Soil Science (SOIL)
SOIL 101, INTRODUCTION TO CROP, SOIL, AND INSECT SCIENCE, 1 Credit
Introduces students with interests in crop, soil, and insect sciences to educational and professional opportunities in these disciplines. Speakers will discuss opportunities in research and academia as well as in the applied professional job market. CROSSLISTED as CROP 101/ENT 101/SOIL 101.
Equivalent to: CROP 101, ENT 101, HORT 101
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 199, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: SOIL 199H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 199H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOIL 199
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 205, SOIL SCIENCE, 3 Credits
Introduction to the chemical, physical and biological nature of soils. Examines how soils function in terms of plant growth, nutrient supply, the global carbon cycle, ecological habitat, and water purification. Community-based learning projects provide hands-on experience with fundamental soil science principles and the impact of human activities on soil quality and sustainability. (Bacc Core Course if taken with SOIL 206 or FOR 206)
Attributes: CPPL – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science Attached Lecture
Prerequisite: SOIL 206 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or FOR 206 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
SOIL 205H, SOIL SCIENCE, 3 Credits
Introduction to the chemical, physical and biological nature of soils. Examines how soils function in terms of plant growth, nutrient supply, the global carbon cycle, ecological habitat, and water purification. Community-based learning projects provide hands-on experience with fundamental soil science principles and the impact of human activities on soil quality and sustainability. (Bacc Core Course if taken with SOIL 206 or FOR 206)
Attributes: CPPL – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science Attached Lecture; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Prerequisite: SOIL 206 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or FOR 206 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
SOIL 206, *SOIL SCIENCE LABORATORY FOR SOIL 205, 1 Credit
Students will gain hands-on experience with soil science concepts and applications. Laboratory exercises and field trips will help students develop proficiency in the methods/tools for analyzing soil chemistry, biology, morphology, physical properties, and soil forming factors. Skills will be taught in the context of soils' social, economic, and environmental importance. (Bacc Core Course if taken with SOIL 205)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science
Corequisites: SOIL 205
Equivalent to: SOIL 206H
SOIL 206H, *SOIL SCIENCE LABORATORY FOR SOIL 205, 1 Credit
Students will gain hands-on experience with soil science concepts and applications. Laboratory exercises and field trips will help students develop proficiency in the methods/tools for analyzing soil chemistry, biology, morphology, physical properties, and soil forming factors. Skills will be taught in the context of soils' social, economic, and environmental importance. (Bacc Core Course if taken with SOIL 205)
Attributes: CPPS – Bacc Core, Perspectives, Physical Science; HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Corequisites: SOIL 205H
Equivalent to: SOIL 206
SOIL 299, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: SOIL 299H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 299H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOIL 299
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 316, NUTRIENT CYCLING IN AGROECOSYSTEMS, 4 Credits
Nutrient forms, transformations, and cycling. Diagnosis and correction of nutrient deficiencies, pH and salinity. Impact of nutrient management practices on crop production, soil health, nutrient use efficiency, and environmental quality. Organic and inorganic fertilization. Labs include soil sampling and testing procedures, data collection on soil and plants, computer applications for soil fertility management, and field trips.
Prerequisite: (CH 121 with D- or better or CH 231 with D- or better or CH 231H with D- or better) and (SOIL 205 [C] or SOIL 205H [C] or CSS 205 [C] or CSS 305 [C])
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 325, ^AG AND ENVIRONMENTAL PREDICAMENTS: A CASE STUDY APPROACH, 3 Credits
Analyze controversial agricultural and environmental issues, synthesize information from diverse sources, and apply scientific knowledge to recommend specific courses of action to solve real world problems. Develop oral and written communication skills through individual and group work. CROSSLISTED as CROP 325/SOIL 325/SUS 325.
Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course
SOIL 360, SOIL MANAGEMENT FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION, 3 Credits
This is a skills-based soil management course that is part lecture and part student-centered learning. Significant class time will be devoted to making field-scale management decisions. The course includes individual and group work, presentation, and discussion. The intent is to prepare students for real-world application of soil management decisions in certified organic systems. Using the National Organic Program as a starting point as well as farm system descriptions with extensive long-term data sets, we will interpret soil nutrient analyses, cover cropping systems, and organic amendments, to design soil management plans for two model cropping systems (annual and perennial).
