HORT 109 - Soil Science and Conservation

5.0 Credits
The study of soils as living ecosystems, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Nutrient cycling, fertility management, soil building, and site diagnosis and classification are also examined. Field trips are an integral part of this course. Be prepared to arrive and depart from sites on your own. Recommend placement into AENGL 93 or ENGLP 93 or higher; MATH 47 or higher; and HORT 102.
Course-level Learning Objectives (CLOs)
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Describe soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes to assess soil quality while using appropriate tools, techniques, and technologies.
Classify and describe soils common to the Pacific Northwest based on geology, topography, climate, organisms, and the influence of time on their formation.
Describe the function and significance of biotic activity on soil development, fertility, and ecosystem conservation.
Evaluate the impact of land use management practices on soil quality and quantity, and recommend plans for restoring and enhancing the productivity of degraded urban, agricultural, wetland, and forest soils.
Analyze relationships between soil health, plant vigor, agricultural productivity, human nutrition, and the stability of human societies.

Course Typically Offered
Winter