AGRONOMY 215
SOIL SURVEY AND LAND USE


Semester: Fall 1999 (Course offered in Fall Semester of odd years)

Instructor: Dr. John C. Sencindiver
Professor of Soil Science
Office: 1100 Agricultural Sciences Building
Telephone (304)293-6256; FAX (304)293-2960; Email jsencind@wvu.edu
Course Objectives: At the end of the semester, students will have learned the fundamental procedures for identifying, classifying, mapping and interpreting soils in the field.

Class Format: Lecture TTh, 12:30 - 1:20 p.m., room G31 AGS.
Laboratory W, 2:00 - 4:50 p.m., room 1061 AGS or in the field.
Attendance is not required but is highly recommended. Make-up exams and laboratories will not be allowed without advance notification, unless there is an emergency.

Textbook: Recommended: Soil Survey Division Staff. 1993. Soil Survey Manual. USDA Handbook No. 18. U.S. Government Printing Office. Washington, DC. This book is available at the WVU bookstore on the Evansdale Campus. It is also available at the following Web address: http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/ssm/gen_cont.html.

The book can be ordered for $38.00 from the following web address:
https://orders.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/sale/prf/prf.html.

Grading Policy:    
Lecture 3 exams 300 points
  final exam 150 points
Laboratory Profile Descriptions 050 points
  Mapping Report 100 points
  Land Use Report - oral 050 points
  written 050 points
Total   700 points

Grading Scale
A = 630 - 700
B = 560 - 629
C = 490 - 559
D = 420 - 489
F = 000 - 419


Additional Information: This syllabus is meant only as a guideline for the convenience of the student. It does not constitute a contract between the student and any faculty member, administrative unit, or representative of WVU.

West Virginia University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and non-discrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.

If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).

Prohibited in Classroom and Indoor Laboratory:

1. Use of tobacco products
2. Wearing of caps or hats
3. Use of the word "dirt" to refer to soil (This is prohibited in classroom, laboratory and field)

 

Lecture Outline (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:20 p.m., Room G31 AGS)
I. Introduction Reference
Aug 24
 Introduction to the Course
History of Soil Survey		 Course Syllabus
Chapter 1
26
 Basic Terminology Chapter 2, p. 18-20,
Chapter 3, p. 60-80
II. Soil Morphology (Visible Soil Properties)
Aug 31
 Soil Macromorphology Chapter 3,
p. 134-196
Sep 2
 Soil Macromorphology/Naming Soil Horizons Chapter 3,
p. 134-196
7
 Naming Soil Horizons Chapter 3,
p. 117-129
III. Soil Evaluation Related to Soil Morphology and Landscape Characteristics
14 Soil Water Relations: Infiltration, Surface
Runoff, Hydraulic Conductivity, Drainage, Erosion Classes		 Chapter 3,
p. 80-114
16 EXAM #1  
21 Diagnostic Horizons Handouts
23 Aquic Conditions Handouts
28 Hydric Soils Handouts
IV. Soil Mapping
30 Introduction to Soil Mapping Chapters 2, 4, 6
Oct 5 Use of Aerial Photos, Topographic Maps Chapters 2, 4
7 Field Clues/Mapping Units Chapters 2, 4
12 Mapping Units Chapter 2
14 EXAM #2  
V. Soil Classification
19 Introduction to Soil Taxonomy Handouts
21 Categories of Soil Taxonomy/Soil Orders Handouts
26 Lower Categories of Soil Taxonomy
(Including Soil Series) 		Handouts
VI. Evaluation of Soils for Land Use Planning
28 Introduction to Land Use Planning Chapter 6
Nov 2 Soil Potentials; Land Evaluation and Site
Assessment 		Chapter 6,
p. 287-290
4 Land Capability Classification, Prime
Farmland, Agriculture Applications 		Chapter 6,
p. 300-306
9 Forestry, Wildlife, Recreation Applications Chapter 6,
p. 308-310
11 Use of Soils for Construction Materials,
Building Sites, Highways 		Chapter 6,
p. 311-315
16 Use of Soils for Waste Disposal/Biosolids Chapter 6,
p. 315-317
18 EXAM #3  
22-26 Thanksgiving Vacation  
30 Applications of Pesticides to Soils Handouts
Dec 2 Dissemination of Soil Survey Information Chapter 7
7 Soil Health/Soil Quality Handouts
9 Wrap Up/Review for Final Exam  
16 FINAL EXAM (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)  

 

Laboratory Outline (Wednesdays 2:00 - 4:50 p.m.)
Aug 25 Soil Texture and Color - Room 1061 AGS
Sep 1 - 29 Soil Profile Descriptions - in the field each week (written report each week)
Oct 6 Hydric Soils/Soil Mapping - in the field
Oct 13 - 27 Soil Mapping - in the field each week
Nov 3 Land Use Project Assignments - Room 1061 AGS
Completion of Mapping Projects (if necessary) - field
Nov 10 Completion of Mapping Projects (if necessary) - field
Land Use Projects - Room 1061 AGS
Nov 17 Geographic Information Systems - Room 1061 AGS
Nov 24 Thanksgiving Recess
Dec 1 Oral Land Use Project Reports - Room 1061 AGS
Dec 8 Written Land Use Project Reports Submitted