AGSC 201 - Basic Soil Science

1. Compare and discuss the use and management considerations of unique soils based on physical and chemical characteristics.
2. Classify physical and mineral structural units of soils.
3. Make general land use and fertility recommendations based on organic matter constituents, distribution, and cycling.
4. Estimate and evaluate soil texture using standard methods.
5. Identify types and measurements of soil water and describe how each changes based on soil texture and percent organic matter.
6. Identify common gases in soil and compare them to atmospheric concentrations.
7. Describe cation exchange capacity and how it is influenced by texture, mineralogy, pH, and organic matter.
8. Describe the process of soil formation and development.
9. Predict the physical and chemical characteristics of a soil based on climate, parent materials and mineralogy.
10. Recommend best management practices to reduce soil loss and to increase or maintain site productivity based on a field site assessment inclusive of a soil profile and identification of land capability class for a specific intended use.

1. Soil Components, Phases, and Profile-Horizons
2. Land Evaluation
3. Organic Fraction of Soil
4. Rocks, Parent Material, Soil Formation
5. Physical Properties of Soil
6. Mineral Fraction of Soils
7. Soil Reaction - Acidity & Alkalinity
8. Soil Water Relationships

• Summer
• Fall
• Winter