Soil and Water Science
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF
Reddy, R.B., Chair; Brown, R.B.; Clark, M.W.; Collins, M.E.; Comerford, N.B.; Graetz, D.A.; Grunwald, S.; Harris, W.G.; Hornsby, A.G.; Jawitz, J.W.; 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.; Prenger, J.P.; Rhue, R.D.; Sartain, J.B.; Sylvia, D.M.; White, J.R.; Wilkie, A.C.
AGG 3503 Agriculture and Environmental Quality.
Credits: 3.
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)
SOS 2008 Humans, Soils, and Environmental Impact.
Credits: 3.
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)
SOS 3022 Introduction to Soils in the Environment.
Credits: 3.
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)
SOS 3022L Introduction to Soils in the Environment Lab.
Credits: 1.
Hands-on exposure to soils-related properties and processes.
SOS 3023L Soil-Judging.
Credits: 2; repeatable for a maximum of 6 credits.
Students learn to inventory soil properties and record them on a standard form used by USDA soil scientists. Students travel locally to the field and also attend a 3-day Regional Soil Judging contest. Students learn to classify soils using Soil Taxonomy and to interpret soil quality and behavior from soil properties.
SOS 4115 Environmental Nutrient Management.
Credits: 3; Prereq: SOS 3022.
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)
SOS 4213C Soils and Environmental Chemistry.
Credits: 3; Prereq: CHM 2041 or CHM 2046; SOS 3022 helpful.
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)
SOS 4231C Soils and Land Use.
Credits: 3.
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)
SOS 4244 Wetlands.
Credits: 3.
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.
SOS 4303C Soil Microbial Ecology.
Credits: 3; Prereq: SOS 3022.
Occurrence and activities of soil microorganisms and their influence on soil productivity and environmental quality.
SOS 4602C Soil Physics.
Credits: 3; Prereq: SOS 3022, PHY 2004 and MAC 2311.
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)
SOS 4715C Environmental Pedology.
Credits: 4; Prereq: SOS 3022.
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.
SOS 4905 Individual Work.
Credits: 1 to 3; May be repeated with change of content up to 6 credits; Prereq: 8 credits of soils and permission of the instructor.
Selected topics for qualified students.
SOS 4909 Honors Project.
Credits: 1 to 6; maximum of 6 credits. Must be admitted to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Honors Program. 3.5 GPA or greater.
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.
SOS 4932 Special Topics in Soil and Water Science.
Credits: 1 to 3; May be repeated with change of content up to 6 credits.
Special topics designed to meet needs and interests of groups of students. Variable subject matter: e.g., contemporary issues in SWS, etc.
SOS 4941 Full Time Practical Work Experience in Soil and Water Science.
Credits: 1 to 3††; Prereq: Prior arrangement with adviser, approval of department chairperson and dean.
Practical work must be a new experience and related to field of study.
