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For your self-learning purposes

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CML6032 4. Basic principles of land evaluation/ Soil performance & capability _ part 1

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C. Challenges to Soil Resource Management by Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Effendi Wasli

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C. Challenges to Soil Resource Management by Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohd Effendi Wasli

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Please find the lecture notes for this part of the course below

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A. Concepts in Soil Identification by Dr Hafsah Nahrawi

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A. Concepts in Soil Identification by Dr Hafsah Nahrawi

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Please find the lecture notes for this part of the course below

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Lecture note on the introduction to soil genesis

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Implementation of online learning for CML6032_year 2026

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Implementation of online learning for CML6032_year 2026

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The course will be conducted  via the following learning mode. Please take note on the following information on how the lesson will be conducted as follows:

1.     Lectures: will only be conducted via a) Hybrid Synchronous lecture via Zoom/Webex, OR

b) Prerecord lecture materials – will be posted in our Whatsapp group, if necessary

Instructors of this course will be posting posted some of the learning materials (including prerecord lecture videos, if any)

From time to time, we will update your class on any updates regarding the learning materials.

We have created one Whatsapp group specifically for this course (CML6032) as our source of communication.

If you have difficulties accessing Zoom/Webex or browse the learning materials in eleap (no internet coverage, no internet data, Internet line very slow, etc.), please contact the resource persons directly via Whatsapp (pm directly) so that we could find other alternatives for you.

2.     ZOOM or Webex session

·       Important announcements, inquiries on the academic matters related to this course, and any other inquiries.

·       Attendance purpose (QR code will be displayed 5-10 mins before Zoom session begins).

·       Using the Zoom/ Webex meeting link I forwarded in our Whatsapp group & eleap, log in to the session 5-10 mins before we start the session.

·       We will try to record all session for synchronous session.

3.     Class Schedule: please find the latest online class schedule (posted in eleap and WA group).

4.     Class attendance – attendance will be taken during class session (either during live session OR, after completion of given task (will be done manually))

5.   Assignments (group work) – information regarding the Assignment (instruction and dateline) will be informed in WA group and eleap.

6.     Group presentation (video presentation) – information regarding this task will be informed in class and sufficient timeline will be given for completion of the presentation (video) purpose.

7.      Students with no Internet access – now, if any of your friends have no internet access at all, please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that we could post all the materials via post. Contact us directly for further actions needed for this purpose.

8.      Final Examination: Details will be informed later.

The assessment strategy for this course:

Final Exam: 40% (details will be announced later)

Continuous Assessment: 60%

The details for continuous assessment are as follows:

1.     Assignments/case study (45%) – individual/group assignments on the relevant topic

1. Assignment 1 by HN

2. Assignment 2 by MEW

3. Assignment 3 by MEW

2.     Group presentation (video) (15%) – on Sustainable Soil Resource Management

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Course outline for CML6032

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Please find the course timetable for your reference

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Some available publications at DoA Sarawak on soil classification

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Some available publications at DoA Sarawak on soil classification

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SOIL SURVEY SERVICES SOIL SURVEY SERVICES

SOIL SURVEY SERVICES Soil Publication and Eligibility of Access to Soil Maps
Soil information has been classified as 'privileged information'. Director of the Department of Agriculture Sarawak is the custodian of soil information.

The department recognize the importance of providing access to soil information in supporting the development of agricultural industry in the State.

Soil Maps and Agriculture Capability Maps at a Scale of 1:50,000
The Soil Maps and Agriculture Capability Maps of Sarawak in analogue form at a scale of 1:50,000 can be obtained or purchased from the Soil Management Branch, subject to approval by the Director of the Department of Agriculture, Sarawak.

Tha application form and the price list for the Soil Maps at a scale of 1:50,000 can be obtained from either the Assistant Director of Agriculture (Soil Management) at Badruddin Road, 93400 Kuching.
Soil Publication and Maps at a scale smaller than 1:50,000
Direct purchase of soil publication and maps at a scale smaller than 1:50,000 can be made at the Soil Management Branch, Badruddin Road, Kuching. The type of publication and maps and the price are as show in Table 1.

