Instructor: Dr. Chad Penn

Credit Hours: 3

Semesters Offered: Odd Fall

Theory, principles and techniques of laboratory methods used for chemical analysis of soil, plant material and environmental samples. Modern analytical methods used for soil testing of plant available nutrients, determination of environmental contaminants, and chemical characterization of soil. Operational theory of applicable instruments including atomic spectroscopic (ICP, AA, UV-VIS, XRF), chromatographic (GC, GC-MS, HPLC, IC), and potentiometer methods. Laboratory component hands-on experience of chemical methods.

Course Description

Methods in soil and environmental sample analysis.  Presentation and discussion of the theory behind chemical analysis of soils, plants, and waste materials for agricultural and environmental purposes.  Hands-on laboratory analysis of personal soil samples.  Theory and practices of common laboratory techniques and equipment/instrumentation such as colorimetric spectroscopy, charge analysis of soils, forms of acidity, phosphorus extractions and behavior, ICP-AES.  The course is heavily lab based. 

Educational Objectives

The overall objective of this course is to understand the theory behind, and to conduct various soil, plant, and environmental analyses.  This includes a thorough understanding of how relevant instrumentation and chemical extractions are designed.  Students should be able to apply such techniques to a variety of scenarios, including agricultural productivity and environmental protection/remediation. 

Laboratory Topics/Procedures

1. Soil charge analysis, CEC, AEC, PZNC, and PZSE.
2. Cation selectivity and selectivity coefficient estimation
3. Forms and quantification of soil acidity
4. Mineralogy, chemical forms, and environmental availability
5. Colorimetric spectroscopy and phosphorus behavior/extractions
6. Organic carbon/organic matter
7. Sorption isotherms
8. Depending on time: surface area, XRD, ITC EDAX, or any requests???

Course Format

1. Class Attendance: Optional; however, it is highly recommended.  The student is responsible for all materials presented in class.
2. Exams/Quizzes:  Unclear at this time.  We may have random, short quizzes.  HOWEVER, there will be a cumulative final exam.
3. Course material will be given to the student.  However, if you have never taken a soil chemistry course or if you are weak on the subject, then I strongly recommend the Essington book listed below under “optional text”.  Please bring the given course materials to class, as I will lecture from those handouts.  I strongly recommend placing all of the given materials into a 3-ring binder. 
4. Lab will be conducted in 164 Ag Hall.  Lab will be conducted on an “as you come” basis; i.e. there will be no scheduled time in which you must be there.  I will explain the laboratory exercises to the class, but you are responsible for completing the lab on your own time.
   
   The lab and equipment should be kept clean and well cared for.  For the sake of accountability, there will be a lab “sign in” sheet in which all users must indicate when and how long they were in the lab.  Lab groups are responsible for washing used labware, drying, and putting away.
   
   A lab group will consist of two people (one group of three if there is an odd # of students).  Each group will analyze one sample throughout the course.  This can be a sample relevant to one’s research including a soil, residual material, or geological sample of some sort.  All samples must be approved by instructor.  Within the first 2 weeks of class, a sample must be chosen, sieved to 2 mm (#10), and air dried.  This can be accomplished in lab 164.  If you do not have a potential sample, I have plenty of interesting materials to choose from.
   
   LAB ETIQUETTE: No food or drink allowed in lab.  Gloves and safety glasses (provided) should be worn at all times.  Lab coats are also available.  A safety shower and fire extinguisher are located in the lab and will be made known during the first lab meeting. 
   
   Many chemical solutions will be utilized, and most will be made up prior to lab.  These chemicals will be stored in the refrigerator.  In addition, many laboratory exercises will result in extracts that will be analyzed by the SWAFL (mostly ICP-AES); these extracts should be WELL LABELED and stored in the refrigerator prior to SWAFL analysis.    
   

Reading Material

Optional Text:

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

This book can ordered from Amazon.com

Grading System

1. Quizzes: If quizzes are given they will probably count for only 20 to 30%: 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. Lab Reports:  60 to 70%.  This is the main crux of the course.  Format and content will be made clear by the instructor.  This may include various questions in addition to presentation of results.
3. 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.