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SOILS 101
Introduction to Soil Science
Professor: Dr. Richard Stehouwer Lab Instructor: Ms. Katharine Butler
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| Soil is the foundation of all life in terrestrial ecosystems and is the interface between the biosphere, the lithosphere, the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. In this course we examine the fundamental properties and process of soil and learn how they impact soil formation, function, and sustainability.
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Course Learning Objectives
1.To gain an understanding of soil as a natural resource and as an integral and essential part of terrestrial ecosystems.
2.To understand fundamental physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes that
a. Govern soil formation, development and differentiation,
b. Determine soil suitability and capacity to perform various essential production and ecological functions, and
c. Allow for sustained use, conservation, and productivity of soil.
3. To understand the implications of land use and soil management decisions for soil sustainability, function, and degradation.
4. Gain the ability to retrieve and integrate soils information from a variety of sources and to utilize that information for land use and soil management decisions.
SOILS 101 is a 3 credit course with two lectures (M W 9:05 – 9:55) and one 2 hour lab per week. For more information see the course syllabus, the schedule of lecture and lab topics,
or contact:
Dr. Rick Stehouwer, 417 Ag. Sci. & Ind. Bldg., 814-863-7640, rcs15@psu.edu
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