About the Course

This course is designed for graduate students who are interested in basic principles of soil physics and soil hydrology. The goal is to provide students with a deep understanding of the theoretical and practical basis of physical properties and processes in soil. Topics covered include:

• General physical characterization of soils
• Soil water content and potential
• Soil water balance and water retention
• Infiltration and hydraulic conductivity
• Flow of water in saturated and unsaturated soil
• Plant available water and root water uptake
• Solute and contaminant transport and mechanisms
• Soil temperature and heat flow

Students will receive hands-on training in measuring soil physical and hydraulic properties and processes in laboratory and field settings, work with state-of-the-art sensors and data acquisition systems, computer models, process and interpret data using relevant software, and writing scientific reports. Students will obtain skills applicable to soil science, water science, agronomy, hydrology, ecology, environmental science, and other related disciplines.