Professor: Jean Faye
4 credits
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and to the wonderful world of soils that lie – often forgotten – beneath our feet. Soils are one of the most fundamental basis and core ecological constraints on plant distributions and productivity of both natural and managed ecosystems. Soils are also an important component of many current and historical environmental problems. This course educates students interested in the interaction of biophysical, social, and economic issues underlying the management of natural resources (soils). The lectures emphasize the basic soil characteristics and concepts of cognate subjects of sustainable agriculture. The course includes a mixture of lecture and experiencing soils first-hand in field sites.