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CSS 445/545 Geochemistry of Soil Ecosystems

Syllabus/Schedule
Winter 2003

Course Description:

This course emphasizes the biogeochemical reactions involved in soil development and plant nutrition. Topics include structure of mineral and organic constituents, mineral weathering, chemical equilibria and soil solution speciation, absorption and cation and anion exchange, and, chemical processes in acid, alkaline, and reduced soils.

Text:

Environmental Soil Chemistry. Don Sparks. 2003

Instructor:

Dr. John Baham
ALS 3125
737.5741
John.Baham@oregonstate.edu

Course Meetings:

• MWF 10-11- ALS 0012

Problem Sessions:

• CSS445 F 1300 - ALS 3096
• CSS545 ??

Midterm Examination: Friday, 7 Feb, 2003

Final Examination: Thursday, 20 March, 2003, at 12 p.m. - ALS 0012

Course Outline:

• Introduction
• Overview of Soils and Soil Constituents - acidity/alkalinity and redox reactions
• Soil Minerals and Humus
• The Soil Solution - Ionic Equilibrium
• Ion Exchange and Sorption
• Precipitation/Dissolution - Mineral Weathering
• Acidification and Alkalization of Soils
• Acid Soils
• Salt-Affected Soils
• Redox Processes in Soils - Poorly Drained Soils

Grading:

CSS545

Problems Sets = 400 points

Midterm Examination = 200 points

Final Examination = 300 points

Annotated Biography in Endnote. 10-15 references on a topic of interest in Soil Chemistry

CSS445

Problem Sets = 400 points

Midterm Examination = 200 points

Final Examination = 300 points

Different exams will be given for CSS545 and 445