Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Define soil and recognize soil physical characteristics and structure.
2. Describe the processes of soil formation and understand soil how soils are classified.
3. Compare and contrast soil types and textures and aggregate shape, size and grade.
4. Describe soil chemical characteristics as they relate to water and air movement in the soil and the cation exchange capacity. (CEC)
5. Describe heat transfer and thermal properties of soil and mechanisms used to alter heat transfer and soil temperature.
6. Define modes of water movement in the soil.
7. Describe soil environment management techniques used to impact soil water content.
8. Describe how irrigation and soil surface disturbances impact movement of water within soils and soil water content.
9. Identify soil microorganisms and recognize the interactions of these microorganisms with plants.
10. Describe the major microbial processes that take place in the soil environment and the impact of flooding, drought and soil disturbances on these processes.
11. Identify major and micro nutrients present in the soil and methods of enhancing amounts and availability for plants and microorganisms.
12. Identify the effects of acidic of saline soils on plants and management options for mitigating these effects.
13. Use computerized tools and soil sampling to classify soils and determine nutrient amendments and amounts.
14. Identify the various methods of soil degradation and management practices utilized to prevent soil degradation.
15. Identify the multiple uses of soil and the products derived from soil.
For textbook information, contact the Agriculture/Range Management Instructor.