WIS433 SOIL SCIENCE - ADVANCED 02/26/1990 09:14 AM D1 557 Lines Agriculture Science/Production Management Soil Science - Advanced (12-45 days) This unit deals with advanced aspects of soil science. Topics include career opportunities, soil characteristics, soil conservation, fertilizer use, land management, soil development, and soil chemistry and structure. Objectives To acquaint students with employment information and career opportunities in the soil science industry To develop student appreciation of the value of soil as a natural resource To develop student understanding of how soils develop To familiarize students with the language of soil science To provide students with instruction and practice in recognizing differences among soils To assist students in recognizing ways of reducing soil losses To enhance student ability to make reasoned judgments concerning appropriate land use To develop student understanding of how to use fertilizers effectively, efficiently, and properly To increase student awareness of the value of animal manure as a fertilizer To illustrate to students the relation of soil chemistry, structure, and water retention to plant growth Competencies At the conclusion of this unit, students will be able to explain current employment information such as job descriptions, job availability, personal and educational requirements, working conditions, opportunity for advancement, and other factors relative to potential employment in soil science and relate it to their personal needs and aspirations; explain the value of soil as a resource and its relationship to the community; describe the processes by which soil forms and ages; explain the major categories used to describe and classify soil; understand the soil science terminology; differentiate soil structure, texture, and color; describe various soil conservation practices; identify the best use of soils in the area; determine the amount and kind of fertilizer to be applied in a given situation; recognize sources of soil nutrients; explain major and minor nutrients in soils; evaluate fertilizer on an elemental and oxide form and compare on a cost per unit basis; explain how fertility is lost and why certain nutrients leach more readily than others; and understand the effect of pH on nutrient availability. Subject Matter (Basic skills integration areas are shown in brackets following title.) Careers - Current and future employment needs - Job descriptions - Training requirements - Working conditions - Opportunities for advancement - Other factors Development of soils [Science] - As a result of water, wind, glaciers, forest, and grasses - The great orders of soil - Characteristics of a soil horizon - Major factors used in describing soils and soil horizons - Soil groups found in the United States and their development and characteristics - Soil chemistry Organic matter and its relationship to soil fertility [Mathematics, Science] - Definition and composition of organic matter - The importance of organic matter - Methods used to increase or maintain the organic matter of the soil - The carbon-nitrogen ratio Life found in the soil [Science] - Importance of microorganisms - Kinds of microorganisms - Other forms of life - The nitrogen fixation process - The process of inoculating legumes - Benefits derived from inoculating legumes - Harmful effects of soil microorganisms - Factors which favor the growth and activity of soil microorganisms - Soil management practices and microorganism activity - Higher animal life and its effect on soil Water in the soil [Mathematics, Science] - The importance of water in soil formation and plant growth - Types of water - Water entrance and movement - Adhesion and cohesion - Classes of soil water and plant availability - Water-holding capacity - Methods used to determine the moisture content - The importance of proper water management - Methods of increasing available water to crops - Methods used to reduce water losses from soil Plant growth [Science] - The life process of plants - Components of a cell (composition and function) - Plant functions Photosynthesis Transpiration Respiration Digestion Assimilation Growth and reproduction - Functions of the root system - Development of roots - Types of root systems - Extent of the root system - Types and functions of stems Environment and its effect on plant growth [Mathematics, Science] - Heredity factors - Crop environment Effects of light Effect of temperature on plant growth Plant growth in relationship to soil moisture Effect of humidity, precipitation, and wind on plant growth The need for air in the soil Effect of soil texture, structure, fertility, and soil reaction on plant growth Effect of weeds on plant growth The effect of insects and diseases on plant growth Elements necessary for plant growth [Science] - Elements obtained from the air - Elements obtained from water - Elements obtained from soil Major elements 1.nitrogen 2.phosphorous 3.potassium 4.calcium 5.magnesium Trace elements 1.iron 2.boron 3.manganese 4.copper 5.molybdenum 6.chlorine Soil reaction and liming [Mathematics, Science] - Ionization of molecules - Identify ions, molecules, electrons, and cations - Soil acidity and alkalinity - Colloids and soil reaction - Soil reaction testing - The development of acid and alkaline soils Range of reaction in soils Seasonal effects on soil acidity - Soil reaction and its effect on plant growth Plants