NR 701 Advanced Soil Physics
Jordan University of Science & Technology
Faculty
: Agriculture
Department : Natural Resources & the Environment
Semester
: First 2004/2005
Place
: A3 132
Time
: 1 1.15-12.15 Sun Tues Thurs
Instructor : Dr. Nabil Eltaif
General Course Objectives:
To examine and understand the quantitative aspects of soil physics
particularly in relation to the transfer of energy, gas, water, solids in soil. Also,
to provide a basic understanding of soil physical properties and processes, with
emphasis on their importance and applications to agricultural problems.
What you are expected to learn from this course:
This course will enable the student to understand how the soil, plant, and
engineering sciences utilize knowledge of soil physical behavior and to develop
mathematical and quantitative skills needed to solve applied problem in soil
science. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how soil physical properties
impact on agriculture, natural resources, and the environment.
Course Content:
Weeks
1-2
Subject
Introduction to the subject, characterization of and
relationships between the soil solid, liquid, and air phases.
3-4
Clay minerals, particle size analysis, Stoke`s law, surface
area, measuring specific surface area
5-6
Soil structure ,classification , flocculation theory, swelling
& dispersion of clay minerals, factors influencing soil
structure, measurement of soil structures .
7-8
Soil water, status of water in soil, concept of potential,
mechanisms of water relations, Hysteresis, measurement
of water content and potential .
9-10
Water movement in soil, Darcy`s law, application of
Darcy`s law .
11-12
Flow through saturated soil, Laplace equation, application
of Laplace equation, diffusivity flow through layered soil .
13-14
Soil gas phase, composition, diffusion, mass flow, Fick`s
law, measurement of gas exchange .
15-16
Thermal relationship, soil thermal properties, temperature
and heat flow .
The attention given to each of these topics may be adjusted based on student
background and interests.
List of Textbook References:
* Text:
A comprehensive set of course notes will be used in lieu of book text. Several
other references are available in the library, and you will be expected to utilize
them as needed.
* Books on library reserve:
- Scott H.D. 2000. Soil physics. Iowa State Univ. Press. USA.
- Marshall, I.J., Holms , J.W and Rose, C.W. 1996. Soil Physics. 3rd Ed.
Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge.
- Hillel, D. 1998. Environmental Soil Physics. Academic Press,
NewYork.
- Hanks, R.J. 1992. Applied Soil Physics. 2nd Ed. Springer-Verlag,
NewYork.
Grading:
There will be 3 examinations. Quizzes will focus more specifically on materials
presented during lecture.
1st Exam
17.5%
nd
2 Exam
17.5%
Quizzes and home works 15%
Final Exam
50%
/12/2004
/1/2005