Table 1: Soil Publication and Maps Price List

The Establishment of A Geographical Information System (GIS) Department of Agriculture Sarawak

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Official Website of Department Of Agriculture Sarawak

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SOIL SURVEY SERVICES SOIL SURVEY SERVICES SOIL SURVEY SERVICES Soil Publication and Eligibility of Access to Soil Maps Soil information has been classified as 'privileged information'. Director of the Department of Agriculture Sarawak is the custodian of soil information. The department recognize the importance of providing access to soil information in supporting the development of agricultural industry in the State.

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2. Evolution and application of soil taxonomy

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2. Evolution and application of soil taxonomy

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Please find the lecture notes on the evolution and application of soil taxonomy

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2. Evolution and application of soil taxonomy

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The lecture note on the basic principles of soil mapping

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3. Basic principles in soil mapping - an overview

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B. Concepts in Resource Allocation by Assoc. Prof Dr Mohd Effendi Wasli

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B. Concepts in Resource Allocation by Assoc. Prof Dr Mohd Effendi Wasli

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Please find the lecture notes for this part of the course below

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4. Basic principles of land evaluation/ Soil performance and soil capability

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4. Basic principles of land evaluation/ Soil performance and soil capability

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Please find the lecture notes on the above topics here

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4. Basic principles of land evaluation Soil performance and capability

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5. Impact of soil degradation, spatial variability and soil diversity on sustainability

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5. Impact of soil degradation, spatial variability and soil diversity on sustainability

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Please find the lecture notes on the above topic here.

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5. Soil degradation and spatial variability

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Please find the lecture note for the above topic

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Please find the lecture note on the above topic here.

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7. Significance of remote sensing techniques and GIS in precision land use

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7. Significance of remote sensing techniques and GIS in precision land use

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Lecture note on the above topic here

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7. Significance of Remote Sensing Techniques and GIS in Precision Land Use

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8. Impact of land use on quality of soils and natural waters – qualitative and quantitative considerations

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8. Impact of land use on quality of soils and natural waters – qualitative and quantitative considerations

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The lecture notes available here

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8. Impact of land use on quality of soils and natural waters – qualitative and quantitative considerations

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9. Soil resilience and soil remediation,

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9. Soil resilience and soil remediation,

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Lecture note available here

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10. Basic concepts in sustainable land resource management

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10. Basic concepts in sustainable land resource management

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Lecture note on the above topic here

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Upload and post the file of your Assignment 1 here

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Upload and post the file of your Assignment 1 here

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State your group members fullname and Matric number when posting your Assignment here

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Assignment 1 (15%)_ Soil Formation, Classification and Implications for Land & Water Management (15%)

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Assignment 1 (15%)_ Soil Formation, Classification and Implications for Land & Water Management (15%)

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Please find the details of your Assignment 1 (for Dr Hafsah's topic) here.

INSTRUCTION:

Working in groups of 3-4 students per group, select a study area (e.g., agricultural land, forest reserve, post-construction site, or mixed-use landscape) and complete the following tasks.

Task 1: General Map of the Study Area

Include a general map of your chosen study area:

1.    Mark the boundaries or highlight the location clearly.

2.    Indicate major features relevant to soil formation (e.g., rivers, slopes, vegetation cover).

3.    Add a short description of the location based on the map, including key features etc.

Task 2: Soil Formation and Characteristics

1. Briefly describe the soil-forming factors (parent material, climate, organisms, relief, and time) that are likely influencing the soil in your chosen area.

2. Discuss any possible conditions that may retard soil development in the area (e.g., erosion, flooding, compaction, nutrient leaching).

Task 3: Soil Classification

1. Identify one soil order (USDA Soil Taxonomy) that could be present in your area.

2. Justify your selection by linking to diagnostic horizons, key soil properties (texture, structure, pH, color, drainage) and environmental conditions of the study area.

Task 4: Implications for Land Use and Water Resource Management

Discuss how the identified soil types can influence:

1.    Land Use (e.g., agriculture, forestry, construction suitability).

2.    Water Resource Management (e.g., irrigation requirements, drainage, erosion control measures).

Note: Support your explanations with relevant literature and/or field or secondary data. Include pictures or diagrams where appropriate to enhance clarity.

