MCCCD Program Description

Soils

Course: AGS260

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lecture 4.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Fundamental properties of the physical, chemical, and biological relation of soil to plant growth. Evaluation of the human impact on soil health.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe the factors and materials that form soil. (I) 2. Analyze and utilize soil maps. (II) 3. Describe the physical characteristics of soil. (III) 4. Explain the role of soil as a living ecosystem. (IV) 5. Predict water movement in soil. (V) 6. Describe macronutrient effects on plant growth. (VI) 7. Demonstrate soil sampling techniques and interpret soil test results. (VII) 8. Examine fertilizer labels, rates, methods of application and 4R Principles (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place). (VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Parent Materials and Soil Development Processes A. Five Factors of Soil Formation B. Medium for Plant Growth C. Human Influence on a Natural Resource II. Web Soil Survey A. Classification B. GIS C. Soil Profiles III. Physical Soil Properties A. Texture B. Structure C. Bulk Density D. Color IV. Life in Soil A. Macro-organisms B. Micro-organisms C. Organic Matter and Carbon D. Pollutants V. Soil Water A. Irrigation Methods B. Plant Essential Nutrients VI. Macronutrient Cycling and Plant Availability A. Nitrogen B. Phosphorus C. Potassium D. pH and EC VII. Soil Fertility Project A. Application Methods and Plant Response B. Interpret Soil Laboratory Test Results C. Fertilizer Labels D. Fertilizer Rate Calculations E. Nutrient Stewardship

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: December 8, 2015

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.