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CSS 305: Principles of Soil Science

Professor:
Dr. Elizabeth Sulzman,
Office: 3063 Ag & Life Sci. Bldg
Office hours: W 3:00-4:00, R 3:00-4:00, or by appointment
Phone: 737-8936
E-mail: Elizabeth.Sulzman@oregonstate.edu

Required materials for class:

• Textbook: Introduction to Soils, arranged by E. Sulzman and S. Frey.
  NOTE: for a more in-depth resource, buy the hardcover book, The Nature and Properties of Soils INSTEAD of the required paperback. All information in the paperback can be found in the hardcover. You do NOT need both texts – they are redundant.
• Laboratory Manual
• Class notes

Corequisite course (optional but strongly recommended):
CSS 306: Problem Solving – Soil Science Applications (1 credit)

Three sections offered:
Thursday 11-11:50, STAG 211
Thursday 2-2:50, STAG 412
Friday 9-9:50, BEXL 320

Course web site:
http://cropandsoil.oregonstate.edu/classes/css305/
I use this a LOT, so set a bookmark or use Blackboard.

Goals for the course and my goal as a teacher:
The study of soil is vital to effectively integrating concepts in forestry, ecology, natural resources management, hydrology, agriculture, horticulture, and archeology, among others. I will help you explore how the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils allow for continued production of food, clothing, housing, and habitat. Further, the class will help you learn to integrate knowledge of the properties governing a soil’s nature to solve real world problems such as the need for increased yield and pollution control. My goal is to make this course as enjoyable and beneficial to you as possible. I hope you find the course both challenging and stimulating.

Course Content:
The course textbook was designed around my lectures (and vice versa), so the reading assignments will reinforce lecture concepts. Lecture notes, homework assignments, reading assignments, and laboratory activities provide a multi-faceted treatment of the lecture material.

Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

• Identify the five major environmental functions of soil.
• List the factors controlling soil development and describe how each of these factors has contributed to the soil we see today.
• Describe features of the environment a soil is part of based on the soil’s name.
• Summarize how a soil’s properties affect its suitability for a variety of uses including agriculture, silviculture, building sites, and landfill, etc.
• Explain the chemical processes that control the release of nutrients from the soil matrix.
• Discuss controls on water availability and water movement in a soil profile.
• Discuss the roles of macrofauna, microfauna, and microflora in processing soil organic matter and affecting soil quality.
• Identify management practices in both forestry and agriculture that affect soil properties and subsequent productivity.
• Describe how soils have the potential to affect the future climate of the earth.

Tests:
You will be permitted to take make-up exams and quizzes if (1) you have a valid written excuse for missing the test, and (2) you notify me before the test to let me know why you'll be missing it (for example, if you're sick, or you have to leave town on short notice). Note that I will be understanding, but not overly lenient on this matter. Tests will not be curved, but overall class performance will be considered and grade adjustments made, if necessary. Such adjustments will NOT lower any grades.

Laboratory:
Lab attendance is mandatory. You CANNOT use someone else’s data unless you make prior arrangements with your TA. If you need to attend a different lab during one week, contact your TA and the TA of the other lab prior to switching for that day. Lab work will be performed in teams, but write-ups and assignments are to be done INDEPENDENTLY. If there is evidence of “shared work,” your grade will be based soley on your exams. Most lab assignments are due at the beginning of the next lab. Two points will be deducted for each day a lab assignment is late. Your TA mailbox location is listed in the lab manual. Note that you MUST ATTEND and participate in lab if you want to pass the class.

Grading (see web site for grade tracking sheet):
Exams: 300 points (100 each for two “mid-terms,” plus a 100-point final exam)
Laboratory: 250 points (lab assignments plus weekly 5-point quizzes)

GRAND TOTAL:

University and Class Policy:
The goal of Oregon State University is to provide students with the knowledge, skill and wisdom they need to contribute to society. Our rules are formulated to guarantee each student's freedom to learn and to protect the fundamental rights of others. People must treat each other with dignity and respect in order for scholarship to thrive. Behaviors that are disruptive to teaching and learning will not be tolerated, and will be referred to the Student Conduct Program for disciplinary action. Behaviors that create a hostile, offensive or intimidating environment based on gender, race, ethnicity, color, religion, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation will be referred to the Affirmative Action Office.

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