Submission Requirements

Format: PDF

Font & Spacing: Times New Roman, size 12, 1.5 spacing

References: APA style (in-text citations and full reference list)

Deadline: 30 August 2026

Where to submit your assignment: In this Padlet page. When posting, ensure the group members names and matric number are stated clearly

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Please find the rubric for you assignment 1 here

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Assignment 2 (15%) on Land evaluation and capability classification

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Assignment 2 (15%) on Land evaluation and capability classification

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Please find the details of your Assignment 2 (for AP Dr Mohd Effendi's topic) here.

INSTRUCTION:

Questions: Land evaluation and capability classification provide systematic approaches to guide sustainable land use decisions. However, in practice, conflicts often arise between private interests, state responsibilities, and societal/environmental needs.

Referring to the above statement, “Is it practical to allow private rural landowners in Sarawak (or Malaysia in general) to do whatever they want with their land? Discuss this in relation to sustainable soil resource management.”

Task: Your group (please use the same group members for Assignment 1) are required to write a discussion paper (1,200–1,500 words).

Your discussion must include:

1. Conceptual understanding:

a. Briefly explain the role of land evaluation and capability classification in sustainable land management.

b. Differentiate between “capability” and “suitability” of land use.

2. Supporting Arguments

a. Discuss potential benefits of giving landowners full autonomy (e.g., economic gain, local empowerment, investment freedom).

b. Discuss potential risks/limitations (e.g., soil degradation, erosion, declining fertility, forest conversion, peatland drainage).

3. Case Evidence

a. Support your discussion with at least three references from scientific papers, government reports, or case studies (e.g., examples from Sarawak peatlands, oil palm expansion, shifting cultivation, forest conversion, etc.).

b. You may also use recent news articles or policy reports related to Sarawak/Malaysia (e.g., land disputes, agricultural expansion, environmental issues).

4. Reflection

Provide your opinion and recommendation: Should rural land use be left fully to private owners, regulated strictly by the state, or managed through a balance of both? Why?

Assignment Guidelines

1. Length: 1,200–1,500 words

2. Format: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing

3. Referencing: APA 7th edition; minimum five references (mix of journal papers, case studies, or recent news).

Deadline: 1 SEPTEMBER 2026 (before 1700pm)

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Please find the reubric for Assignment 2 here

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Please find the details of your Assignment 3 (for AP Dr Mohd Effendi's topic) here.

INSTRUCTION

Your group (please use the same group members for the last assignment) are required to watch the following videos as case study materials:

1. Green Gold (China) – which showcases successful rehabilitation and regeneration of degraded lands.

2. The Aral Sea Disaster – which illustrates how mismanagement of soil and water resources can lead to severe environmental degradation.

Both examples provide contrasting lessons: one highlights failure, and the other demonstrates success.

Your Task:

Using insights from these case studies:

1. Risk Assessment for Sarawak

Critically examine whether Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, is at risk of experiencing a large-scale environmental disaster similar to the Aral Sea due to current land use practices (e.g., oil palm expansion, peatland drainage, logging, or agricultural intensification).

2. Adaptability of Rehabilitation Models

If such land degradation occurs in Sarawak, assess the feasibility of applying the rehabilitation approaches showcased in Green Gold (China). Considering Sarawak's unique ecological, social, and governance contexts, discuss what modifications or alternative measures might be necessary.

3. Proposal of Mitigation & Remediation

Based on your analysis, propose practical mitigation measures and remediation strategies that could prevent or rehabilitate soil and land degradation in Sarawak. Support your arguments with examples from scientific papers, local case studies or relevant policies.

Answer Format

You are free to choose any format that effectively communicates your ideas:

Short analytical report (maximum 2,000 words)

Poster or infographic

Images/visual storytelling

Short video presentation

Creativity is encouraged, but your submission must clearly demonstrate critical analysis, contextual application and practical proposals for soil resource management in Sarawak.

