AGR-100 Soil Science

A practical introduction to the composition and importance of soils. Topics covered: sampling, classifications and naming of soils with their various uses, nutrient components, analysis and management of nutrients, soil organisms, environmental and man-made damage to soils with discussions on mitigation. This course is foundational for a variety of environmental disciplines.

Credits

3

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Semesters Course Will Be Offered

• Fall
• Spring

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Define and give examples for terms as they relate to soils, soil composition and components, soil nutrients and the tools and procedures used for sampling and testing.
2. Systematically apply several methods for analysis and recognition of a variety of soils commonly found in Upstate, Central, and Western New York State (Ex. Cultural characteristics and/or land use groups).
3. Classify a selected number of soils into their cultural characteristic or land use groups in preparation for practical application (Ex. land use careers and problem diagnosis).
4. Evaluate the effects of man-made and natural influences on a variety of soil and environmental conditions.

View Course Outline

AGR 100: Soil Science

Department

Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Course Description

A practical introduction to the composition and importance of soils. Topics covered: sampling, classifications and naming of soils with their various uses, nutrient components, analysis and management of nutrients, soil organisms, environmental and man-made damage to soils with discussions on mitigation. This course is foundational for a variety of environmental disciplines.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	0
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Semester(s) Course Will Be Offered

Fall, Spring

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Define and give examples for terms as they relate to soils, soil composition and components, soil nutrients and the tools and procedures used for sampling and testing.
2. Systematically apply several methods for analysis and recognition of a variety of soils commonly found in Upstate, Central, and Western New York State (Ex. Cultural characteristics and/or land use groups).
3. Classify a selected number of soils into their cultural characteristic or land use groups in preparation for practical application (Ex. land use careers and problem diagnosis).
4. Evaluate the effects of man-made and natural influences on a variety of soil and environmental conditions.

Topic Outline

1. Introduction to Soils
   1. Components of perfect soil
   2. Source of components
   3. Importance of components
2. Soil Physical Properties
   1. Texture
      1. Components that cause or influence texture
      2. Effects that will change texture
      3. Testing for texture
   2. Soil Structure
   3. Porosity
      1. Components that cause or influence porosity
      2. Effect that will change porosity
   4. Soil Consistence
   5. Soil Color
3. Soil Water Properties
   1. Hydrologic cycle
   2. Relationship of physical properties to water storage capacity
   3. Infiltration and runoff
   4. Percolation
   5. Evaporation
   6. Water storage and movement
   7. Water available to plants
4. Soil Chemical Properties
   1. Colloids
   2. Cation exchange
   3. Cation exchange capacity
   4. Soil pH
   5. Soil aggregation
5. Soil Organisms
   1. Variety of soil organisms
   2. Compost creation
   3. Benefits of organic material
6. Soil Formation
   1. Five soil forming factors
   2. Soil horizons
   3. Diagnostic horizons
7. Soil Taxonomy
   1. Terminology of soil types
   2. Characteristics of soil types
8. Acidic soils
   1. Causes and sources
   2. Effects to soil structure
   3. Effects to cation exchange capacity
9. Salt Affected Soils
   1. Causes and sources
   2. Effects to soil structure
   3. Effects to cation exchange capacity
10. Soil Fertility
    1. Soil nutrients
    2. Macro and micronutrients
    3. Effects of pH on nutrient availability
    4. Fertilizers
    5. Calculating nutrients in fertilizers
11. Soil Erosion
    1. Various control measures and options
    2. Soil tillage systems
    3. Horticulture relationship to erosion
12. Soil Surveys
    1. Tools and resources
    2. Land-use planning
13. Water Resources
    1. Irrigation
    2. Wetlands
    3. Drainage
    4. Conservation
14. Soil Pollution and Protection
    1. Environmental integrity
15. Various Media
    1. Greenhouse soils
    2. Soilless mixtures
    3. Hydroponics