Course Number and Title:
AGS 101 Soil Science
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course covers elements of soil science and management as they relate to production agriculture, horticulture, and turf sciences.
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Describe soil origins and development with emphasis on parent materials, weathering, and soil formation processes. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3)
- Explain soil loss by erosion. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Describe the role of water in soils, including phases, movement, and measurement. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Explain how the organic components of soils influence plant growth. (CCC 1, 2, 3, 5; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Explain how soil nutrients and power of hydrogen (pH) affect plant growth. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PCG 2, 3, 4)
- Use global positioning system/geographic information systems (GPS/GIS) for applications in agriculture. (CCC 1, 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Describe soil origins and development with emphasis on parent materials, weathering, and soil formation processes.
- Define important soil science terms such as soil texture, soil profile, structure, color, porosity, aeration, temperature, colloids, and materials.
- Identify the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) system of soil taxonomy.
- Identify soil types by using a soil survey map.
- Discuss topography and its effect on soils.
- Identify soil textures using the USDA Soil Textural Triangle.
- Explain soil loss by erosion.
- Discuss the significance of soil erosion and land degradation.
- Discuss erosion and sediment controls in various agricultural applications.
- Define factors affecting wind erosion.
- Describe the role of water in soils, including phases, movement, and measurement.
- Discuss types of water in soils and related properties of water.
- Discuss water quality and soils.
- Define terms related to water and soils, including adhesion, cohesion, cation exchange capacity, episaturation, endosaturation, percolation, transpiration, and evaporation.
- Discuss the movement of water in soil hydrology.
- Define and discuss the water and nitrogen cycles.
- Discuss soil color and its relationship to water movement.
- Explain how the organic components of soils influence plant growth.
- Define soil organic matter and humus.
- Discuss the composition of organic matter.
- Describe factors affecting the kinds and numbers of organisms in the soil.
- Discuss organic matter maintenance.
- Explain how soil nutrients and power of hydrogen (pH) affect plant growth.
- Describe mineral nutrients specific plants require, what these nutrients do, and how to recognize deficiency symptoms.
- Describe how to control and measure soil pH.
- Explain the importance of soil sampling and soil tests to plant growth and development.
- Use global positioning system/geographic information systems (GPS/GIS) for applications in agriculture.
- Determine when and how to use waypoints to locate specific sites of soil samples.
- Develop attributes for each waypoint marked.
- Prepare a soil site survey map of soil sample locations using GPS/GIS software.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
Evaluation Measure | Percentage of final grade |
Summative Assessments |
- Exams (2-3-equally weighted)
| 20% |
| 20% |
| 20% |
Formative Assessments |
| 20% |
The course will contain various formative assessments including but not limited to (these assignments are equally weighted): | 20% |
TOTAL | 100% |
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
AGSAASAGS
1 Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations.
2 Demonstrate effective professional communication skills.
3 Competently perform common practices and skills within the various aspects of the agriculture industry.
4 Demonstrate adherence to ethical safety and environmental practices related to the agriculture industry.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.