Course on Sustainable Land Management

INTRODUCTION

Currently, global warming is one of the most frequently discussed environmental issues. Many questions on its potential impacts on natural resources are still unanswered. An important natural resource in the context of agricultural production is soil. More research needs to be conducted in order to fully understand the impacts of global warming on soils and other natural resources. However, it is widely known that soils are vulnerable to many land degradation processes. The most important degradation process is soil erosion. Global warming may be a factor in initiating land degradation processes.

On the other hand, soils are known to be inhabited by various flora and fauna. Each species of flora and fauna has its own specific roles in the development of the soil. One group of soil organisms, the microbes, have the potential to be exploited for beneficial purposes.

Increasing our knowledge on some of the above issues and processes will be very useful in progressing towards sustainable agriculture. An improved level of understanding is an important initial step in the formulation of policies and practices that may contribute towards better management of natural resources.

This short course will highlight and discuss several aspects of the issues mentioned above.

OBJECTIVES

1. To provide an overview of the range of soil resources and their properties
2. To discuss relationships between soil processes and environmental factors

TOPICS

1. Characteristics of major soil types in Malaysia  (An overview of important soils in Malaysia and their properties)
2. Soil microbiology in sustainable agriculture  (Looking at micro fauna and flora, their characteristics, and how they can be of benefit to agricultural production)
3. Soil erosion from an environmental perspective (Looking at soil erosion as an environmental issue in the context of on-site and off-site effects)
4. Soil classification and agricultural suitability (How and what criteria are used to classify soils, both for organising knowledge of soil characteristics and their suitability for crop production)
5. The role of soil chemistry in improving soil health (The management of soil chemical characteristics in the context of improving fertility and quality) 
6.  Soil physical characteristics and their influence on erosion (Textural and structural properties of soil, their influence on soil erosion processes and how erosion control practices can improve the soil’s resistance)
7. Mitigation of soil erosion (A discussion on the various approaches and measures of controlling soil erosion)
8. Impact of global warming on soil microbiological activity (How global warming can alter environmental characteristics and affect microbiological activity in the soil)
9.  Soil chemical analysis (A discussion on sampling procedures, selection of test methods and interpretation of results)
10. Enhancing soil fertility through microbiological activity (Use of microbes in improving soil fertility) 

SPEAKERS:

The speakers involved in this course have vast experience in research in several fields of soil science. They have also participated as presenters in numerous scientific conferences and short courses. After serving as researchers in research institutes for more than 30 years, they are presently active in consultancy work and related activities. A summary of their academic qualifications and working experience is given below. 

1.       Dr Ahmad Ikram

·         MSc (Malaya, 1978)

·         PhD (Reading, 1985)

·         Soil microbiologist with RRIM/LGM (1975-2007).

·         Current occupation: Consultant, part-time lecturer, technical assessor for ISO 17025 quality system (Department of Standards, Malaysia)

2.       Dr Zainol Eusof

·         MSc (Ghent, 1978); PhD (Ghent, 1984)

·         Soil surveyor and researcher with RRIM/LGM since 1974

·         Head, Crop Management Unit, RRIM/LGM

·         Current occupation: Soil surveyor, consultant on soil classification, soil management for rubber production, and development of rubber plantations; part-time lecturer

3.       Dr Ghulam M. Hashim

·         MSc  (Newcastle Upon Tyne, 1975)

·         PhD (Ghent, 1983)

·         Researcher in the field of Soil Erosion and Conservation, MARDI (1975-2006)

·         Currently involved in consultancy work in soil management, soil erosion control and soil erosion measurement

4.       Dr Norhayati Moris

·         MSc (Ghent, 1976); PhD (Ghent, 1982))

·         Researcher with RRIM/LGM (1974-2006)

·         Fields of specialisation: (a) Soil chemistry (b) Chemical analysis of soil, water, latex , fertiliser and plant

·         Head, Materials Characterisation Unit, RRIM/LGM (2004 – 2006)

·         Convenor, ISO working group on natural rubber

·         Current occupation: Consultant; part-time lecturer; technical assessor for ISO 17025 quality system (Department of Standards, Malaysia)