BIOL 3397 - Introductory Soil Science
Dr. Keith H. Topps |
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Soil is more than just "dirt" which sits inert on the surface of the ground. It is more than a medium in which we plant our crops and gardens. Soil is composed of mineral solids, organic debris, air, a water solution of both nutrients and toxins. and countless macro- and micro- organisms. Soil is a natural, historic body which develops over time in response to climate, vegetation, drainage conditions, and the work of biotic organisms.
For centuries soils have been used, abused, and ignored. Now, with growing environmental awareness, soils and soil formation are being examined in a new light. Soil characteristics are known to vary spatially across earth's surface. Soils properties also differ as we dig down from the surface. We now find that soils are dynamic, and soil properties can change very quickly in response to natural or inadvertent and abusive environmental stimuli.
Soil Science is more than merely a study of soil geography. Soil Science, or pedology, is the study of the nature and properties of soils, the physical, chemical, and biological processes of soil formation, and the classification and mapping of soil types.
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Lectures and lab sessions are integrated to provide a straight-forward, hands-on learning experience. Small lab groups provide opportunity for personal and individual instructional interaction.
Scientific methodology is emphasized in field observations, laboratory analysis, and report writing. We begin with an "in depth" study of several different soil profiles in their natural environmental settings. Each week we experience different conditions, practise new methods, and learn new terminology. Samples are taken from each soil horizon for analysis in the lab. The final field experience is a day-long field trip to soil sites a little further away from the university.
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The second part of the term introduces a number of scientific methods of soil analysis in our new, well-equipped soils wet lab, funded by the North Bay Rotary Club. These procedures will investigate the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.
Introductory Soil Science is a 3 credit course.
It is scheduled for the fall session of 1997/98
and is normally offered in alternate years.
Dr. Keith Topps
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This page was last updated on 08/19/97.