AGRI5002 Advanced Soil Systems Masters students only
AGRI5002 Advanced Soil Systems Masters students only
ASSESSMENT TASK 2 Soil Experimental Report
This assessment task will be based on your practical experiment.
Refer to your practical notes regarding the glasshouse experiment (Practical 1)
Marks: 30% of your final grade.
Due: 9pm Sunday 28 May (Week 13).
Part 1: Soil Experiment Report
Task: This experiment aims to investigate agricultural field soils (i.e. physical, chemical and biological) and their impact on (cereal) plant growth.
The task gives you the opportunity to be able to research, think independently and formulate ideas.
In groups, you will work as a team to set up your experiment, take measurements over several weeks, collate and interpret data.
Each student will then be responsible for writing their own unique scientific report based on the experiment.
Your 2,500 word scientific report should include the following sections:
Abstract
Title
Introduction
Materials and methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusions and
References.
To obtain the maximum marks possible present your work in an accepted and logical writing style, within the required word count, set your data out clearly in tables and figures and explain your findings using a minimum of 15 references to demonstrate that you have researched the topic.
Assessment: You are provided with a template to complete your report (See pages 2-4). Refer to the marking rubric for further detail on the allocation of marks.
Title (be descriptive but concise, make it interesting and highlight the core content/context of the report)
First Author1, Second Author2, Third Author1 and FR Author3 (include your bench partners but list yourself as the first author)
1 Organisation, address, city, NSW 2000, website, address@yahoo.com2 Organisation, address, city, VIC 3000 (presenting author marked in bold), optional_address@yahoo.com3 If all authors are from the same Institution then superscript numbered labels are not required
Abstract (AGRI5002 students only)
The abstract should contain a summary of the context and aim of the paper, the information to be presented and the key conclusions.
Keywords
No more than a single line of key words in order of decreasing relevance. e.g.Allelopathic compounds, weed control, molecular techniques.
Introduction
The introduction generally presents the problem or topic being investigated in a clear, concise and interesting manner. As a guide, a report of 2000-2500 words would require two to three introductory paragraphs and contain the following information: the problem being investigated, history of the present state of the problem (what else has been done), justification of the study (the research gap), the aim of the report and statement of methodology (such as a pot experiment) or analysis to be used. Your introduction must include a hypothesis.
(The data, table, figure and references cited in this example paper bear no relation to the text and are purely to illustrate the recommended format for papers).
Methods
The methodology section must be detailed enough for the reader to replicate. Refer to the methods you have been drafting throughout the semester and include the specific treatments and set up of the pot experiment.
Second level headings should be in ItalicsSub headings are important to distinguish from main headings and normal text. Normal text is Times New Roman, 11 point, with the title larger (14 point, bold) and address smaller (9 point).
Of course, there are many other ways to present data (Fischer 1985; Muchow and Carberry 1989). The examples here are just a guide. When citing other work containing more than two authors cite the first author followed by et al. (not in italics). In the Reference list at the end of the paper list all the authors (Fischer et al. 2004; Holzworth et al. 2014).
Units
Units to be metric as used in the Australian Journals. For example, grain yield was 5.4 t/ha or 5.4 t ha-1 or 540 g m-2 and its water use efficiency was 10.4 kg/ha/mm or 10.4 kg ha-1 mm-1. However, in any single paper the style of units should be consistent. Also, please place a space between numbers and its units (e.g.<5 mm or 100 %).
Results
Start your results with text that states the key findings of your results and refers to your table(s), figure(s) or photograph(s) but avoid repeating (in your results text), the information in the tables and figures. You must describe your results in text otherwise you will lose quite a few marks, and try to make it interesting for the reader (this can take some practice). You will need to present your raw data (in your tables and figures) as averages. Some statistical interpretation would be beneficial.
Data should be presented either in a figure or a table, but not both. They should be placed as close as possible after the paragraph containing the reference to them. All tables and figures must have a title heading and be referred to in the body of the text. Tables should be numbered in sequence as Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, etc. The same applies for labelling of figures and plates.
A simple uncluttered format as shown in REF _Ref37146567 h * MERGEFORMAT Table 1 is appropriate. Notice it has lines at the top and bottom and then a line to separate the heading. Vertical lines are generally not used. Raw data (extra data used to generate the work) may be presented in an appendix section rather than clutter the main argument as presented in the text.
