Soil Science

Using the textbook The Nature and Properties of Soils (15 th edition by Weil and Brady), this upper division science course introduces the biological, physical, and chemical properties and processes of soils that intersect with climate change, nutrient cycling, and the sustainable use and management of soils in agriculture, forestry, and urban settings. Building on these fundamentals, students will learn how to use online soil surveys and soil test data to assess soil quality and develop a soil management framework for a site they choose. This course will be taught entirely online, yet includes a series of hands-on activities that students will perform independently and then share results. Prerequisites for successful participation are a working understanding of college-level introductory biology and chemistry concepts, plus the ability to read 100 pages per week from the soils textbook.