Prerequisite: CSS 205 with C or better or CSS 305 with C or better or ((SOIL 205 with C or better or SOIL 205H with C or better) and (SOIL 206 [C] or SOIL 206H [C] or FOR 206 [C]))
Recommended: Introductory soil science course with lab
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 366, ECOSYSTEMS OF WILDLAND SOILS, 3 Credits
Focuses on soils that occur in relatively undisturbed ecosystems such as forests and rangelands. Topics covered include properties and processes specific to understanding and managing the soil resource in these areas. An overview of US Soil Taxonomy will also be given.
Prerequisite: SOIL 205 with D- or better or SOIL 205H with D- or better or CSS 205 with D- or better or CSS 305 with D- or better
Recommended: An understanding and appreciation of environmental chemistry, biology, ecology, and physics
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 388, SOIL SYSTEMS AND PLANT GROWTH, 4 Credits
Introduces soils as providers of critical resources for plant growth. Explains how soils supply water, air, thermal energy and nutrients to plants. Shows that sustainable management of soil resources requires substantial understanding of their role in the functioning of natural, forest, and agricultural systems. Explains controls on stocks and availabilities of individual soil resources and mechanisms making these resources plant-available.
Prerequisite: (( (SOIL 205 with D- or better or SOIL 205H with D- or better) and (SOIL 206 [D-] or SOIL 206H [D-] or FOR 206 [D-])) or CSS 205 [D-]) and (CH 121 [D-] or CH 231 [D-] or CH 231H [D-]) and (BOT 220 [D-] or (BI 204 [D-] or BI 205 [D-] or BI 206 [D-]) or (BI 211 [D-] or BI 212 [D-] or BI 213 [D-]) or (BI 211H [D-] or BI 212H [D-] or BI 213H [D-]) or (BI 221 [D-] or BI 222 [D-] or BI 223 [D-]) or (BI 221H [D-] or BI 222H [D-] or BI 223H [D-]))
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 395, ^WORLD SOIL RESOURCES, 3 Credits
The properties, global distribution, and agricultural productivity of major world soil groups are described. Potentials for human-accelerated soil degradation are introduced for each soil group, and reasons for conflicting assessments of degradation are discussed.
Attributes: CWIC – Bacc Core, Skills, Writing Intensive Course
Prerequisite: CH 121 with D- or better or CH 122 with D- or better or CH 123 with D- or better or CH 201 with D- or better or CH 202 with D- or better or CH 231 with D- or better or CH 231H with D- or better or CH 232 with D- or better or CH 232H with D- or better or CH 233 with D- or better or CH 233H with D- or better
Recommended: One term of chemistry
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 399, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 401, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: CSS 401
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 403, THESIS, 1-16 Credits
Independent, original study and preparation of a senior thesis.
Equivalent to: CSS 403
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 405, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: SOIL 405H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 405H, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOIL 405
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 408, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
Evaluation and judging of soils in Oregon and other states; directed studies of soil morphology, soil survey, soil fertility, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology, and soil information systems.
Equivalent to: CSS 408
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 409, PRACTICUM, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 410, INTERNSHIP, 1-6 Credits
Professional work experience previously approved and supervised by the department, written report required.
Equivalent to: CSS 410
This course is repeatable for 12 credits.
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 430, ORGANIC SOIL AND CROP MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Explores organic soil and crop management, organic soil system management, soil microbiology under organic systems, cropping systems, organic cereal production systems, organic forage production system, organic horticultural systems management, organic field and horticulture cropping systems. CROSSLISTED as CROP 430/SOIL 430.
Equivalent to: CROP 430
Recommended: AGRI 420, CROP 200, SOIL 205 or introductory biology
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 435, ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Covers principles of soil physical properties and processes as they relate to agricultural, hydrological and environmental problems.
Prerequisite: CSS 205 with D- or better or CSS 305 with D- or better or SOIL 205 with D- or better or SOIL 205H with D- or better
Recommended: CH 123 and MTH 241 and PH 201
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 445, ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL CHEMISTRY, 3 Credits
Emphasizes structural chemistry of clay minerals and organic matter, cation and anion exchange, and soil solution equilibria of soils. Ion exchange, mineral-solution equilibria, and adsorption reactions of silicate clays, oxides, and organic matter are emphasized. Covers the sorption behavior of environmental contaminants and the weathering reactions that govern the transport of reactive solutes through soils.
