Prof. Jay Noller
Office: ALS 3065
Phone/Message: 737-6187
Fax: 737-5725
Email: jay.noller
oregonstate.edu
Soil is the weathered skin of the earth, a natural body resulting from the interactions of the atmosphere and biosphere with the solid earth. Indeed it is the nexus of the Earth system, where the atmosphere. hydrosphere, geosphere and biosphere meet. In fact, this meeting place, so vital to life on Earth, is termed the pedosphere. In this class we seek to learn scientific approaches and methods to the study of soils in the field. As such is it strongly oriented towards macroscopic and landscape views. Our methods are descriptive in nature and are regimented so that we may converse with other practitioners. Our assessment of an individual soil in the broader landscape view is guided by Soil Taxonomy. Although we focus on the taxonomic system established in the USA, we will learn that there is more than just one way to look at soils, to assess soil environments, and to communicate with others about soils. Course involves observation and description of soil properties in the field; writing soil profile descriptions; evaluating criteria that define features used to classify soils; using soil classification keys.
4 credits; Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. Labs will require the full allotted time.
CSS 305 (for 466) or graduate student standing (for 566).