that favor a weak acid or neutral soil Plants that tolerate a moderately acid soil Plants that tolerate an acid soil - Liming the soil Ways liming material becomes deficient in soil Function of lime in the soil Benefits derived from adding lime to the soil Calcium equivalents in lime and soil acidity Application of liming materials 1.time of application 2.method of application 3.rate of application 4.factors that determine the amount of lime needed to obtain the desired pH Commercial fertilizers [Mathematics, Science] - Reasons for applying commercial fertilizers - Types available - How commercial fertilizers are sold - Fertilizer grades - Guaranteed analysis information - Major and minor elements in commercial fertilizers - Amount of commercial fertilizer to apply Rates for maximum yields Rates for maximum profits - Time of application - Fertilizer placement Banding Side dressing Drilling in with the seed Plow sole application Broadcasting Spreading with manure - Kinds of commercial fertilizer Nitrogen fertilizer 1.sulfate of ammonia 2.nitrate of soda or sodium nitrate 3.ammonium nitrate 4.anhydrous ammonia Phosphate fertilizers 1.rock phosphate 2.super phosphate Potash fertilizers 1.nitrate of potash 2.sulfate of potash - State laws that apply to commercial fertilizers Animal manure and the effect on soil fertility [Mathematics, Science] - Value of manure in maintaining soil fertility - Fertilizer content of manure produced by farm animals Cattle Hogs Sheep Horses - Bedding and feed effect on fertilizer content of manure - Conservation methods for barnyard manure - Methods of handling manure - Methods of applying manure - Rates of application - Crops and soils that benefit most from a manure application Land drainage and its effect on land use [Mathematics, Science] - Effects resulting from too much water and prolonged wetness Root growth Tilth Cultural practices Cost - Drainage methods Surface drainage 1.system of ditching and design 2.effectiveness 3.soil cover, land slope, and condition of soil 4.preventing erosion 5.ditch construction Subsurface drainage 1.where used 2.types of systems 3.tile location of drains size of tiles selection construction of tile drains depth and spacing of tile - Maintaining drainage systems Importance of keeping ditches free of refuse, weeds, trash, brush, and silt Sod outlet ditches and maintenance costs Inspection and care of tile drainage systems Effects of continuous cropping on tile drainage systems Soils and water conservation [Mathematics, Science, Social Studies] - Types of erosion Wind Water - Changes in the landscape due to erosion - Agricultural practices that increase erosion Overgrazing Plowing up and down the slope rather than on the contour Tilling soil of low fertility Failing to maintain adequate organic matter content Removing natural vegetation from the forest Exposing soil on sloping land Breaking up land susceptible to erosion - Tillage methods Conventional moldboard plow Conservation tillage 1.no tillage or zero tillage 2.ridge planting 3.strip tillage 4.chisel plowing 5.plow plant 6.wheel track plant - Effects from erosion Reduced crop yields Greater need for commercial fertilizer Crops of lower nutritive value Loss of topsoil Formations of ditches and gullies Siltation of lakes and streams Covering topsoil with lower fertility soils from highlands - Extent of erosion in the United States Land area of the United States Percent damaged by erosion Losses caused by erosion - Conservation programs in the United States Historical background Present soil and water conservation activities 1.soil conservation districts (function and operation) 2.assistance provided by business and industry 3.grassland farming 4.tree farming (shelterbelts, windbreaks, and woodlots) 5.terracing 6.strip cropping 7.land forming 8.crop rotation 9.ponds and dams Ecology and its relationship to soil use [Mathematics, Science] - The ecosystem Members of the ecosystem Checks and balances The effect of change - People and the soil Humans' effect on the soil Reaction of the soil to humans' presence - Balance of nature Motivational Activities Take field trips to - a watershed management area, - wildlife conservation areas, and - local farms to view the conservation practices being used. Invite resource people, such as representatives from the Soil Conservation Service and the state parks department, to give class presentations. Post bulletin board displays on topics related to this unit. View slides of glaciation and glacial features. Demonstrate the properties of pure phosphorus and potassium. Conduct soil tests and other laboratory experiments on soil. Learning Activities Participate in a Supervised Agricultural Experience program. List the conservation efforts practiced at your home or at an agricultural setting and devise a plan for improving on those efforts. Collect and test soil samples. Experiment with fertilizer on test plots and report on your findings. Evaluate a conservation plan of your Soil Conservation Service district. Develop a plan for your district. Participate in local and state land judging contest. Titrate a sample of lime. Use a sample soil report and write recommendations for corrective maintenance applications. Complete work sheets on fertilizer calculations. Collect and display plant specimens that show nutrient deficiencies. Demonstrate how to calibrate the fertilizer applicator in a corn planter and a broadcast fertilizer applicator. Instructional Materials Textbooks and References Approved Practices in Soil Conservation by Duane A. Bosworth and Albert B. Foster. 