Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3

Undergraduate | 2026

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area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
AGRI 3014
Course ID icon
Course ID
205152
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

The course will provide students with a comprehensive view of ecological interactions in soils. It covers the interactions between plants, soil and soil organisms, the roles played by soil organisms in decomposition of organic material, nutrient cycling (C, N, P) and stability of agricultural and natural ecosystems. Other topics include the importance of soil organisms for soil fertility, mycorrhizas and their effects on plant productivity and plant communities, microbial ecology, root growth and the biology of the rhizosphere.

Course learning outcomes

  • Understand the importance of soil ecology and nutrient cycling in agricultural and natural ecosystems, with specific focus on carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
  • Understand the factors and processes affecting nutrient availability in soils, and plant-soil interactions, including the role of soil organisms, plant roots, the rhizosphere, and association with mycorrhizae.
  • Utilise common analysis methods for evaluating nutrient cycling, including assessing microbial activity.
  • Understand how management practises affect nutrient cycling and agricultural sustainability.
  • Synthesize, critically analyse, and communicate scientific concepts and research findings regarding soil ecology and nutrient cycling.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A