Geography G123: Soil Survey (1Cr)

Geography G123: Soil Survey (1cr)

Fall 2017 - Bein

Frederick L. Bein

Office: CA213D

Office Hours: MW 2:30-4:45

Email:

Course Description:

G123Soil Survey (2cr.) An introduction to soil geography including soil development processes, the United States Department of Agriculture sol survey map interpretation, physical and mechanical soil properties and land use analysis.

Course Objective:

The objective of this course is to provide a basic introduction to familiarize students with a general understanding of soils, including soil development processes, use of Soil Survey maps, Central Indiana soils and their general land use problems.

G123 also includes connections to IUPUI’s “Principles of Undergraduate Learning.” This course addresses to some degree all the principles of undergraduate learning, but particularly core communication and quantitative skills, critical thinking, and the integration of knowledge.

Course Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

·  Explain planetary soil development processes and identify the geographical settings where different soils occur.

·  Describe soil formation with respect to the impacts of topography, weathering and climate.

·  Explain the soil classification system through the identification through color, texture, pH, compaction and landscape position.

·  Develop a land use application where several soils are sharing an environment.

·  Experience fieldwork to understand practical land use problems.

Required Texts:

1) SOIL SURVEY OF MARION COUNTY, Indiana U.S. Department of Agriculture, Marion County Soil & Water Conservation District. (May be borrowed from instructor and copy must be returned with final exam.) Individual map sheets are free from Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District and soil surveys and from county of residence if not from Marion County.

2) INDIANA SOILS: Evaluation and Conservation Donald P. Franzmeier. Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, West Lafayette, Indiana

Attendance:

We will be covering a large amount of material and the majority of the subject matter on which you will be tested will be emphasized in lectures. The lectures and discussions are structured to provide an introduction and overview of the most important material on each topic. Attendance is expected for all five weeks and it is crucial you keep up with the assigned readings.

Student honesty: Cheating or plagiarism in any form will NOT be tolerated and will be penalized by a failing grade for the course and a report being submitted to the Dean of Students. You are referred to the IUPUI Student Code of Conduct for the University's definition and policy on academic misconduct.

Additional Student Resources:

Student Advocate

The Student Advocate Office is located in the Campus Center, Suite 350, and can be contacted by phone at 278-7594 or email at . For more information, visit the Student Advocate website at http://www.life.iupui.edu/advocate/

Adaptive Educational Services

Students needing accommodations because of physical or learning disabilities should contact Adaptive Educational Services, Taylor Hall (UC), Room 137: http://aes.iupui.edu/

Counseling & Psychological Services

Students who wish to seek counseling or other psychological services should contact the CAPS office by phone at 274-2548 or email at . For more information, visit the CAPS website at http://studentaffairs.iupui.edu/health-wellness/counseling-psychology/

University Writing Center – (Cavanaugh 427 and University Library 2125) Writers of all skill levels can benefit from working with writing consultants at any stage of the writing process be it brainstorming, drafting, revising, or final polishing. The University Writing Center is open for 45-minute face-to-face and online appointments Monday through Saturday. Appointments can be made by visiting our websitehttp://liberalarts.iupui.edu/uwc/.Information about our hours can also be found on our website. Call 317-274-2049 with questions about our programming and policies. If you have never visited the University Writing Center, we strongly encourage that you read about what to expect here:http://liberalarts.iupui.edu/uwc/.

Grading Standards and Criteria:

This semester I will be using IU's FLAGS System to provide real-time feedback on your performance in this course. Periodically throughout the semester I will be entering data on factors such as your class attendance, participation, and success with coursework, among other things. This information will provide feedback on how you are faring in the course and offer you suggestions on how you might be able to improve your performance. You will be able to access this information in the student center: Onestart > Student Services page > Student Center > My Academics and Grades > My Grades.

Grade Breakdown:

Assignment 1 10

Assignment 2 10

Four quizzes 40

Field trip 10

Participation 5

Final Exam 35

Attendance is also part of participation. Participation can affect a marginal final grade.
Liability. All students must sign liability disclaimers with respect to field trips, absolving the University of any responsibility beyond what would otherwise happen on campus. Students will provide their own transportation to all field trips sites and are encouraged to carpool.
Plagiarism: Cheating in any form will not be tolerated and will be penalized by a failing grade for the course and a report being submitted to the Dean of Students. You are referred to the IU Student Code of Ethics for the University’s definition and policy on academic misconduct
COURSE OUTLINE
Aug 24. Why soils? Planetary Soil Development Process. Soil Survey interpretation. Read in UNDERSTANDING & JUDGING INDIANA SOILS
Soil definitions, soil development, Impact of climate, topography, physiographic regions of Indiana, bedrock surfaces, geologic time table, glacial epochs.
Soil elements: rocks, air, water and organic material Pedology, glaciation, glacial till, loess, alluvium
Soil Profile: topsoil, sub soil, parent material, soil horizons, action of water, air, climate, pH, bacteria
Climate and soil: Tropical rainy, tropical wet-dry, tropical desert, tropical steppe, Humid mid-latitude, continental interior, mid-latitude dry climates, marine west coasts
Soil classification: globally
Introduction the USDA soil survey: Marion County soil survey and other central Indiana soil surveys : World soil map
August 31. Quiz 1on lecture 1 and readings. Exercise 1: Students should bring a one page description of a soil familiar selected site. Use the Soil Survey and Understanding & Judging Indiana Soilsto develop the Description.
Erosion concepts and processes: weathering and mass wasting, transportation of soil. Physical weathering. Biological weathering, chemical weathering.
Residual soils, transported soils, soil organics, soil catena
Comparative farming practices: Moldboard plowing, No till farming, erosion land forms produced by water wind and ice. Erosion control methods
Mapping soils: US department of Agriculture: reading and interpreting soil maps
Sept 7. Quiz 2on material from lecture 2. Exercise 2: Bring soil sample from your familiar site.
Hands on work with soils: color, structure, taste, pH, compaction, tilth, and landfills
Soil texture classification of Indiana Soils, USDA soil texture triangle, cation exchange capacity, soil strength, filtering capacity, organic matter, effervescence,, drainage, water table, soil moisture holding capacity, soil peds, soil consistency, pH reaction scale S
oil Classification: Seventh approximation, US Department of Agriculture system
Sept 14.Quiz 3 on material from lecture 3. Exercise 3: Complete worksheet.Field Trip at selected site in Marion County. Be prepared to get "dirty." Dress right for weather rain or shine. Map and directions will be provided.
Sept 21. Quiz 4 over field trip.Land ethic Soil problems in Central Indiana.
Human impact on soils: central Indiana and the tropical world
Case studies of tropical soils of Brazil and the Sudan
Receive take home exam
Sept 28. Turn in TAKE-HOME EXAM. Deliver to Rick Bein by5 PM, Dept.of Geography, Cavanaugh Hall 213D, IUPUI, and 425 University Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202.
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