AGRI 0221. Introduction to Soil Science
Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Soils as natural bodies formed by interactive environmental processes, classification and characteristics. Soil response to use and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. Laboratory topics include soil type, classification, soil reaction, soil fertility and physical properties of soil. (C-ID AG-PS 128 L) (CSU, UC)
AGRI 0221 - Introduction to Soil Science
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/agri-0221/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: Soils as natural bodies formed by interactive environmental processes, classification and characteristics. Soil response to use and management including erosion, moisture retention, structure, cultivation, organic matter and microbiology. Laboratory topics include soil type, classification, soil reaction, soil fertility and physical properties of soil. (C-ID AG-PS 128 L) (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 36 Laboratory 54 By Arrangement Contact Hours 90 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Analyze local soil quality as affected by human and natural activities. Apply soil nutrient cycles to soil, plant, and soil organism relationships. Analyze the features of a soil profile and relate to soil and agricultural management practices. Describe the organic breakdown cycle of a soil and the role of organisms in soil physical and chemical properties. Read a soil map, explain the importance of soil mapping and relate it to how to locate a specific site using both township/range and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Course Content Outline I. The soil around us 1. The function of soils in our ecosystem 2. Early agrarian societies and their soil management practices, including significant historical events 3. The soil as a natural body, an overview of its features and functions 4. The scientific aspects of soil science, applied research present and future II. Formation of soils from parent materials 1. Parent rocks and the influence on soil 2. Factors influencing soil formation 3. Soil formation in action III. Soil classification 1. Soil orders 2. Categories and nomenclature of soil taxonomy 3. Soil series and textural classes 4. Storie index and land capability classes IV. Soil physical properties 1. Texture 2. Structure 3. Color 4. pH 5. Profile 6. Bulk density 7. Particle density 8. Pore space 9. Soil management as applied to physical properties V. Interpretation and use of soil maps 1. Remote sensing tools for soil investigations 2. Satellite imagery 3. County soil survey reports and their utilization 4. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) VI. Organic material and microbiology of soils 1. Influence of organic material in the soil complex 2. Composting 3. Diversity of soil organisms 4. Influence of soil microorganisms 5. The soil environment and organisms and organic matter 6. Soil nutrient cycles 7. Concept of a sustainable soil system VII. Soil moisture 1. The hydrological cycle 2. The soil plant atmosphere continuum 3. Relation to texture, structure, and organic material in the soil 4. Retention and movement in the soil 5. Soil drainage 6. Irrigation requirements and practices in relation to soil 7. Water quality influence and assessment 8. Water conservation applications VIII. Soil colloids 1. Properties and type of colloids 2. Genesis of soil colloids 3. Cation exchange capacity 4. Factors influencing the availability of micronutrient cations and anions 5. Soil analysis IX. Soil pH 1. Assessment 2. Management of acidic soils 3. Management and reclamation of saline-alkaline soils 4. Global soil quality as affected by human activities Course Objectives Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Analyze local soil quality as affected by human and natural activities. 2. Relate local geographical features to local soils. 3. Evaluate parent rocks and other soil forming processes influence on local and global soils. 4. Differentiate the qualities of a soil by its classification. 5. Read a soil map, explain the importance of soil mapping and relate it to how to locate a specific site using both township/range and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). 6. Demonstrate an understanding of the classification of local and global soil orders (i.e., soil taxonomy). 7. Discuss the importance of essential plant nutrients to soil. 8. Demonstrate how to determine a Soil Storie Index Rating and a Natural Resources Conservation Service land capability class. 9. Apply soil nutrient cycles to soil, plant, and soil organism relationships. 10. Compare and contrast soil management practices and relate them to soil conservation and sustainability. 11. Compare and contrast the roles of different organisms in a soil food web. 14. Analyze the features of a soil profile and relate to soil management practices. 15. Describe the organic breakdown cycle of a soil and the role of organisms in soil physical and chemical properties. 16. Compose a scientific paper based on data collected in the course following the format of a professional soil science journal. Laboratory Objectives: 1. Demonstrate hands-on, practical experience with the tools and techniques of soil science. 2. Evaluate soil for its physical, chemical and morphological properties. 3. Evaluate a soil system for factors of sustainability. 4. Analyze a soil's microbiological activity level. 5. Demonstrate the determination of the following soil physical properties: textures (two methods), use of texture triangle, bulk density, particle density, pore space, organic content, color, pH, structure, conductivity and reactivity. 6. Evaluate, appraise and analyze soils using appropriate terminology. 7. Evaluate a soil's water holding capacity, plant available water, properties and movement of water in soil. 8. Assess and evaluate the anion and cation exchange capacity for a given soil. 9. Design and carry out an experiment implementing the scientific method and employing basic data collection and analysis procedures. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Objective Examinations Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Read the assigned pages from the textbook and be prepared to discuss the differences in the phases of soil formation. 2. Read current scientific articles regarding soil science and be prepared to discuss them, as well as use the data presented in them for other assignments. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write a series of one page reports on uses and their impacts on soil quality. An example is a paper highlighting the use of animal manure and its impacts on improving water use and the factors that need to be monitored regarding this management practice. 2. Write a paper on an issue facing soils used for agriculture production. Potential topics include soil leaching, erosion, and soil loss. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
Agriculture
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/agriculture/
Overview Sustainable agriculture is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long-term, satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agriculture economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. TRANSFER AND MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Agriculture are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Faculty
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...L AGRI 0156 AG-PS 128 L AGRI 0221 AG-AS 132 L AGRI 0203...
