Soil Processes and Management

This course covers the management of soils used for agricultural/horticulture production and the influence of soil texture, chemistry and biology on soil productivity.

Key facts

Start date: February or July 2027

Cost: $500 per person for the general public, $300 for Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association of New Zealand (HATA) members and Agribusiness in Schools members

Delivery mode: Online

Time commitment: 50 hours over 10 weeks

Overview

This course covers the management of soils used for agricultural/horticulture production and the influence of soil texture, chemistry and biology on soil productivity.

Topics include:

  • soil foundations and structure
  • water movement
  • soil physical properties
  • plant nutrients
  • soil minerals
  • charge
  • soil pH
  • carbon and nitrogen cycles.

What you'll get

Successful participants will receive a Massey University Certificate of Completion in Soil Processes and Management and have this achievement and 5 credits added to their academic record at Massey.

Entry requirements

No prior experience or qualifications are required, though ideally, participants should have had some previous tertiary education.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course, participants will be able to explain the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils that affect soil texture and the availability of water and nutrients to plants and apply this knowledge to soil management.

Quality assurance

The School of Agriculture and Environment will oversee course content, and the school's Examination Committee will oversee assessment and grading.

Registration

For all course enquiries and to register your interest, please email Fiona Bardell at F.M.Bardell@massey.ac.nz.

Course contacts

 Fiona Bardell

Fiona Bardell

Administrator
Phone
Department
School of Agriculture and Environment