5th ed. Danville, IL: Interstate, 1983. Available from National Farm Book Company. Fundamentals to Soil Science by Henry D. Foth. 7th ed. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1984. Available from National Farm Book Company. Our Soils and Their Management by Roy L. Donahue, Roy H. Follett, and Rodney L. Tulloch. 5th ed. Danville, IL: Interstate, 1983. Profitable Soil Management by Leo L. Knuti. 4th ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1984. Available from National Farm Book Company. Soil and Soil Management by Charles Sopher and Jack Baird. 3rd ed. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing, 1986. Available from National Farm Book Company. Soil and Water Conservation by Frederick B. Troeh. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1980. Available from National Farm Book Company. Soil Science Simplified by Milo I. Harpstead, Francis D. Hole, and William Bennett. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press, 1988. Available from National Farm Book Company. Soils: An Introduction to Soils and Plant Growth by Roy L. Donahue and John Miller. 5th ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1983. Available from National Farm Book Company. Using Commercial Fertilizers by Malcolm H. McVickar and William M. Walker. 4th ed. Danville, IL: Interstate, 1978. The Western Fertilizer Handbook. 7th ed., rev. Fresno, CA: Thomson Publications, 1986. Bulletins and Pamphlets The following are available from the Cooperative Extension Service. Aglime - Key to Increased Yield and Profits. A2240. Biological Inoculants and Activators: Their Value to Agriculture. NCR168. Compendium of Research Reports on Use of Non-Traditional Materials for Crop Production - Supplement 1. A9NTM-1. Fertilizer Value of Swine Manure. PIH25. Grow Legumes for Green Manure. A2477. The following is available from Successful Farming magazine. Conservation Tillage Guide Periodicals Ag Consultant Agricultural Research Crops and Soils Doane's Agricultural Report Farm Journal Journal of Soil and Water Conservation Successful Farming Computer Software The following are available from Agri-Education, Inc. AgLime. Apple, IBM. Common Sense Conservation. Apple, IBM. The following is available from Fred's Micro-ware. Field File. Apple, IBM. The following are available from Hobar Publications. Soil Conservation and Surveying and Related Review. Apple, IBM, TRS, Macintosh. Soil Evaluation, Fertility and Related Review. Apple, IBM, TRS, Macintosh. Substitute Teacher - Vol. VI: Fertilizers. Apple. Tillage and Related Review. Apple, IBM, TRS, Macintosh. The following are available from Mid States Agri-Technology Associates, Ltd. Fertilizer Cost per Acre Formulator Program. Apple. Micro-Tutor: Conservation. Apple, IBM. Micro-Tutor: Soil Science. Apple, IBM. Soil Test Interpreter. Apple, IBM. The following is available from Midwest Agribusiness Services Inc. Agri-Quiz: Soils. Apple, IBM. Laboratory Resources The following are available from the National Vocational Agriculture Book Company. Crop and Soil Science Student Study Manual Vocational Agriculture Soil Management Manual Films, Videotapes, and Slides The following are available from the Bureau of Audio Visual Instruction. Runoff - Land Use and Water Quality. 01765 (16mm film, color, 22 minutes). University of Wisconsin, Department of Agricultural Journalism, 1978. Soil and Soil Surveys of Wisconsin. (VHS videotape, color, Part I20 minutes, Part II20 minutes). University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, 1983. Water Movement in Soil. 03360 (16mm film, color, 27 minutes). University of Washington, 1961. The following is available from Cornell University. Potassium for Agriculture. (16mm film, color, 24 minutes.) 1979. The following is available from Vocational Agriculture Services. Collecting and Preparing Soil Samples for Testing. S703a (36 slides) or F703a (36-frame filmstrip). 1964. The following are available from Vocational Education Productions. The Western Fertilizer Handbook Slideset Series. 1-580-101H (Set of eight slidesets). Individual slidesets from the series also may be ordered; titles and order numbers are as follows: "Benefits of Fertilizer." 1-580-612H (14 color slides). "Essential Plant Nutrients." 1-580-604H (56 color slides.) "Fertilizer Formulation, Storage and Handling." 1-580-606H (26 color slides). "Fertilizers - A Source of Plant Nutrients." 1-580-605H (29 color slides). "Methods of Applying Fertilizer." 1-580-610H (22 color slides). "Soil - A Medium for Plant Growth." 1-580-601H (39 color slides). "Soil - Organic Matter." 1-580-608H (17 color slides). "Soil and Tissue Testing." 1-580-609H (26 color slides). The following are available from Vocational Media Associates. Conservation Tillage. 300798-93 (Filmstrip or slides with cassette and program guide). Soil: Its Meaning for Man. 30919-93 (Two-parts, filmstrip with cassette and program guide). Soil Testing - Where the Yield Begins. 31339-93 (Videotape). Farmland Industries, n.d. Soil: The Growth Medium. 30194-93 (Filmstrip with cassette, program guide, and masters). Equipment and Facilities Munsell color book Sacks for sampling Sample of soil profiles of area soils Small pail or pan for mixing Soil auger or soil spade Soil pit in area Soil sampling tube