Brown, R.B., Chair; Collins, M.E.; Comerford, N.B.; Graetz, D.A.; Harris, W.G.; Hornsby, A.G.; Kidder, G.; Ma, L.; Mansell, R.S.; McNeal, B.L.; Mylavarapu, R.S.; Nair, V.D.; Nkedi-Kizza, P.; O’Connor, G.A.; Ogram, A.V.; Popenoe, H.L.; Rao, P.S.C.; Reddy, K.R., Rhue, R.D.; Sartain, J.B.; Sylvia, D.M.; Wilkie, A.C.

Undergraduate Coordinator: Sartain, J.B.

Graduate Coordinator: Reddy, K.R.

Analysis of effects of agriculture on environmental quality. Topics include agricultural sources of non-point pollution (fertilizers, pesticides), land application of municipal sewage, utilization of wetlands, management of agricultural organic wastes, utilization of wastes for fertilizer and as sources of energy,

current and future energy use in the food system, and world population growth and food production. (P)

Course will focus on relationships between human activities and soil and environmental quality. Lectures will concentrate on fundamentals of soil and environmental science, using case studies to illustrate basic principles. Intended for non-majors. (B)

Fundamentals of soil science emphasizing the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in relation to growth of native and agricultural plants and environmental uses. (P)

Hands-on exposure to soils-related properties and processes.

Consumption, existing reserves, formulation, chemical and physical properties, and manufacture of commercial fertilizers; basic chemical reactions of fertilizer materials with the soil and the fate of the nutritional elements whether it be loss by leaching, plant uptake, fixation, or soil retention. (P)

A fundamental study of soil properties and reactions critical to the evaluation of how contaminants, as well as essential nutrients, behave in the soil environment. (P)

Suitabilities and limitations of soils for different uses; use of soil surveys and related information in planning the use and management of land; behavior of water in soils; soil erosion and its effects; and soil potential ratings. (P)

Introduction to wetland ecosystems with emphasis on principles and problems associated with their functions and values as related to water quality. Students will become familiar with basic and applied concepts in hydrology, soils and vegetation of both constructed and natural wetlands.

Occurrence and activities of soil microorganisms and their influence on soil productivity and environmental quality.

Physical processes and properties of soils which influence optimum growth of plants as well as potential for groundwater pollution from agrochemicals and applied wastes. Primary emphasis is given to basic concepts of transport and retention for water and solutes; secondary emphasis is given to air and heat in the root zone of the soil profile; and limited attention is given to mechanical properties of soil which affect the proliferation of plant roots. (P)

Study and analysis of soil in the environment; factors responsible for soil formation and geographic distribution. Development of hydric soil criteria and hydric soil indicators. Emphasis on morphology or hydric/ non-hydric soils. Introduction to diagnostic horizons and soil classification. Labs on soil field techniques.

Selected topics for qualified students.

A special project course restricted to students in the honors program. Students will complete a project on a selected topic, issue, or problem in research, teaching or extension. The project will be reviewed by at least two faculty chosen by the honors coordinator. May be repeated for up to six credits.

Special topics designed to meet needs and interests of groups of students. Variable subject matter: e.g., contemporary issues in SWS, etc.

Practical work must be a new experience and related to field of study.