Course ID: AGRO 2251,
Soil Judging, So. Level
FALL 2007
Prerequisites: none
Text(s) and
supplemental books and materials: provided
Professor’s name:
Paul B. Francis, AG 103, 460-1314,
Office hours: M,W,F
8-10; M,T,Th 11-12; W,F 1-4
NOTE TO
STUDENTS: As many of you know, my door
is always open and you are free to visit at any time. You can arrange for a scheduled appointment
is you desire. If I am not in the
office, please see the secretary to find out where I am. If you desire extra help in something, please
let me know.
Special policies
statement:
1. Any student caught
in an intentional, premeditated and blatant act of cheating on any assignment
will be given the option of withdrawing from the course or receiving an
‘F’.
2. Attendance at all
class functions is required.
Attendance records will be kept on file for the occasional request from
student loan representatives and potential employers. Please notify the instructor if you are
having to miss a class meeting so that it can be recorded as an excused
absence.
Special dates of
concern:
Oct. 22-26, 2007 –
American Society of Agronomy Region IV soil judging contest. Hosted by West Texas A&M. All students are expected to travel
and compete. The competition will help
you learn about the nature, properties, descriptions, classification and
management of soils in a competitive and accelerated ‘hands-on’
atmosphere. This experience accounts for
the majority of the knowledge of soils in this course.
Goals and objectives:
The objective of this
course is to train the student on fundamental measurements and interpretations
used by the USDA Soil Survey in describing soils. At the completion of this course the student
will be able to:
- Identify soil
texture classification and percent clay in the field.
- Characterize soil
colors using the Munsell color system.
- Distinguish soil
horizons, redoximorphic features, soil structure, structure grade,
and master horizon designations.
- Be able to
interpret the suitability of soils for various agriculture, forestry,
engineering and recreation uses.
- Know the basic
taxonomic classification of soil orders and sub-orders.
- Understand the
relationships between soil development and landscape, geology
human activity and time.
Provisions for tests
and evaluations:
Grading will be based
primarily through class participation and successful completion of class
projects, such as field descriptions of soils.
Unexcused absences and failure to successfully complete assignments will
result in letter grade deductions.
Grading policy:
The philosophy of
grading in this course is that all students will begin the semester with a
letter grade designation of ‘A’. Failure
to successfully complete assigned tasks will result in one letter grade
deduction. An integral part of the
learning process is participation in the American Society of Agronomy Region IV
soil judging contest. Therefore, all
students are required to attend and compete in the contest to ensure that they
receive an ‘A’ for the course.
NOTICES:
“It is the policy of the
“UAM will no longer mail grade reports to all
students. You may access your grades
through Campus Connect on the UAM Homepage, www.uamont.edu. To have your grades mailed to you, complete
the grade request form available in the Registrar’s Office in
“The following action is prohibited under the Student
Conduct Code: Disorderly Conduct: Any behavior which disrupts the regular or
normal functions of the University community, including behavior which breaches
the peace or violates the rights of others.”