Please do not straddle Tables (Table 1) or Figures (Figure 1) over page boundaries and do not wrap text around Tables or Figures (Figures 1 and 2).
Table 1. Effect of tillage treatment on soil bulk density, water content and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). Natural log transformed data, ln(x+1), are in parentheses. Tables should not be images of text or greatly exceed page boundaries. This is to allow quick editing.
Tillage treatment Bulk density(g/cm3) Water content(g/cm3) Ks(mm/h)
Zero tillage 0.99 0.331 145 (4.982)
Conventional 0.98 0.328 12 (2.583)
LSD(P=0.05) 0.04 0.023 (0.548)
Tables and figures should be left aligned for consistency (Figure 1). All figures and tables should be referred to in the following text (Figure 2). Captions of tables and figures should be as concise as possible but must be able to stand alone in explaining the information contained and its source.
Figure 1. The spatial distribution of Mallee Eucalyptus species open-scrub in Australia. Predominant areas () coinciding with largely alkaline soils that now comprise significant cropping areas and other areas () where Mallee vegetation is significant but not predominant. Map reproduced from Hill (1989).
DiscussionYour discussion must be presented logically and flow from one point to another. The use of sub- headings will help you organise your work and allow the reader to find the information they are seeking.
Start your discussion by tying your results back to your research question/hypothesis. For instance, does your data support your hypothesis? In this first paragraph, summarise the key findings of your research.
Figure 2. Wheat DM measurements at 8 weeks after emergence (g/m2) in control; inorganic fertiliser treatment and alum biosolids treatments at rates of 0.5 NLBAR, 1 NLBAR, 1 .5NLBAR, 2 NLBAR and 3 NLBAR (Source Rigby and Pritchard 2009).
Next, put your results in context, that is, explain your results to the reader and compare your results to similar research in the scientific literature. You must use peer reviewed works here. Describe how your research can be applied and/or how it contributes to the scientific literature. You can also refer the reader back to your figures and tables if necessary (Figure 2).
At the end of the discussion and just before the conclusion, take a critical look at your research. You might want to use a subtitle like Limitations and Future Directions. What worked well, didnt work well? How can this work be improved or what further investigation(s) can improve/enhance your studies? However, avoid apologising or being overly critical about your work, you dont want to leave the reader with doubts about your hard work.
A short conclusion should be included at the end of the discussion. Highlight the key findings or the significance of the study. Remember, do not include any new material or references in your conclusion.
References
Refer to the Curtin Library referencing link, which is supportive of the Chicago 17th B referencing style. You must use peer reviewed sources such as journal articles and text books. Websites are not considered peer reviewed can be used sparingly, but will not contribute to your minimum requirement of 10 or 15 peer reviewed sources.
Rigby, H. & Pritchard, D. (2009, 9-11 November) Phosphorus bioavailability in alum biosolids used in agriculture [Paper Presentation]. Proceedings of the CIWEM/Aqua Enviro 14th European Biosolids and Organic Residuals Conference, Leeds, UK.