Please submit your answer to this case study in this Padlet (Submission column availabe).

Write all your group member's full name and matric number submitting your answers

DEADLINE: on or before 6 September 2026.

Late submission is really not appreciated.

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Please find the evaluation criteria as attached

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This is the video (quite long but you can skip wherever necessary) on the rehabilitation effort of degraded lands_the experience in Loess Plateau, Inner China

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Green Gold  - Documentary by John D. Liu

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Aral Sea: Man made environmental disaster

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Aral Sea: Man made environmental disaster

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News by BBC on one of the world's worst environmental disaster. A good example of how unsustainable land resource management could lead to irreversible disaster.

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Aral Sea: Man-made environmental disaster - BBC News

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Please find the notes here

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Instruction on your group presentation (15%): Self reflection on the idea of "Sustainable Soil Resource Management"

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Instruction on your group presentation (15%): Self reflection on the idea of "Sustainable Soil Resource Management"

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Student's group presentation (CML6032_2025) on Sustainable Soil Resource Management 15%)

Instruction

Using the same groupings for CML6032, you are required to present one topic of your choice as listed below:

Presentation title(s): Each group is required to choose ONLY ONE (1) topic below for this purpose.

Title 1: Why Soil Maps Still Matter: The Role of Soil Information in Sustainable Land Use Planning

Land use planning frequently relies on maps that represent geographical features such as topography, hydrology, and vegetation cover; however, soil maps are often neglected or considered less relevant in decision-making processes. This omission undermines the understanding of soil as a critical natural resource that directly influences agricultural productivity, forestry practices, water regulation, and land capability. For this presentation, students are required to examine the importance of soil maps critically and discuss why they remain essential tools in sustainable soil resource management. Students should highlight the functions of soil maps in guiding land suitability assessments, identifying soil limitations, preventing land degradation and supporting sustainable land-use decisions. Practical examples, such as agricultural land zoning, forestry management, watershed conservation, or urban land development, should be used to illustrate how soil maps can inform management practices, reduce environmental risks and contribute to long-term sustainability.

Title 2: Indigenous Soil Knowledge: A Forgotten Key to Global Environmental Partnerships?

Indigenous peoples and local communities have developed deep-rooted knowledge of soils through centuries of observation, experimentation and adaptation, often shaping sustainable practices such as shifting cultivation, organic soil amendments, water management and traditional land stewardship. Principle 22 of the Rio Declaration (1992) highlights the critical role of such communities in environmental management and sustainable development. Yet in many cases, their contributions remain undervalued or overlooked in modern soil science and global environmental governance. For this presentation, students are required to critically examine whether indigenous and local knowledge of soils still has relevance in today’s context, particularly in strengthening global partnerships to address issues such as land degradation, soil fertility decline and climate change. Students should evaluate both the strengths and limitations of integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches, while also discussing examples where traditional soil management practices have successfully complemented modern strategies in promoting sustainable soil resource management and protecting the integrity of the global environment.

Title 3: Fertilizers and Sustainability: Balancing Crop Productivity with Soil Health

Fertilizers are essential inputs in intensive agricultural systems, especially in permanent cropping areas where continuous nutrient removal can deplete soil fertility. However, their effectiveness depends greatly on how they are applied, and improper usage can lead to serious consequences such as soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, contamination of water resources, loss of soil biodiversity and long-term decline in land productivity. For this presentation, students are required to critically examine what constitutes the “proper usage” of fertilizers in the context of sustainable soil resource management, including appropriate rates, timing, methods and integration with organic or biological inputs. In addition, students should analyze the environmental and socio-economic risks associated with mismanagement of fertilizers and propose practical strategies, methods, and precautionary measures—such as soil testing, site-specific nutrient management, adoption of the 4R principles, or integrated nutrient management approaches—that can minimize negative impacts while maintaining soil health and ensuring agricultural sustainability.

Title 4: Soil Variability: challenge or opportunity for Sustainable Management?

