Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the key principles of soil fertility and its importance in agriculture.


2. Identify essential soil nutrients and their roles in plant growth.


3. Analyze soil properties and factors affecting fertility.


4. Apply sustainable soil fertility management practices.


5. Utilize digital tools for soil analysis and fertility enhancement.

Summary of Concepts Covered

1. Introduction to Soil Fertility

Definition and significance of soil fertility.

Differences between fertile and infertile soil.


2. Essential Soil Nutrients

Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K).

Micronutrients: Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Boron (B).

Nutrient cycles and their impact on plant health.


3. Soil Properties and Factors Affecting Fertility

Soil texture and structure.

Soil pH and its influence on nutrient availability.

Organic matter and microbial activity in soil health.


4. Soil Fertility Management Practices

Organic and inorganic fertilization.

Crop rotation and intercropping for nutrient conservation.

Composting and mulching to improve soil structure.


5. Digital Tools for Soil Fertility Analysis

Use of mobile apps for soil testing.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in soil mapping.

Smart farming techniques for precision agriculture.

Last modified: Tuesday, 11 March 2025, 4:03 PM