Note: This assessment template is adapted from the template supplied by the 20th Australian Agronomy Conference organising committee to potential authors: https://agronomyconference.com/
TASK 2: MARKING RUBRIC - SOIL AMENDMENT EXPERIMENT (Total = 100) 30% of FINAL GRADE
CRITERIA EXCELLENT-VERY GOOD
(70-100%) SATISFACTORY-GOOD
(50-70%) NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
(40-50%) UNSATISFACTORY
(<40%)
TITLE & REPORT FORMAT
Max - 5 Descriptive title
Report is well structured and includes a contents page
Page numbers are included
The word count of 2,500 words has been achieved
Spelling and grammar are outstanding Title needs further work
Report is adequate and is logically structured
Page numbers are included
The word count of 2,500 words has been achieved
Spelling and grammar are acceptable Title is not descriptive
Report structure needs improvement
Page numbers are not included
There is no contents page
The word count is much less or much greater than 2,500 words
Spelling and grammar needs improvement Title is misleading
The report is poorly presented and lacks structure
There is no contents page
The word count is much less than 2,500 words
Spelling and grammar is poor
ABSTRACT
Max - 5 Clear succinct statement of the problem, accurate description of the procedure used to collect data and relevant summary of the main findings. Satisfactory statement of the problem, description of the procedure used to collect data and a summary of the main findings. Abstract does not reflect the main purpose of the work conducted and/or summarise the main findings. Abstract is incomplete or missing
INTRODUCTION
Max - 10 Clear concise discussion of background information related to topic that supports the significance of the reportBackground information is from reputable sources and is cited correctly
The introduction includes an hypothesis that reflects the purpose of the report Satisfactory discussion of background information that support the significance of the assignment
Background information is mostly from reputable sources and is cited correctly
The introduction includes an hypothesis that mostly reflects the purpose of the report Background information is limited or not relevant
Sources used for the background information are not cited
The introduction includes an aim, but it does not include an hypothesis that reflects the purpose of the report Little background information is provided
The introduction does not include an aim or any statement of the purpose of the report
MATERIALS & METHOD
Max - 10 The materials and methods are an accurate representation of the work conductedChanges to the methodology are included The materials and methods are an accurate representation of the work conducted The materials and methods are incomplete and/or not an accurate representation of the work conducted There is little information given as to how the experiment was conducted
RESULTS
DIAGRAMS and GROWTH MEASUREMENTS
Max - 30 Tables and figures are used to summarise the raw plant data and are labelled correctly and to a high standardTables and figures are referred to in the body of report
Excellent range of results presented Tables and figures are used to summarise the data and are labelled (mostly) correctly
Table and figures are referred to in the body of report
Good range of results presented
Tables and figures are poorly summarised and presented; or include raw data not averaged data
Table and figures are not referred to consistently in the body of report
Attempts to discuss results in this section
Tables and figures are incomplete, inaccurate or absent.
Results are not summarised in text.
DISCUSSION
Max -20 The main findings of the report are explained logicallyDiscussion demonstrate a high level of interpretation, critical thinking and deduction to explain the effects of the various soil types Information is mostly from reputable sources and is generally cited correctly
Discussion demonstrate an adequate level of interpretation, critical thinking and deduction Citations are incomplete
Discussion demonstrates little understanding of the topic The content demonstrates little understanding or relevance of the topic
CONCLUSION
Max - 10 Coherent and well written summary of the main content of the report Reasonable summary of the main findings of the report Conclusion is present but fails to capture the main findings Conclusion is missing
REFERENCES
Max - 10 References are presented in consistent format in text and in the reference list
An excellent range of references is used
The required number of 15 references is exceeded References are sourced from suitable sources; presented in consistent format in text and in the reference list
The required number of 15 references is met References used are very limited in quality
Citations are used inconsistently
The required number of 15 references is not achieved Reference list is missing or incomplete
Citations are missing
Tips for writing the methods section of a report
Writing methods can be the easiest part of writing your report. However, it is best to write the methods as you work through your experiment as it can be a big job if you dont stay on top of it. Just remember the guidelines below are specific for the report(s) for this unit and other unit coordinators or journals may have different expectations.
Always use past tense and write in passive voice. You are describing something you did in the past, not a how-to for the reader. A passive voice means you do not use pronouns such as we, I etc.
Write the methods in paragraph format. Do not use bullet or numerical points.
Structure the methods section logically and use subheadings. For instance, start with the set up of the pot experiment, then detail the sampling, harvest and statistical analyses methods each under separate headings. This enables the reader to find the methods they are interested in easily.
Provide all the details so that it can be replicated by others. In the case of your experiment, you need to include details, such as the size of the pots, the fertilizer used, the equipment you used (particularly when we do the chemical analyses), the manufacturer of the equipment or consumables you used. This helps the reader source the same or similar equipment so they can replicate your experiment.
Specify the variables/replication. You need to describe what your treatments were in the experiment (the independent variable), and what you measured (the dependent variable). You also need specify how many replicates you used.
Avoid describing well known methods. If a method is already published (and there will be many examples of this in your pot experiment), cite the authors of that experiment in your methods section (in logical order) and include them in your reference list instead of describing the method in full. Then describe any changes you have made these methods. For instance, many of the techniques you will use to describe the physical characteristics of your soils will be the same as those described in Stuart-Street et al. (2020). An example for citing this work is: The soil texture was determined using the hand texturing technique, as described by Stuart-Street et al. (2020).
See the example from Kneller et al. (2108) in the Assessment 2 folder in Blackboard on writing a pot experiment method.
