Understand how to better manage land and how to rehabilitate degraded areas

Land degradation occurs through both natural and human induced processes, with many problems arising from poor human management. Understanding the ways in which land degrades is key to minimising or preventing these problems and to providing rehabilitation strategies.

This course consists of seven lessons covering the scope and nature of land management, land degradation and rehabilitation, managing soils, managing water, managing plants, managing animal populations, maintenance and natural regeneration.

How does it work?

At the end of each lesson, you will be given a short interactive test to undertake, which will provide an indication of how your learning is progressing. Upon completing the very last lesson, you will be offered a more thorough automated test or examination. This final assessment can be undertaken at any time of day or night; and any day of the week; and if you achieve an overall pass (60% or more); you will be able to obtain a “certificate of completion” with your name and completion date on it.

Note: these short courses are self-guided online courses and are not to be confused with our tutor-supported online courses.

There are 7 Lessons in this course:

LESSON 1: SCOPE AND NATURE OF LAND MANAGEMENT

• Causes of Land Degradation
• Broad Principles of Sustainable Land Management
• Harnessing the People
• Careers in Land Management

LESSON 2: LAND DEGRADATION & REHABILITATION 

• Forms of Land Degradation and Their Control
• Land Rehabilitation Management
• Mining Sites
• Environmental Assessment
• Land Management Programs
• The Importance of Trees on Farms
• Ecosystem Conservation

LESSON 3: MANAGING SOILS 

• Soil Fertility
• Physical and Chemical Factors Affecting Nutrient Availability
• Biological Factors Affecting Soil Fertility
• Improved Nutrient Management
• Loss of Soil Fertility
• Understanding Soil Analysis
• Sampling Soil
• Strategies for Tackling Soil Degradation
• Conservation Tillage and Crop Residue Management
• Soil Biological Management
• Land Management Using Alternative Farming Techniques
• Using Organic Principles to Overcome Soil Problems
• Using Plants To Extract Contamination

LESSON 4: MANAGING WATER

• Water Erosion
• Water Reuse And Recycling
• Wastewater Treatment

LESSON 5: MANAGING PLANTS

• Controlling Plants
• Using Plants For Erosion Control
• Planning Rehabilitation
• Plant Selection And Establishment
• Plant Varieties
• The Economics of Plant Selection
• Planting Preparation – Soil Cultivation
• Cultivation Machinery & Tools
• Planting Techniques
• Other Techniques
• Soil And Water
• Types of Water Wastage
• Irrigation Systems
• Coping With Dry Conditions
• Plant Protection Methods
• Weed Management
• Crop Rotations

LESSON 6: MANAGING ANIMAL POPULATIONS

• Creating Habitat Corridors For Wildlife
• Wildlife Conservation

LESSON 7: AFTERWARDS

• Plant Associations
• Natural Regeneration