Introduction to Soil Science (Paper Code: 17010109)

  
Theory

Soil: Pedological and edaphological concepts, Soil forming rocks and minerals, Soil formation, factors affecting soil formation, soil forming processes; of Soil profile.

Soil physical properties, Soil texture, Particle size distribution system, , Bulk density and particle density of soils & porosity, their significance in agriculture.

Soil crusting; soil compaction; Soil water, forms, hygroscopic, capillary and gravitational, soil moisture constants-hygroscopic coefficient, wilting point, field capacity, moisture equivalent, maximum water holding capacity,  soil temperature and thermal properties; soil air and gaseous exchange;

influence of soil temperature and air on plant growth.

Soil colloids, Properties, nature, types and significance;; soil reaction;

soil organic matter- composition, decomposition, mineralization and humus and its fractionation; soil organisms and their significance.

  

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 Must Know  
Origin of the earth, Earth‟s crust; composition of soil; soil colour, Development, Taxonomic classification of soils; soils of Haryana and India;

Soil structure classification and its significance, Soil aggregates, Soil consistency and its types

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 Desirable to Know  
Layer silicate clays- genesis, charges; adsorption of ions, ion exchange and its significance 1 Nice to Know  
Practical

Identification of rocks and minerals; study and description of a soil profile;

determination of bulk density and particle density; soil strength;

soil moisture determination; collection and processing of soil samples;

determination of organic carbon, pH and electrical conductivity

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 Must know  
Determination of field capacity, infiltration rate, water holding capacity; soil temperature 6

 

 Desirable to Know  
Mechanical analysis of soil 2 Nice to Know  
Syllabus Book

 

1.       Biswas, T.D. and Mukherjee, S.K. 2001. Text Book of Soil Science. Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Co., New Delhi

2.       Das.D.K, 1997. Introductory Soil Science. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.

3.       Foth, H.D. and Turk, L. M. 1972. Fundamental of Soil Science. 5th Edn. Wiley Eastern Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

4.       Gupta, P.K. 2007. Soil, Plant, Water and Fertilizer Analysis. Published by AGROBIOS (India), Jodpur

5.       Jaiswal, P.C. 2006. Soil, Plant and Water Analysis. 2nd Edn. Kalyani Publishers, ludhiyana

6.       Brady, N.C. 1990. Nature and Properties of Soils. 10th Edn, Macmillian Publishing Co. Inc., New York