Prerequisite: (CSS 205 with D- or better or CSS 305 with D- or better or ((SOIL 205 with D- or better or SOIL 205H with D- or better) and (SOIL 206 [D-] or FOR 206 [D-])) ) and (CH 122 [D-] or CH 202 [D-] or ((CH 232 [D-] or CH 232H [D-]) and (CH 262 [D-] or CH 262H [D-] or CH 272 [D-])) )
Recommended: SOIL 316 or SOIL 388
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 455, BIOLOGY OF SOIL ECOSYSTEMS, 4 Credits
A detailed study of the organisms that live in the soil and their activities in the soil ecosystems, soil as a habitat for organisms, taxonomy and biology of soil organisms, fundamentals of nutrient cycles, special topics in soil biology, review basis of soil microbial and ecological principles.
Recommended: (CSS 305 or CSS 205 or SOIL 205). Courses in chemistry, physics, and microbiology
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 466, SOIL MORPHOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION, 4 Credits
Observation and description of soil properties in the field; writing soil profile descriptions; evaluating criteria that define features used to classify soils; using soil classification keys.
Prerequisite: SOIL 205 with D- or better or SOIL 205H with D- or better or CSS 205 with D- or better or CSS 305 with D- or better
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 468, SOIL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Principles of soil geomorphology, soil stratigraphy, and surficial processes as applied to understanding the soil system and landscape scales. Emphasis on field observations of soils, geomorphic surfaces, and environment. Field project entails design of soil survey map units, field mapping and GIS cartographic techniques.
Prerequisite: SOIL 466 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better or CSS 466 (may be taken concurrently) with D- or better
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 499, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Equivalent to: SOIL 499H
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 499H, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
Attributes: HNRS – Honors Course Designator
Equivalent to: SOIL 499
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 501, RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 503, THESIS/DISSERTATION, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
SOIL 505, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 506, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 507, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 508, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
Evaluation and judging of soils in Oregon and other states; directed studies of soil morphology, soil survey, soil fertility, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology, and soil information systems.
Equivalent to: CSS 508
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 509, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures. CROSSLISTED as CROP 509/ENT 509/PBG 509/SOIL 509.
Equivalent to: CROP 509, ENT 509, PBG 509
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
SOIL 510, INTERNSHIP, 1-6 Credits
Professional work experience previously approved and supervised by the department, written report required.
This course is repeatable for 6 credits.
SOIL 511, SOIL: A NATURAL AND SOCIETAL RESOURCE, 3 Credits
Serves degree- and non-degree-seeking graduate learners wanting soil science knowledge but having minimal science background. Understanding soil physical, chemical, and biological properties promotes informed soil management while supporting individual to global societal values. Established curriculum facilitates graduate degrees or certificates, continuing education, professional certification, and self-improvement goals. A highly interactive social media framework supports weekly student-student and instructor-student learning interactions.
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 512, METHODS OF SOIL ANALYSIS - FIELD, 1 Credit
Recognition and quantitative description of soil properties in agroecosystems. Assessments of soil environments used for crop production in Oregon. Demonstration and practice of volumetric and bulk soil sampling techniques as well as the application of pedotransfer functions. Each participant will be responsible for analyzing at least one soil sample in the chemical level. Five-day duration with four overnight stays at campgrounds. Participants will use their own or borrowed camping equipment.
Recommended: SOIL 205 with a minimum grade of C
SOIL 514, METHODS OF SOIL ANALYSIS - LABORATORY, 2 Credits
Provide the theoretical background, as well as practical experience needed to plan, select, execute, and interpret soil chemical and physical analyses such as those typically used for nutrient management recommendations. Individual and group activities involve classroom presentations, as well as hands-on work in a teaching laboratory. Samples processed are those collected in SOIL 512, Methods of Soil Analysis - Field. Duration is five full work days.
Prerequisite: SOIL 512 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better
Recommended: SOIL 205 and successful completion of EH&S Laboratory
SOIL 515, SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Management of plant nutrients in agronomic systems; diagnosis of nutrient availability and prediction of crop response to fertilizers; interactions between nutrient response and chemical, physical and biological properties of soils.
Recommended: CSS 315 and courses in statistics, chemistry and plant physiology.
SOIL 523, PRINCIPLES OF STABLE ISOTOPES, 3 Credits
An introduction to the theory and use of stable isotopes. Applications of stable isotopes to soil science, plant physiology, hydrology, and ecosystem studies. Offered even years.
