About the Course

This course is designed for graduate students who are interested in the 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; working with state-of-the-art sensors and data acquisition systems and computer models; processing and interpreting 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.