AGH 146 - Soil Science for Horticulture

1. Describe importance and function of soil and rooting media.
   1. Evaluate role in supporting life.
   2. Identify unique role in plant growth.
   3. Assess agricultural and non-agricultural uses.
2. Evaluate soil and rooting media components.
   1. Describe 3 phase system: solids, liquids, gases.
   2. Identify major components of soil and how they impact the 3 soil phases.
   3. Identify components of rooting media and their impact on the 3 soil phases.
   4. Correlate impact of components to soil and rooting media uses.
3. Summarize soil origins and development.
   1. Identify parent materials.
   2. Explain climate influence.
   3. Assess role of soil organisms.
   4. Evaluate impact of topography.
   5. Interpret the influence of time.
   6. Analyze human influence.
   7. Differentiate soil horizons.
   8. Interpret the changes in soil forming process: additions, losses, translocations, and transformations.
4. Evaluate role and function of soil water.
   1. Explain how plants take up and use water.
   2. Identify forces that act on soil water.
   3. Describe types of soil water.
   4. Describe water movement and retention in soil.
   5. Calculate indicators to measure soil water.
   6. Explain importance of soil drainage and its management.
   7. Assess general irrigation systems.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the soil classification and survey.
   1. Differentiate major soil orders.
   2. Identify land and land forms on soil survey maps.
   3. Assess land based on soil survey maps.
6. Analyze the impact of physical properties on soil and rooting media use.
   1. Demonstrate knowledge of the impact of soil texture.
   2. Calculate indicators of soil compaction and porosity.
   3. Identify sources of compaction and solutions.
   4. Evaluate impact of soil management on soil temperatures.
   5. Assess the impact management practices have on soil physical properties.
7. Describe the role of organisms in soil processes.
   1. Identify the types of organisms in the soil.
   2. Describe organism function in nutrient cycling, soil aggregation, plant growth, and break down of chemicals.
   3. Evaluate soil conditions and practices that impact soil organisms.
8. Explain the role of organic matter in soil and rooting media.
   1. Define organic matter.
   2. Explain functions of organic matter.
   3. Describe formation and decay of organic matter.
   4. Evaluate factors that influence soil organic matter.
   5. Analyze role of organic matter in the carbon cycle.
9. Evaluate soil and rooting media chemistry.
   1. Identify plant nutrients.
   2. Describe cation exchange capacity and how it impacts soil management.
   3. Identify forms of nutrients in the soil and the impact they have on soil management.
   4. Describe generally how plants take up nutrients.
   5. Explain development of soil pH.
   6. Explain impact of pH on plant and soil management.
   7. Evaluate impact of salt conditions in soil.
   8. Explain difference in soil and potting media.
10. Evaluate use of soil and rooting media amendments.
    1. Interpret soil amendment labels such as fertilizer and lime.
    2. Analyze tools for assessing a need for soil amendments such as soil and tissue tests.
    3. Determine if a need exists for soil amendments.
    4. Evaluate fertilizer types.
    5. Calculate proper rates for soil amendments.
    6. Describe in depth the nitrogen cycle.
    7. Explain the fate of applied fertilizers.
11. Analyze non-native soils.
    1. Evaluate conditions of disturbed soils.
    2. Identify practices specifically needed in disturbed soils
    3. Evaluate soils engineered for specific uses.
    4. Assess unique properties and uses of potting media.
12. Explain role of conservation in soil management.
    1. Evaluate impacts of compaction.
    2. Describe factors and practices that impact erosion.
    3. Assess agriculture’s impact on water use and conservation.
    4. Identify government programs which work with conservation and agriculture.