agronomy agricultural physics agricultural meteorology soil science

2. Fundamentals of soil physics (2+1)
Soil as polyphase system, soil matrix, particle size distribution, structure of clayminerals-
nomenclature and system of classification; Soil structure, genesis, classification
and evaluation, porosity & pore size distribution, soil water and various force
fields for its retention, soil water availability, thermodynamics of soil water, measurement
of soil water content/potential, saturated and unsaturated movement, infiltration,
redistribution, evaporation; Field water balance, soil aeration and its characterization;
thermal regimes of soils; soil consistency; soil strength & tilth; physical
properties of soil in relation to soil erosion & land capability; spatial variability,
analysis of soil physical properties; use of isotopes and radiation in soil physical
investigation.
Practical
Particle size analysis by hydrometer and international pipette method; determination
of bulk density, particle density and mass volume relationships of soils of various
types; soil water retention characteristics; aggregate analysis- by wet and dry sieving
methods; estimation of Atternberg constants and soil strength; determination of saturated
and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity; determination of infiltration rates; measurement
of soil water content and soil water potential.
Suggested Readings
Baver, L.D., Gardner, W.H. and Gardner, W.R. 1972. Soil Physics, John Wiley &
Sons.
Hanks, R.J. and Ascheroft, 1980. Applied Soil Physics, Springer-Verlag, Berlin.5.
Hillel D., 1980. Applications of Soil Physics, Academic Press.
Hillel, D. 1982. Introduction to Soil Physics, Academic Press, New Delhi.
Hillel, D.I998, Environmental Soil Physics, Academic Press, New Delhi.
Khonke, Helmut, 1968. Soil Physics, McGraw Hill Publication
Kirkham, D and Powers, W.L. Advanced Soil Physics 1972. Wiley Interscience,
New Delhi.
Oswal, M.C, 1994. Soil Physics, Oxford & IBH, New Delhi.pp.360.
3. Principles of biophysics (2+1)
Structure and function of biological macromolecules and their organization; membrane
structure and function; types of binding forces; bioenergetics; biophysical features
of living cells; viruses; survey of experimental techniques for the study of