AGRO/NRES 872: Applied Soil Physics

Instructor(s): Humberto Blanco

Number of Credit Hours: 3

Cross-listings: PLAS 472, AGRO 872, NRES 472, SOIL 472, WATS 472

Prerequisites: PLAS/SOIL 153; MATH 102 or MATH 104 or MATH 106.

Description: Emphasis on applied soil physics. Discussion of theoretical principles followed by field and laboratory exercises and applications. Fluxes of water, solutes, air, and heat through the soil. Emphasis on water infiltration, water retention, other soil hydraulic properties. Components of soil water balance. Management of soil water.

Learning Outcomes/Course Objectives:

1. The course is designed for students interested in learning the principles of soil physics within the context of applied soil physics. The course will discuss:
2. Applications of soil physics to soil and environmental quality, crop production, and sustainable use of natural resources.
3. Soil physical properties and their importance to soil and water management as well as soil productivity.
4. Assessment of soil structural, compaction, and hydraulic properties focusing on water, air, and heat fluxes as well as soil-plant-water relations under increasing climatic fluctuations.
5. Soil water flow and retention and their particular importance in intensively managed agricultural systems.
6. Methods of evaluation and management of soil physical properties.
7. Review of soil physical, mechanical, hydrological and rheological properties in relation to greenhouse effect, water quality, soil erosion, soil compaction, tillage methods, water management, and plant-water relations.