Equivalent to: CSS 523
SOIL 525, MINERAL-ORGANIC MATTER INTERACTIONS, 3 Credits
Studies the fundamental properties of the mineral-organic interface and the mechanisms of interaction between mineral and organic soil properties.
Equivalent to: CSS 525
SOIL 530, ORGANIC SOIL AND CROP MANAGEMENT, 3 Credits
Explores organic soil and crop management, organic soil system management, soil microbiology under organic systems, cropping systems, organic cereal production systems, organic forage production system, organic horticultural systems management, organic field and horticulture cropping systems. CROSSLISTED as CROP 530/SOIL 530.
Equivalent to: CROP 530
Recommended: AGRI 520, SOIL 525 or introductory biology
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 535, SOIL PHYSICS, 3 Credits
Theoretical elements of soil physical properties and processes related to agricultural, hydrological and environmental problems.
Recommended: CSS 305, CSS 205, SOIL 205, MTH 241, CH 123, PH 201
SOIL 545, ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL CHEMISTRY, 3 Credits
Emphasizes structural chemistry of clay minerals and organic matter, cation and anion exchange, and soil solution equilibria of soils. Ion exchange, mineral-solution equilibria, and adsorption reactions of silicate clays, oxides, and organic matter are emphasized. Covers the sorption behavior of environmental contaminants and the weathering reactions that govern the transport of reactive solutes through soils.
Recommended: (CSS 205 or (SOIL 205 and (SOIL 206 or FOR 206))) and (CH 122 or CH 202 or (CH 232 and (CH 262 or CH 272)))
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 555, BIOLOGY OF SOIL ECOSYSTEMS, 4 Credits
A detailed study of the organisms that live in the soil and their activities in the soil ecosystems, soil as a habitat for organisms, taxonomy and biology of soil organisms, fundamentals of nutrient cycles, special topics in soil biology, review basis of soil microbial and ecological principles.
Equivalent to: CSS 555
Recommended: CSS 305 or CSS 205 or SOIL 205. Courses in chemistry, physics, and microbiology
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 560, SOIL FOR EDUCATORS, 3 Credits
Explores soil, its properties, and the use of soil as a medium for teaching broader concepts in science, math, and other subjects. Integrates curriculum development activities with opportunities to practice delivering soil-based lessons to diverse audiences.
Available via Ecampus
SOIL 566, SOIL MORPHOLOGY AND CLASSIFICATION, 4 Credits
Observation and description of soil properties in the field; writing soil profile descriptions; evaluating criteria that define features used to classify soils; using soil classification keys.
SOIL 568, SOIL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS, 4 Credits
Principles of soil geomorphology, soil stratigraphy, and surficial processes as applied to understanding the soil system at landscape scales. Emphasis on field observations of soils, geomorphic surfaces, and environment. Field project entails design of soil survey map units, field mapping and GIS cartographic techniques.
Prerequisite: CSS 566 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better or SOIL 566 (may be taken concurrently) with C or better
SOIL 599, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 601, RESEARCH, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 603, THESIS/DISSERTATION, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 999 credits.
SOIL 605, READING AND CONFERENCE, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 606, PROJECTS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 607, SEMINAR, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 608, WORKSHOP, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.
SOIL 609, PRACTICUM IN TEACHING, 1-3 Credits
Developing skills and competence in teaching under staff supervision; organization and presentation of instructional material by assisting in laboratory, recitation, and lectures.
Equivalent to: CROP 609, ENT 609, PBG 609
This course is repeatable for 9 credits.
SOIL 645, SOIL MICROBIAL ECOLOGY, 3 Credits
An advanced treatment of current topics in soil microbiology, with an emphasis on the ecology of soil microorganisms. Topics include the size, composition, diversity, and activity of soil microbial communities, linkage of microbial community structure to ecosystem functions, and applications of molecular biology to soil microbiology. Offered even years.
Equivalent to: CSS 645
SOIL 684, GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES, 4 Credits
An in-depth treatment of global biogeochemical cycles, focusing on cycles of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. CROSSLISTED as GEO 684/SOIL 684.
Equivalent to: GEO 684
Recommended: One year of college-level physics and chemistry, including introductory biology. One year of graduate coursework in soil, earth, ocean, atmospheric or forest science
SOIL 699, SPECIAL TOPICS, 1-16 Credits
This course is repeatable for 16 credits.