Soil 5650/6650

Purpose:	The course combines theoretical and experimental elements aimed at providing (1) basic understanding of soil physical properties and processes; (2) practical experience in the measurement and analysis of soil physical processes; and (3) presenting methods of analysis applicable to solving practical problems related to agricultural, hydrological and environmental problems.

Instructors:

Time:	Fall semester - MWF 12:30 p.m. @ Ag. Sci. 315 5 lab sessions - W 12:30-15:20 @Ag. Sci. 245

Office Hours:	M F 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Text:	Classnotes - Agricultural and Environmental Soil Physics, by Or D., and J.M. Wraith are available on the course webpage: The textbook Environmental Soil Physics, by: D. Hillel is recommended as an additional reading material.

Grades:	35% on homework problems 10% on each of the three examinations 35% on laboratory reports Scale - A>90%; B=80-89%; C=70-79%; D=60-69%; F<60% Homework is due in class on Monday, 1 week after being assigned Lab reports are due at the beginning of the following lab session Homework or Labs turned in 1 day late are only worth 90%, 1 week late = 50%, more than 1 week = 0%. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Laboratory Reports	Should be neat and concise (3-4 pages, excluding graphs) based on the following format: Title Introduction - a brief discussion of the topic and the lab's objectives. Materials and Methods - keep it short, there is no need to repeat handout information, only deviation from it. Results - include tables of raw and/or transformed data; equations and graphs. Discussion - think! check if results make sense (no negative weights please); explain their significance and the associated physical process; integrate concepts from class; discuss assumptions and limitations. Literature Cited - list in alphabetical order literature you have consulted and mentioned in the report.
Homework	To receive full credit for homework problems, you must do the following: Show your work (equations used, at least 1 sample calculation for each problem) Clearly mark the beginning of each problem with the problem number (i.e., 11a, 11b) Order problems sequentially (i.e., 11, 12, 13, …) Show the answer for each part of a problem clearly by underlining the answer Plot graphs using a computer program and print out Do your own work, photocopying and sharing printouts is unacceptable Please use 8-1/2 x 11 paper and staple all sheets together

Note:	If a student has any physical disabilities or other problems that will likely require some accommodation by the instructor, these must be made known to the instructor during the first five days of the course. In cooperation with the Disability Resources Center, course materials can be provided in alternative formats--large print, audio and braille.