Good soil conditions are critical to the healthy growth of most plants. Over eight lessons this course will develop an understanding of physical & chemical properties of soils, the ability to carry out simple tests and determine soil characteristics, and to decide ways of treating a soil to improve its ability to grow plants. The course is specifically designed for crop production.

There are 7 lessons in this course:

1. Physical & Chemical Properties of Soils
2. Soil Testing Methods
3. Sustainable Soil Management
4. Soils & Managing Earthworks
5. Land Degradation & Other Soil Problems
6. Soil Science & Health
7. Soil Management

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Explain the physical and chemical properties of soils suitable for crop production.
• Use soil testing methods to assess soils characteristics suitable for crop productioN.
• Describe appropriate techniques for sustainable soil management for crop production.
• Explain the methods used in managing earthworks in a way which is sensitive to soil condition.
• Identify and propose solutions for a number of problems that may occur with soils for crop production.
• Describe the relationship between soil characteristics and plant health.
• Describe appropriate techniques for soil management in crop production