laboratory Manual. International Centre for Agricultural Research in theDry Areas. Aleppo, Syria.Smith, K.A. and M.S. Cresser. 2003. Soil and EnvironmentalAnalysis: Modern Instrumental Techniques. CRC Press. BocaRaton, FL, USA.Sparks, D. L. et al. (eds.). 1996. Methods of Soil Analysis. Part3. Chemical Methods. SSSA, ASA Series No.5, Madison, WI,USA.Carter, M.R. and E.G. Gregorid (eds.). 2008. Soil Sampling andMethods of Analysis. 2nd Ed. Taylor & Fancis Group, BocaRaton, FL, USA.Jones, J.B. Jr. 2001. Laboratory Guide for Conducting SoilTests and Plant Analysis. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA.Tandon, H.L.S. 2005. Methods of Analysis of Soils, Plants,
Waters, Fertilizers and Organic Manures. FertilizerDevelopment and Consultation Organization, New Delhi, India.SS-506SOIL SURVEY AND LAND EVALUATION3(2-1)ObjectivesThe objective of this course is to teach students about techniques used forsoil survey and characteristics of soils assessed for their suitability for varioususes.Course Outline1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.Soil and landformKinds and levels of soil surveyAerial photographs and their interpretationStereoscopic vision theoryField traverse selectionPurposes, characteristics
1. Definition of earth, geology and soil science; Disciplines of soil science. 2. Soil forming rocks and minerals: Types and their formation. 3. Weathering of rocks and minerals: Parent materials 4. Soil formation: Processes and factors affecting 5. Soil profile and its description 6. Physical, chemical and biological properties of soil 7.
3 Objectives of Soil Mechanics To perform the Engineering soil surveys. To develop rational soil sampling devices and soil sampling methods. To develop suitable soil testing devices and soil testing methods. To collect and classify soils and their physical properties on the basis of fundamental knowledge of soil mechanics. To investigate the physical properties of soil and
Soil Map Units A soil map unit is a collection of areas defined and named the same in terms of their soil components (e.g., series) or miscellaneous areas or both –Fallsington sandy loam, 0 to 2% slopes –Marr-Dodon complex, 2 to 5% slopes Soil map units are the basic unit of a soil map Each soil map unit differs in some
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Introduction to Soil Science Martin Šanda -B673 martin.sanda@fsv.cvut.cz importance of soil, soil formation soil substances, flow of water in soil terminology, classification economical evaluation of soils -BPEJ. Ecological functions of soil Supports growthof plants and live of
contributions by New Zealand soil scientists advancing soil research. This issue of Soil Horizons shows how our traditional approaches to soil science, collecting data, research - and even the way we view soil - have changed. Rapid advances in technology are opening many new soil research opportunities, and these advances are combining with the
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