Overview
This unit covers the fundamentals of soil and irrigation systems. You will learn how soil properties affect crop growth; how management strategies can be applied to manage variable soil conditions; how to interpret soil analytical data and how to develop soil improvement programs. The unit will show you how different growing conditions define management options and how a range of irrigation systems can be used to increase production.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUITE
Assessment 3 required students to visit a farm or garden and collect data for an irrigation plan. It was noted that not all students know a landholder or have access to a farm or garden.
Working in conjunction with colleagues and partners (including landholders), the unit coordinator will help students access a farm to collect data for their assessment. The AGRI11001 UC will liaise with the AGRI11002 (Plant Science and Crop Production) UC to ensure that soil and irrigation aspects are discussed during the farm visits organised for AGRI11002 during the Residential School.
Feedback from Self Reflection
The Residential School for this unit involved field assessment of key soil characteristics as well as some laboratory measurements. Students visited only one site located within the ROK Campus. There is a need to visit other agricultural farms and/or obtain soil samples from additional sites for comparative analysis.
The AGRI11001 UC will liaise with the AGRI11002 (Plant Science and Crop Production) UC to ensure that soil and irrigation aspects are discussed during the farm visits organised for AGRI11002 during the Residential School. Soil samples from a typical agricultural farm will be obtained and used for comparative analysis.
- Apply knowledge of soil testing results in order to describe different soil types
- Explain how soil properties determine production opportunities
- Develop, monitor and review soil amendment practices
- Determine the feasibility of using or upgrading irrigation systems
- Develop and evaluate an appropriate irrigation plan.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 30% | |||||
| 2 - Portfolio - 30% | |||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
r.koech@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Unit Introduction and Soil Physics
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil Chemistry
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil Biology and Australian Soil Classification
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil Management
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil Constraints and Land Degradation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 1 is due at the end of Week 5 (17/08/2025, 11:45 PM AEST)
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Soil and Water Relationships
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Introduction to Irrigation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2A is due at the end of Week 7 (07/09/2025, 11:45 PM AEST).
Module/Topic
Irrigation Planning and Design
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Irrigation Scheduling
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz 2 is due at the end of Week 9 (21/09/2025, 11:45 PM AEST).
Module/Topic
Performance Evaluation of Irrigation Systems
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Irrigation Modernisation in Australia
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment 2B is due at the end of Week 11 (05/10/2025, 11:45 PM AEST).
Module/Topic
Soil and Irrigation Management Review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Online Quiz(zes)
This assessment task consists of two Online Quizzes:
Quiz 1 (15%) - Due Week 5
This quiz will assess your understanding of content delivered during lectures and tutorials in Weeks 1, 2 and 3 of the Term. The quiz may include short answer, multiple-choice and calculation-type of questions.
Quiz 2 (15%) - Due Week 9
This quiz will assess your understanding of content delivered during lectures and tutorials in Weeks 4, 5 and 6 of the Term. The quiz may include short answer, multiple-choice and calculation-type questions.
Further details will be provided on the Moodle site.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 1: You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
2
Other
Quiz 1 is due at the end of Week 5 (17/08/2025, 11:45 PM AEST) and Quiz 2 is due at the end of Week 9 (21/09/2025, 11:45 PM AEST).
Assessments will be returned to students within 10 working days after the due date.
The quizzes will have a series of short-answer, multiple-choice and calculation-type of questions. Responses to these questions will be assessed according to their quality, accuracy and level of detail provided by the student.
- Apply knowledge of soil testing results in order to describe different soil types
- Explain how soil properties determine production opportunities
- Develop, monitor and review soil amendment practices
2 Portfolio
The portfolio is made up of two tasks related to research and practical activities undertaken independently and during the Residential School.
Assessment 2A. Soil Research Video Presentation (15%)
This assessment task requires you to submit a pre-recorded video, 4-5 minutes long, together with the presentation slides. You will need to undertake basic soil research and some experiments to prepare your presentation. You may undertake your research and experiments at any farm/property/region you are familiar with, or at your home/community garden.
Your video and presentation slides will include the following information:
- Background information of the farm/property or region (e.g. location, climate, predominant land use etc.).
- Brief description of the key soil properties of the farm/property or region (e.g. texture, structure, colour, pH).
- The predominant soil/s type according to the Australian Soil Classification system (https://www.soilscienceaustralia.org.au/asc/).
