Soil Science (SOIL)
Head of Department: Professor Mary E. Musgrave
Department Office: Room 119, W.B. Young Building
For major requirements, see the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this Catalog.
(251) (Formerly offered as PLSC 251.) Second semester. Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: CHEM 1122, 1127 or 1147. Not open for credit to students who have passed PLSC 250. Schulthess
Introduction to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils. The relationship between soils and the growth of higher plants. Impact of soils on environmental quality.
2125. Soils Lab
(252) (Formerly offered as PLSC 252.) Second semester. One credit. One 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: SOIL 2120, which may be taken concurrently. Not open to students who have passed PLSC 250. Schulthess
Basic laboratory analysis of the physical and chemical properties of soil. Includes weekend field trips.
3220. Soil Formation and Classification
(205) (Formerly offered as PLSC 205.) First semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Recommended preparation: an introductory course in soil science and an introductory course in geology. Field trips required.
Nomenclature and techniques required to describe and characterize soils as natural bodies occurring on geomorphic surfaces. Theories of soil genesis and major systems of soil taxonomy in theory and in practice.
3253. Soils, Environmental Quality, and Land Use
(253) (Formerly offered as PLSC 253.) Second semester, alternate years (even). Three credits. Three class periods plus required field trips. Prerequisite: SOIL 2120.
Principles and procedures for using soils information in solving environmental and land use problems. The functions of soils in natural ecosystems and in the hydrologic cycle will be included.
3410C. Soil Chemistry Components
(259C) (Formerly offered as PLSC 259C.) (Also offered as ENVE 3240C.) First semester, alternate years (even). Four credits. Three class periods and one 2-hour computer laboratory period. Prerequisite: CHEM 1128 and 2241. Recommended preparation: SOIL 2120 and 2125. Schulthess
Basic concepts of the physical chemistry of soil constituents. Topics include soil atmospheres, soil solutions, soil organic matter, soil mineralogy, and surface characteristics and analysis.
3520. Urban and Sports Turf Soils
(235) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: SOIL 2120. Jointly taught with SAPL 0352.
Physical and engineering properties of soils and root zone mixes utilized for landscapes, horticulture production, golf course putting greens and athletic fields. Areas of emphasis will include: preparation and evaluation of project specifications, root zone constituent selection, design and installation of drainage systems, evaluating soils and root zone mixes prior to construction by conducting and assessing laboratory performance testing, examining construction techniques and maintaining quality control during construction.
3620. Soil Fertility
(258) (Formerly offered as PLSC 258.) First semester. Three credits. Two class periods and one 2-hour laboratory period. Prerequisite: SOIL 2120. Offered in odd-numbered years.
Factors governing nutrient uptake by plants, fate of nutrients applied to soils, principles and practices in the manufacture and use of fertilizers for crop production, laboratory and greenhouse studies of soil and plant response to applied nutrients.
4420. Soil Chemistry Reactions and Equilibria
(273) (Formerly offered as PLSC 273.) First semester, alternate years (odd). Three credits. Three class periods. Prerequisite: CHEM 1128 and 2241 and MATH 1120. Recommended preparation: SOIL 2120 and 2125. Schulthess
Physical chemical characteristics of soil minerals and soil organic matter, and their reactivity with compounds present in the aqueous and vapor phase. Topics include: redox reactions, adsorption and desorption measurements, electrokinetics, adsorption modeling, and basic principals of soil modification and remediation practices.
