PLSCI 5600 - Soil Science

Fall. 4 credits. Student option grading.

Co-meets with PLSCI 2600.

J. Russell-Anelli.

Designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in a comprehensive introduction to Soil Science from both an environmental and management perspective as well as graduate students who wish to advanced their understanding of the biogeochemical (biologic, hydrologic and mineral interfaces and linkages underpinning and controlling the soil, plant and atmospheric continuum. This course examines the dynamic relationship of soils with the environment and will place particular focus on both the larger landscape as well as site specific implications of this relationship. The course is flipped with online lectures, in-class homework, projects and activities as well as a weekly laboratory and is presented in three components.

Outcome 1: Describe and explain the distribution and variability of soils and their properties across the landscape.

Outcome 2: Display a knowledge of how these properties are created and how they affect landscape processes (both at a large and small scale).

Outcome 3: Demonstrate a preliminary ability to investigate soil characteristics.

Outcome 4: Exhibit an understanding of how we manage (or not) soils and their properties for multiple objectives.

Outcome 5: Communicate insight into the environment’s drivers of the pedosphere that underpin all earth systems and their area of study.

Outcome 6: Produce an initial concept/content design for post baccalaureate programs as applicable.