BASIC SOIL SCIENCE
Instructor Name: Dr. Ron Walser
Text Book: The Nature and Properties of Soil. 14th Edition.
Type of Instruction: Lecture/Lab
COURSE OUTLINE
SUBJECT MATTER
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Introduction and
Soil Formation
Physical Properties
of Soil
Soil Water Relationships
Mineral Fraction of Soils
Exam
Soil Reaction
Soils of Dry Regions
Ecology of Soil
Exam
Soil Organic Matter
Soil Nutrient Management
Review, Final Exam
WEEK
pp. 1-75
1
pp. 121-172
2
pp. 173-264
pp. 310-355
3
4
pp. 358-399
pp. 401-441
pp.443-492
5
6
7
pp.496 -539
pp.678-734
8
9
10
11. Review, Final Exam (if needed)
11
LAB exercises will be built into lecture time.
STUDENT LEARNING ASSESSMENT STRATEGY:
Grades will be calculated on a total point basis earned during the quarter and based on a percentage of
400 total points (100 points each for 3 midterms and 200 points for final exam. Final exam will consist of
100 points for last 1/3 of course and 100 points comprehensive).
Letter grades will be earned according to the following:
>93% = A;
73-76% = C;
90-92% = A-;
70-72% = C-;
87-89% = B+;
67-69% = D+;
83-86% = B;
60-66% = D
80-82% = B-;
77-79% = C+;