Soils and Soil Fertility, SWES 406 (ACIS)

Soils and Soil Fertility, SWES 406

J.C. Silvertooth (course coordinator)
Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science
University of Arizona

(View all mini-courses)

Instructors:

Dr. Jeffrey C. Silvertooth, Dr. Thomas L. Thompson, Dr. James L. Walworth, and Dr. Paul W. Brown

Office:

Dr. Silvertooth
Shantz 429, Bldg. #38
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721-0038
520-621-7228 email: silver@ag.arizona.edu
520-621-1647 (fax)

Course Objective: Develop an understanding of the basic principles associated with soil science, soil fertility and soil management for crop production systems. Fundamental soil science and agronomic concepts and practices will be presented.

This course consists of four, four-hour sessions held on consecutive Tuesdays, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the University of Arizona Yuma County Cooperative Extension Auditorium. The is offered as a UA course in the SWES Department for one hour of credit.

Course Outline:

Session 1 Fundamentals of Soil Science

Soil Formation and Morphology
Soil Taxonomy
Soil Surveys, Interpretations, and Land-Use Planning
Soil Physical Properties
Soil Biology

Session 2 Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Management

Cation Exchange/Surface Charge
Soil Acidity and Alkalinity
Nutrients
Nutrient Management

Session 3 Water Movement & Heat Flow in Soils

Water in Soils: Basic Principles
Water Movement in Soils
         - Saturated Case
         - Unstaturated Case
         - Textural Discontinuities
Infiltration of Water in Soils
Measurement of Soil Water Status
Thermal Properties of Soils
Heat Flow in Soils
Annual and Diurnal Variation in Soil Temperature

Session 4 Management of Irrigated Soils – Salinity and Sodium Management

Sources of salinity and sodium:

Development of saline/sodic soils
Diagnosis of salinity/sodicity
Reclamation – principles
Leaching and Amendments
Plant growth on saline soils
Drainage
Long-term management of reclaimed soils

Class and Exam Schedule Summer 2002:

Exam 1 – 18 June
Exam 2 – 25 June
Exam 3 – 2 July
Exam 4 – 9 July(due 16 July – return by mail)

Full Disclaimers

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, James A. Christenson, Director Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona.

The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation in its programs and activities.

Any products, services, or organizations that are mentioned, shown, or indirectly implied in this web document do not imply endorsement by The University of Arizona.

For more information contact:
Jeffrey C. Silvertooth, silver@ag.arizona.edu
Extension Agronomist, Professor & Head, SWES, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.