A primer on soil systems, this course will explain how soils are constituted from physical, chemical and biological perspectives and how they function at different spatial and temporal scales, from the aggregate up to the landscape. 

It will also explore issues relating to the multi-faceted concept of soil health, considering how can this be defined, measured, managed and monitored. 

This course also forms the introductory session to the 3-day Fundamentals of Soil System Science module, which also features an additional e-Learning component. 

Soils are literally fundamental to civilisation since they provide the physical surface on which societies dwell, and support a huge range of critical functions which deliver a wide range of ecosystem goods and services. They are irrevocably bound to agricultural production and soil quality is therefore one of the key components that underpins viable and sustainable food production. 

An appreciation of how soils are constituted and function, and the principles of effective soil husbandry, is thus important for anybody involved with soils and land management issues.


At a glance

  • Duration1 day
  • LocationCranfield campus

Course structure

1 day workshop

What you will learn

Understand how soils are constituted, the principal ecological functions which soils deliver, and how soils are organised across spatial scales from the field to the landscape. 

Recognise and understand some functional consequences of soil textural classes and soil structure 

Have an appreciation of concepts of soil health

Concessions


Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world. 

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford
MK43 0AL

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.