Key facts
Start date: 20 July 2026
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
There is a 2-step process to register for the course. First, register for this course and second, pay by credit or debit card.
Course contacts
