This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to classify soils through practical scenarios and hands-on experience using the Canadian System of Soil Classification Manual. The student will also review the processes involved in soil formation as well as learn to use soil survey information as an interpretive tool. The student will also learn to use the Canadian Land Inventory system and apply techniques of soil characterization such as soil colour, texture, structure, and electrical conductivity in a term project.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours: 37.5; Field Experience Hours: 7.5)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
SOIL 117
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
Describe Basic Soil Profile Characteristics
- Identify the nine soil orders
- Describe the master mineral horizons
- Describe mineral horizon suffixes
- Describe major organic horizons
- Describe organic horizon suffixes
- Describe basic physical and chemical soil properties
- Describe key processes in soil genesis
Describe the Canadian System of Soil Classification (CSSC)
- Describe history of the development of the CSSC
- Identify key groups involved in the development of the CSSC
- Describe the hierarchy of the CSSC
- Relate practical examples to the hierarchy
Demonstrate Use of the CSSC Manual
- Describe the organization of the manual
- Describe the format for key chapters
- Demonstrate the use of the map to solve example practical scenarios
Classify Soils Using Practical Scenarios
- Demonstrate the classification of soils using in-class scenarios
- Demonstrate the classification of soils under controlled field conditions
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct a field classification of soils
Interpret Soil Survey Reports
- Demonstrate the ability to identify components of the soils map
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret soils maps
- Demonstrate the ability to identify components of the soil survey report
- Demonstrate the ability to interpret soil survey report
Apply the Canadian Land Inventory system
- Describe the CLI system
- Demonstrate the proper use of CLI nomenclature
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe the basic soil profile characteristics
- Describe the Canadian System of Soil Classification (CSSC)
- Demonstrate use of the C.S.S.C. Manual
- Demonstrate the classification of soils using practical scenarios
- Demonstrate the interpretation of soil survey reports
- Apply the Canadian Land Inventory System
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 65
Percentage of Group Work: 35
Textboooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.