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Syllabus for: PLSS/MICR/PSAS 454 Soil Microbiology
Required Text: "Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry" by E.A. Paul and F.E. Clark, 2nd Edition, 1996. Optional Text: "Microbial Ecology" by R.M. Atlas and R. Bartha, 4th Edition, 1998. Instructor: B. Klubek, Room 161D, Agriculture Grade Determination: 2 Hour Exam 50% (200 points) Lab 25% (100 points) Final Exam 25% (100 points) Topics: I. Introduction (2%) a. Definition and reasons for studying soil microbiology b. Approaches in soil microbiology II. Microbial Ecology (24%) a. The physical and chemical environment b. The classification, distribution and numbers of microorganisms in soils c. Techniques for studying microorganisms d. Sampling and sample preparation III. Carbon Cycle (33%) a. Aspects of microbial physiology b. Organic matter decomposition c. Cellulose, hemicellulose and other organic C compounds d. Lignin and pesticide decomposition e. Humic matter IV. Nitrogen Cycle (20%) a. N2 fixation b. Ammonification c. Nitrification d. Denitrification V. Mineral transformation (17%) a. P cycle b. S cycle c. Transformation of other elements VI. Ecological Interrelationships (4%) a. Interactions among species b. Rhizosphere c. Mycorrhizae
LAB SCHEDULE Lab 1: Gram stain reaction. Lab 2: Standard Plate Count of Soil Bacteria and Fungi. Lab 3: Microbial Diversity, Decomposition, and CO2 Evolution from Soil. Lab 4: Nitrification in Soil. Lab 5: Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Lab 6: Microbial Aggregation of Soil Particles Lab 7: Symbiotic N2-Fixation in Soybeans
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