Instructor(s)

Matthew Eick
Associate Professor, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
Phone: (540) 231-8943
E-mail: eick@vt.edu

W. Lee Daniels
Professor, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
Phone: (540) 231-7175
E-mail: wdaniels@vt.edu

Description

Characterization of soils as a natural resource emphasizing their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological properties in relation to nutrient availability, fertility, plant growth, land-use management, waste application, soil and water quality, and food production. Calculations used in land-use management.

Prerequisites and Co-requisites

One year of introductory biology and chemistry. Soils are a complex mixture of minerals, organic matter, and microorganisms. Therefore, students must have a strong background in biology and chemistry in order to understand the complex processes that occur in this media.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe the genesis and classification of soils.
2. Relate physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils to nutrient and contaminant availability, site management practices, plant growth, and productivity assessment for a range of forest, agricultural, suburban and urban soil conditions found in the eastern United States.
3. Describe the role of soils in important ecosystem functions such as carbon and nutrient cycling, water-quality regulation, habitat support, etc.
4. Select proper land-use management practices that will enhance plant and animal production, prevent soil and water pollution, and/or enhance quality of life.