About the Course

This course emphasizes soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in relation to plant growth, the environment, and the soil's place in our daily lives. The course is intended to introduce students to the importance of soils to humans and the environment through study of their morphology, physical and chemical properties, their distribution, and their biological significance. Each student who successfully completes the course should have a practical understanding of the following:

• Properties common to all or most soils on various scales
• Vocabulary to communicate with agricultural and environmental professionals
• Management strategies for different soils
• Problem-solving skills to manage soils effectively
• The importance of soils in sustaining life
• The impact of soils on environmental quality