SL SC 41.6
Fundamentals of Soil Science
1(3L-2P)
Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program in the College of Agriculture.

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of soil science. It examines basic physical and chemical properties of soil, soil genesis and classification, soil fertility, and problem soils. Emphasis will be placed on the impact of these characteristics on soil productivity.

SL SC 52.6
Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
2(3L-2P)
Prerequisite(s): SL SC 41.6 and enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program in the College of Agriculture.

Examines major soil fertility issues with emphasis on their application in western Canada. Fundamental issues of soil nutrient status, form and function will be addressed. Fertilizer forms, application methods and behaviour in soil are examined with a view to maximizing their benefits to crop production. Methods of assessing soil fertility and basic fertilizer manufacturing processes will also be investigated.

SL SC 73.6
Soil Management and Land Evaluation
1(3L-2P)
Prerequisite(s): SL SC 41.6 and enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program in the College of Agriculture.

This course will identify soil quality parameters and discuss land capability classification, mapping, and soil mapping for precision farming. Soil management practices will be discussed for problem soil conditions and also for general conservation and improvement of soil fertility. Soil management practices and their effect on the soil and its environment will be discussed.

SL SC 88.3, 89.6
Special Topics

These courses are offered occasionally in special situations to
students enrolled in the Diploma in Agriculture program in
the College of Agriculture. Interested students should
contact the Department of Soil Science for more
information.

SL SC 220.3
Environmental Soil Science
1(3L-2P)
Prerequisite(s): AGRIC 111 or GEOG 111 and 112 or GEOL (6 credit units).

Focuses on soils as an integrator of a broad range of environmental processes and as a critical component in human-induced environmental change. Major topics include the influence of the environment on soil formation; local, regional and global scales of soil formation; and the physical, chemical, and microbial/biochemical soil processes of relevance to environmental science.

Note: Students with credit for SL SC 240 may not take this course for credit.

SL SC 240.3
Agricultural Soil Science
2(3L-2P)
Prerequisite(s): AGRIC 111 and 112.

Introduces the student to the major areas of soil science and develop an understanding of how soils influence crop production, with special emphasis on fertility management and cropping systems in Western Canada. Pertinent chemical, physical, and biological processes in soil will be discussed in relation to their role in crop production. The impact of agricultural activities on the soil resource will also be examined.

Note: Students with credit for SL SC 220 may not take this course for credit.

SL SC 312.3
Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
1(3L-2P)
Prerequisite(s): SL SC 220 or 240.

The forms, flows, and transformations of plant nutrients in soils are examined, with emphasis on Western Canadian agricultural systems. The fate of applied fertilizers is stressed, especially as to how agronomic practices affect the utilization of soil and fertilizer nutrients by plants. Techniques for soil fertility evaluation and the development of suitable fertilizer recommendations are covered, along with approaches to fertilizer application. Best management practices for fertilizer and manure nutrients are considered.

SL SC 313.3
Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy
1(3L)
Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111 and 251; SL SC 220 or 240.

The lectures and reading assignments cover the structural and chemical properties of major soil components and the principles of soil chemical equilibria and kinetics in soil solution and surface chemistry in relation to pedogenesis and physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and environmental protection.

SL SC 322.3
Applied Soil Physics
1(3L-3P)
Prerequisite(s): SL SC 220 or 240.

The course combines theoretical and experimental elements aimed at providing understanding of the fundamental soil physical properties and processes, as well as the ability to solve practical problems related to agricultural and environmental problems. Topics include a discussion of the solid, liquid, and gaseous phases of the soil and the interactions between the phases, the movement of water, air, and heat in soils, and the effects of these on plant growth and the environment. The laboratory involves the measurement of selected properties and their interpretation.

SL SC 332.3
Soil Genesis and Classification
1(3L)
Prerequisite(s): SL SC 220 or 240.

Deals with soil systems and their environments from the perspective of soil development and soil classification. Attention is given to the biotic, geological and physical factors that influence soil formation, and the response of soils to altered environments. The primary emphasis is on Canadian soils and classification, with significant attention to global soils. A one-day field trip takes place early in the term.