Syllabus for: PLSS 448 Soil Fertility Evaluation

Spring 2004; 2 Credits

Instructor: E.C. Varsa, Room 161B, Office Hours: M W F, 11:00-12:00 noon; Tuesday, 1:00-2:00 p.m.

I.      Objective of the Course: The overall objective of this course is to acquaint students with the four general components of soil testing: a) soil sampling and handling,
        b) analytical methodology involved in nutrient extraction from the soil by various tests, c) interpretation of the analytical results, and d) recommendations for the
        correction of soil nutritional problems including acidity, deficiencies, imbalances, and excess levels.

II.     Topics for the Course:

Date                                                                              Activity

January 13                                                                    Check in: Discussion of semester activities; collection of student’s own soil samples and their proper
                                                                                     handling; "Greenhouse" vs. "Field soil" analysis. Soil sampling as affected by tillage and for site specific
                                                                                     management (Grid sampling vs. sampling by soil type, etc.). Environmental soil testing.

January 20                                                                    Measurement of soil pH (pHw), colorimetrically and potentiometrically.

January 27                                                                    Measurement of soil pH (continued) and the determination of lime requirement for the correction of soil
                                                                                     acidity by buffer test methods (pHb).

February 3                                                                    Limestone and liming material characteristics - the criteria for measuring liming material quality and
                                                                                     measurement procedures.

February 10                                                                  Organic matter measurement in soil.

February 17                                                                  EXAM 1: (start) Soluble salts in soils, their importance and measurement.

February 24                                                                  Soluble salts in soils (continued).

March 2                                                                        The determination of readily available phosphorus in soils (the Bray P₁ and Mehlich III tests).

March 9                                                                        Spring Semester Break

March 16                                                                      The determination of "Reserve" phosphorus in soils (the Bray P₂ test).

March 23                                                                      Soil Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium.

March 30                                                                      EXAM 2: Estimation of the cation exchange capacity in soil; percent base saturation estimation; cation ratios.

April 6                                                                          Micro-nutrients in soil: Extraction for selected element(s).

April 13                                                                        Plant tissue analysis of nutrients: Quick-test methods for green plants; Total elemental analysis of plant tissue;
                                                                                    Using "critical nutrient levels" and the DRIS for interpretation of plant analysis data.

April 20                                                                        Field trip to a local fertilizer dealership. Use of computers in soil testing and plant analysis programs and for
                                                                                    making lime and fertilizer recommendations. Variable rate fertilization and lime applications.

April 27                                                                        Final Test: Final Laboratory Report due.

III.      Evaluation of work and grade determinants:

           2 hour exams........................................................................................ 40%

           Final test.............................................................................................. 20%

           Laboratory report................................................................................. 40%
          (A comprehensive write-up of sample description, laboratory information, results obtained, and recommendations based upon soil analysis of student’s      
           collected samples)

                                                       Grade Scale
                                                       90-100 = A
                                                       80-90   = B
                                                       70-79   = C
                                                       60-69   = D
                                                       <60      = F