- A soil map of the farm/property or region. You can use the Queensland Globe (https://qldglobe.information.qld.gov.au/) or the Australian National Soil Information System ANSIS (https://portal.ansis.net/) to produce the map.
- Results of soil texture analysis (e.g. using ribbon or soaking/shaking method) and soil infiltration test. Explain the methods you have used to undertake the tests.
Further information will be provided on the Moodle site.
Assessment 2B. Practical Report (15%)
This assessment task requires you to submit a report related to field and laboratory soil analysis and irrigation performance evaluation tests undertaken during the two-day Residential School. A handbook containing all the activities that will be undertaken during the Residential School will be provided on the Moodle site. You will use the handbook provided as the template for your practical report.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Further details about the Residential School activities will be provided on the Moodle site.
Assessment 2A is due at the end of Week 7 (07/09/2025, 11:45 PM AEST). Assessment 2B is due at the end of Week 11 (05/10/2025, 11:45 PM AEST).
Assessments will be returned within 10 working days after the due date.
Assessment 2A (Soil Research Video Presentation) will be based on:
- Content - the quality and details of the presented information. All aspects of the task must be covered - background information, key soil properties, identification of the predominant soil type/s, soil map, undertake practical activities (soil texture analysis, soil infiltration test).
- Structure of the presentation.
- Evidence of practical activities undertaken (e.g. results, photographs).
- Quality of the presentation slides.
- Time management (video should be 4-5 minutes long).
- Your communication skills.
Assessment 2B (Practical Report) will be based on:
- The quality of data and information collected during Residential School.
- Analysis and presentation of the results using tables and figures.
- Discussion of the results obtained from the practical activities.
- The clarity of English expression, spelling and grammar.
- Apply knowledge of soil testing results in order to describe different soil types
- Explain how soil properties determine production opportunities
- Determine the feasibility of using or upgrading irrigation systems
3 Written Assessment
This assessment task requires you to prepare a plan for a new irrigation system. You will also develop an appropriate management strategy for your system. You will choose a suitable farm within a location in Australia that will be assigned to you.
To prepare your irrigation plan, you will access weather data from SILO – a Queensland Government database that provides climate data for Australia from 1889 to the present (https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/point-data/#responseTab2).
Your Irrigation Plan will be in a report format of 2500-3000 words. It will include an introduction, aims, the main body addressing the points listed below, as well as conclusions and references.
You may use the following suggested structure:
1. Background information
- Brief overview of the farm including location, topography and size. Include an aerial map of the farm (you may use Google maps, Google Earth, Queensland Globe or similar programs).
- Climatic parameters – e.g. rainfall and temperature.
- Soil information - (include Australian Soil Classification map e.g. from Queensland Globe).
- Potential water source to be used for irrigation.
2. Cropping enterprise
- Select a crop or pasture to be irrigated, including water and other management requirements. Explain the reason for choosing the crop/pasture.
- The water requirements of the crop/pasture may be obtained from published literature and industry websites.
3. Irrigation system
- Select an irrigation system to be used (e.g. trickle/drip, sprinkler or furrow irrigation). Justify your choice of the irrigation system.
- Design an irrigation system for your selected farm and provide a sketch or layout.
4. Installation requirements of the selected irrigation system
- Pumping requirements (including type of pump and its capacity).
- List of the key components to be used in the installation of the system (e.g. pipes, valves, and emitters or sprinklers).
- Periodic checking procedures to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the irrigation system.
5. Irrigation scheduling
- Explain the specific requirements of the irrigation system (e.g. determine the peak water demand - show relevant calculations).
- Prepare an irrigation schedule for the crop or pasture you selected. Your irrigation schedule should cover the entire growing season of the selected crop or pasture.
6. Budget
- Estimate the cost of the implementation of the irrigation system based on requirements (pumps, pipes, valves etc.) and approximate labour costs.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Level 2: You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Review/Exam Week Monday (13 Oct 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Assessments will be returned within 10 working days after the due date.
- Content - all the key aspects covered in the report (background information; cropping enterprise and irrigation system; sketch of the irrigation layout/design; installation requirements; irrigation schedule; and irrigation system management and operation).
- The detail, accuracy and quality of the information provided.
- The clarity of English expression, spelling and grammar.
- Referencing.
- Presentation of report - structure, use of figures and tables.
- Word length (2500-3000 words).
- Develop, monitor and review soil amendment practices
- Determine the feasibility of using or upgrading irrigation systems
- Develop and evaluate an appropriate irrigation plan.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
