About the Course

Soil is a naturally occurring porous medium that supports the growth of plant roots by retaining air, heat, water, and nutrients; and provides mechanical support for the plant. The course treats the interaction of physical, chemical, and microbiological processes and properties of soils which influence the optimum growth of plants as well as the potential for groundwater and surface water contamination from agrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) and applied waste. Primary emphasis will be given to basic concepts of transport and retention for water and solutes, and secondary emphasis will be given to air and heat flow in the root zone of the soil profile.