Soil is inherently variable and heterogeneous, even within a small area, due to differences in its formation factors such as parent material, climate, topography, biological activity and time. This variability influences soil properties including texture, fertility, water-holding capacity and organic matter content, making it both a challenge and an opportunity for sustainable management. For this presentation, students are required to explain the meaning of the statement “the one great constant concerning soil is its variability and heterogeneity in one area” and analyze its underlying causes. Furthermore, students should elaborate on the implications of soil variability for land use planning, agricultural productivity and resource conservation while highlighting how understanding and managing variability can benefit soil resource management. Practical examples—such as precision agriculture, site-specific nutrient management or land capability classification—should be used to illustrate how variability can be addressed and even harnessed to promote sustainable outcomes.

Title 5: Soil and Society: Bridging the awareness gap in an era of global environmental change

Although soil is the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems and plays a vital role in food production, water regulation, carbon storage and biodiversity conservation, its importance is often overlooked by the general public compared to other environmental issues such as air and water pollution. This lack of awareness presents a major challenge in promoting sustainable soil management at both local and global scales. For this presentation, students are required to critically examine why it is difficult to instill the importance of soil in public consciousness, considering factors such as invisibility of soil processes, limited representation in environmental policies and insufficient education or outreach. Furthermore, students should propose strategies to bridge this awareness gap, including approaches to raise public understanding of soil health and its role in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, land degradation and food security. Practical examples of awareness campaigns, education programs, or policy initiatives may be used to demonstrate how soil-related knowledge can be effectively communicated to society.

Group presentation (instruction: read carefully)

1. Each group must prepare a slide presentation (duration: not more than 10 minutes, I will deduct marks for videos that exceed the allocated time!).

2. Contributions by all group members during the presentation is essential.

3. The presentation (video_you can upload them in Youtube (set it as Unlisted video)and post the link here) will be posted in the space provided in this Padlet on or before 6 September 2026.

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Please find the rubric for your evaluation here

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Upload and post the file of your Assignment 2 here

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Upload and post the file of your Assignment 2 here

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State your group members fullname and Matric number when posting your Assignment here

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Please find the grouping for your Group Assignment here.

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For your self-learning purposes

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CML6032 4. Basic principles of land evaluation/ Soil performance & capability _ part 2

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For your self-learning purposes

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CML6032 4. Basic principles of land evaluation/ Soil performance & capability _ part 3

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For your self-learning purposes

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CML6032 4. Basic principles of land evaluation/ Soil performance & capability _ part 4

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Name/ matric number...

1)

2)

3)

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Group  3 Title 3 : Fertilizers and Sustainability: Balancing Crop Productivity with Soil Health

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Group  3 Title 3 : Fertilizers and Sustainability: Balancing Crop Productivity with Soil Health

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Zahora Binti Ismail 25030172

Nurhidayatul Waheeda Binti Suhaili 25030728

Khoo Ai Yuan 24030575

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Upload and post the file of your Assignment 3 here

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Upload and post the file of your Assignment 3 here

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State your group members fullname and Matric number when posting your Assignment here

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Sustainable Land Use & the importance of maintaining Soil Organic Matter (SOM)

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Sustainable Land Use & the importance of maintaining Soil Organic Matter (SOM)

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Importance of soil map in supporting sustainable land use planning. How soil classification and land capability evaluation can be intergrated in land use planning. With examples (refer to the four case studies)

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Importance of soil map in supporting sustainable land use planning. How soil classification and land capability evaluation can be intergrated in land use planning. With examples (refer to the four case studies)

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Case study 1 - Agricultural Zoning (Melen Basin, Turkey)

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Case study 1 - Agricultural Zoning (Melen Basin, Turkey)

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Case study 2: Global Application of soil information - for Pecision Forestry (Ontario, Canada)

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Case study 2: Global Application of soil information - for Pecision Forestry (Ontario, Canada)

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Case study 3 - Erosion Control (Langat Watershed, Malaysia)

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Case study 3 - Erosion Control (Langat Watershed, Malaysia)

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Case study 4 - Watershed Health (Central America)

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Case study 4 - Watershed Health (Central America)

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Soil Health, Resilience & Remediation (Phytoremediation)

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Soil Health, Resilience & Remediation (Phytoremediation)