Nature and origin of soil; Pedalogical and edaphological concepts - Definition of soil, rocks and minerals-Soil formation – Factors affecting soil formation processes –Weathering - Physical, chemical and biological weathering of soil

Soil texture and textural classes – Soil textural classification - Soil structure and classification – Gradation analysis- Soil consistency- Major types of soils in Tamil Nadu - Major soil types of India

Properties of Soil – Physical physical properties of soil and their significance – soil texture, structure,- Bulk density, particle density and porosity soil particle size distribution, pore space, soil colour, soil temperature, soil water. Soil physical constrains and their management, Soil inorganic colloids – their composition

Soil water - Soil water potentials – Soil moisture constants- Water movement -Infiltration, hydraulic conductivity, percolation, permeability and drainage –Soil Micro organisms -Beneficial and harmful effects.

Soil organic matter – C : N ratio, Carbon cycle – Nitrogen cycle – Humus formation - Soil fertility - Soil nutrients - significance of macro and micro nutrients – Soil pH, Soil EC – Soil testing – Water testing - Soil test and water test report