Agriculture
Soil Science deals with the formation of soils through the action of weathering, followed by the transport of soil particles by water, wind, gravity and glaciers. Emphasis is placed on the properties of soils based on how they were deposited. Also included are how soils develop over long periods of time into top soil and subsoil. Top soil and subsoil properties, both physical and chemical, are explored with an emphasis placed on agricultural applications. Important physical properties that are examined in depth are color, texture, structure, and bulk density. Important chemical properties that are examined in depth are pH and cation exchange capacity. Also included is the examination of how water is absorbed and held by soil particles and how water moves in soils. The concepts of water holding capacity, field capacity, temporary wilting point, and permanent wilting point are explored as they relate to crop production. Finally, soil erosion is studied and predictions made based on the Universal Soil Loss Equation.
Soil Fertility examines the interaction of mineral nutrients found in the soil and plant growth. Included is basic inorganic chemistry followed by in depth focus on lime, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Emphasis is placed on the role of soil pH and how plants take up and metabolize the primary nutrients. Effects of nutrient deficiency are examined for the primary and secondary nutrients. For each nutrient, fertilizer recommendations are calculated based on soil test results, cropping systems and yield goals. Students create nutrient management plans for multiple crops using multiple fertilizer sources. The economics of fertilizer applications are examined for every primary nutrient. The environmental effects of fertilization are also discussed. The culminating project is a fertility plan for a farm with multiple field, crops and years.
Soil Fertility examines the interaction of mineral nutrients found in the soil and plant growth. Included is basic inorganic chemistry followed by in depth focus on lime, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Emphasis is placed on the role of soil pH and how plants take up and metabolize the primary nutrients. Effects of nutrient deficiency are examined for the primary and secondary nutrients. For each nutrient, fertilizer recommendations are calculated based on soil test results, cropping systems and yield goals. Students create nutrient management plans for multiple crops using multiple fertilizer sources. The economics of fertilizer applications are examined for every primary nutrient. The environmental effects of fertilization are also discussed. The culminating project is a fertility plan for a farm with multiple field, crops and years.