Instructor: Dr. Chad Penn

Credit Hours: 4

Semesters Offered: Even F

Prerequisite: 3893 and CHEM 2113 or CHEM 3324 or equivalent.

A comprehensive study of chemical processes in soil systems that impact biogeochemical cycles and environmental quality. Modern theory of soil solution thermodynamics, kinetics of soil chemical processes, soil colloid chemistry, and soil geochemistry. Environmental soil science applications including environmental fate of toxic substances and remediation of contaminated soil. Laboratory component provides hands-on experience with techniques used for soil chemical investigations and with chemical speciation computer models.

Course Description

Chemical and physical properties of soil minerals as they pertain to solution chemistry; nutrient and contaminant availability and speciation as dictated by ion exchange, precipitation/dissolution, and adsorption reactions; soil acidity; surface chemistry and adsorption reactions.  Review of current research in soil and environmental chemistry literature and writing of scientific peer-reviewed articles.   

Educational Objectives

The overall objective of this course is to describe and quantify soil chemical processes as they affect agricultural productivity and environmental quality.  Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify the elemental chemical, and physical composition of soil,
2. Describe and quantify the properties of clay minerals and organic matter,
3. Relate inorganic ion retention to exchange, chemisorption, and precipitation reactions; quantify each sorption mechanism using various models/methods while understanding the limitations to each,
4. Identify, describe, and model soil acidity reactions,
5. Describe and evaluate hydration states in clays and swelling of soils,
6. Recognize and identify the elements of a well written scientific peer reviewed journal article,
7. Recognize potential applications of soil chemistry to agriculture/environmental research and pertinent problems/solutions,
8. Present data in a clear and concise form in the context provided,
9. Describe, interpret, and solve agricultural and environmental problems through knowledge of soil chemistry.

Course Format

1. Class Attendance: Optional; however, it is highly recommended and the student is responsible for all materials presented in class.
2. Rather than have a significant exam every 4 to 5 weeks, I will attempt to give a small quiz every 1 to 2 weeks, preferably on Fridays.  However, a traditional final exam will be given at the end of the semester.
3. The main course material will be taught from the assigned textbook (see below).  Therefore, I strongly recommend that you read the textbook and bring it to lecture as I will refer to the book during class.
4. There is no lab for this class.  However, as an alternative to the traditional lecture time, we will review several journal articles that pertain to the topics discussed in class.  I expect each student to choose a journal article on a certain topic that demonstrates the application of our lecture material, preferably while we are discussing that particular topic in lecture.  Therefore, each student will lead the discussion of two different journal articles (which must first be approved by me).  The discussion should include (i) a thorough explanation of the problem/topic, methods, results, and discussion, and (ii) the manner in which this material was presented (i.e. how was it written?  How was the material organized for a clear presentation to the reader?).
   

Reading Material

The required textbook for the class is:

Soil and Water Chemistry, 2004. M.E. Essington.

This book can be purchased from the campus book store or ordered from Amazon.com

Grading System

1. Quizzes–40%: unknown number of quizzes will be given and make-ups may be oral as determined at the discretion of the instructor.  The Honor System will be in effect for all quizzes and final exam.  Quizzes will be given during the class period.
   
   No cell phones, palm pilots, or electronic devises allowed during quizzes or final exam unless approved by instructor.
   
   
2. Journal article discussions – 10%: two reviews each worth 5%.  See “course format” for more details.
3. Homework – 20%: Working with other students on homework assignments is allowed; copying someone else’s work is not.  Homework assignments turned in late will automatically be deducted 10 points for each late class period.
4. Manuscript preparation – 20%: The class will be presented with real data from a research project; each student is responsible for utilizing the data in a manuscript prepared according to ASA guidelines.
5. Final exam – 10%: Cumulative.

Final Grades

1. A = 90-100
2. B = 80-89
3. C = 70-79
4. D = 60-69
5. F = <60

The OSU Honor Code

The tenets of the OSU honor code will be strictly enforced in this course, and all assignments shall be subject to the stipulations of the honor code.  For more information on the honor code, please refer to http://academicintegrity.okstate.edu/

Disabilities

Any student that has a disability should feel free to meet with me any time to discuss accommodations.

Office Hours

My door is always open, just knock.  However, I prefer that most students come by on Thursday between the hours of 10 and 12.  In addition, if the need arises, please set up an appointment for a specific time to meet.