Introduction to Soil Science

ENVS220C - Introduction to Soil Science Students in this course will be introduced to the study, management and conservation of soils as natural bodies, both as a media for plant growth and as a part of a larger ecosystem. Students will learn to identify soil types in natural and disturbed communities. This course will present the concept of soil science such as: composition, chemical, physical and biological properties, classification and mapping, soil water, soil conservation, management practices as well as soil fertility and productivity. The world’s soils are being greatly impacted by environmental impacts such as climate change, water pollution, deforestation and development. The quality of the soil determines the capacity of land to support natural ecosystems and human society. This course will provide an introduction to the soil types found in Northern New England and how those soil types will determine our capacity to grow food.