SOIL 5353
Advanced Soil Genesis, Morphology, and Classification

Instructor: Dr. Bryan Carter

Credit Hours: 3

Semesters Offered: Odd F

Prerequisite: 3433


Processes and factors of soil formation. Comparison of world soil morphology and classification systems.

Objectives

  1. To learn and understand how to survey and map soils.
  2. To learn how to classify soils in Oklahoma, and the U.S.
  3. To study the processes and factors that form soils in Oklahoma and the U.S.

Fees in Addition to Tuition

$25.00 covers cost of field trips.

Grading

A Soil mapping and classification assignment = 40% of grade
8 Laboratory assignments = 32% of grade
2 Exam = 28% of grade

 

Soil Mapping Assignments

  1. An 80 acre area will be mapped at a scale of 1:10,000 or 1:20,000.
  2. All soil series within each mapping unit will be described using standard NRCS – USDA procedures.

Laboratory Assignments

Eight laboratory assignments will include a discussion of field soil sampling procedures and selected soil physical, chemical, and mineralogical determinations.

Attendance

Required at all lectures, laboratories, and field trips.

Text

Required reading

Birkeland, P. W.  1999.  Soils and  Geomorphology.  Oxford University Press, New York.

Soil Survey Staff.  1993.  Soil Survey Manual.  U.S.D.A. Handbook 18. U.S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington.

Soil Survey Staff.  1999.  Soil Taxonomy.  U.S.D.A.  Handbook 436.  U.S. Govt. Printing Office, Washington.  2nd edition.

Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and W.D. Broderson.  2002.  Field book for describing and sampling soils.  Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.  National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE.

Required internet viewing

Please review information found at the following web site:  http://soils.usda.gov
This National Soil Survey Center, NRCS, USDA site contains information on recommended readings as well as access to soil profile descriptions for Oklahoma and USA soil series.

Recommended readings

Buol, S. W., R. J. Southard, R. C. Graham, and P. A. McDaniel.  2002.  Soil Genesis and Classification.  Iowa State University Press, Ames.  5th edition.

Schaetzl, R. J. and S. Anderson.  2005.  Soils; Genesis and Geomorphology.  Cambridge University Press.  Cambridge, UK.

Office Number: 744-6414
email: brian.j.carter@okstate.edu

Office Hours:  Drop in (160 Ag Hall) or by appt.  (See secretary in Ag. Hall, Room 162)