The minor in Soil Ecosystems Science and Conservation is designed to equip students with a functional understanding of soil ecosystems and their critical role in environmental sustainability. The purpose of this minor is to combine the fundamental sub-disciplines of soil science to provide non-majors the essential elements of soil science.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Evaluate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, as well as the complex interactions and processes that occur within soil ecosystems.
- Apply the methods for assessing soil health, including soil sampling techniques, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of soil data to identify factors affecting soil productivity.
- Apply strategies for conserving and managing soil ecosystems to ensure their long-term sustainability.
- Examine the role of soil ecosystems in sustainable agricultural practices that promote sustainable food production while minimizing environmental impacts.
- Describe the role of soil science in land-use planning and decision-making processes.
- Apply an interdisciplinary perspective by integrating knowledge and addressing real-world challenges related to soil ecosystems and conservation.
Effective Fall 2024
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.
Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SOCR 210 | Microbiome Roles in a Sustainable Earth (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| SOCR 240 | Introductory Soil Science | 4 |
| SOCR 470 | Soil Physics | 3 |
| Selected Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Geomorphology | ||
| Pedology | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Plant Physiology | ||
| Agroecosystem Management | ||
| Soil Ecology | ||
| Microbiomes of Soil Systems | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Soil Fertility Management and Soil Fertility Laboratory | ||
| Soil Biogeochemistry | ||
| Soil and Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Additional Electives | ||
| Select one additional course from above or from the list of additional electives. Must have minimum of 21 credits total. | 1-3 | |
| Climate-Smart Irrigation Principles | ||
| Climate-Smart Irrigation Management | ||
| Soils and Global Change-Impacts and Solutions | ||
| Forest and Range Soils | ||
| Internship | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 21-25 | |