Please Note: This Class Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance courses. If for any reason the Class
Syllabus does not match the print Course Guide or online course information, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
CLASS SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
Soil Genesis and Classification
COURSE CODE:
SLSC 232.3
TERM:
Fall 2014
COURSE CREDITS:
3
DELIVERY:
Online
COURSE SECTION:
W01-W99
START DATE:
September, 3, 2014
END DATE:
December 5, 2014
Course Description
Deals with soil systems and their environments from the perspective of soil development and soil
classification. Attention is given to the biotic, geological and physical factors that influence soil
formation, and the response of soils to altered environments. The primary emphasis is on
Canadian soils and classification, with significant attention to global soils.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): One of BLE 212, EVSC 220, SLSC 240, GEOG 235, or RRM
215.
Note: Only available in web format.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Classify soil profiles to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of Soil
Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to a particular soil
profile.
3. Apply your knowledge of soil formation and classification to compare, assess, or
evaluate land management decisions by discussing case studies.
August 21, 2014 cs kn ck pk je
SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Course Overview
All of the materials required for this course can be accessed online.
The course website includes a detailed set of course notes and videos developed jointly by Drs.
Angela Bedard-Haughn and Darwin Anderson describing soils in the field. Each online class is
designed to provide students with a rich learning environment. Much of the course content will be
online so it is important that you become familiar with it. Take some time as soon as possible to
explore these links to familiarize yourself with the course website, study procedures and
requirements. Throughout the term, you will discuss and pose questions in a forum setting within
the course website. Your instructor will provide more details on these when the class begins. You
won’t hurt anything by looking around the website, so please feel free to explore.
Most of the print material included in this online course was originally developed for the classroom
version of SLSC 232. Dr. Anderson has decades of experience in pedology and soil classification,
including mapping soils throughout the Prairies and in the USA as a soil surveyor. He has been
involved in soils studies internationally, in Thailand, Vietnam, Ethiopia, New Zealand and Japan.
Your Instructor
Dr. Joel Ens
Contact Information
Office: 5D78 Agriculture
Phone: (306) 260-7101
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours and Preferred Method of Contact: I am almost always working away from my
office but will have email access with me. Thus the best and surest way to get a hold of me
is by email. If you need to talk to me over the phone please email to set up a time.
Office Hours
I do not have any specified office hours. You may email me at any time and I will do my best to
get back to you the next business day at the latest. Generally the day before assignments are due
or exams are scheduled I stop checking email at 4:00 pm.
Profile
I am currently teaching classes as a sessional lecturer for the College of Agriculture. I have
previously been an instructor in the Department of Soil Science in the College of Agriculture and
Bioresources. I completed my B.Sc. in Physical Geography and PhD in Soil Science both at the
University of Saskatchewan. I have taught and/or co-taught many of the Environmental Science
and Soil Science courses in the College.
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SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Required Resources
Readings/Textbooks
1. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. The Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3
edition. NRC ISBN: 978-0-660-17404-4
rd
Textbooks are available from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore:
www.usask.ca/consumer_services/bookstore/textbooks
or for free online at: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/taxa/cssc3/index.html
Other Required Materials
Other helpful resources include the Soils of Saskatchewan website (soilsofsask.ca) and the
Soils of Canada website (soilsofcanada.ca). Any supplementary readings will be posted to the
course website or be available online through the University of Saskatchewan Library.
Class Schedule
Week
1
Dates
Module
Sep 3, 2014
to
Sep 5, 2014
Readings
Chapter 1. History of Soil Classification in
Canada. In: The Canadian System of Soil
Classification. 3rd Ed.
Evaluation Due
Date
n/a
Chapter 2. Soil, Pedon, Control Section,
and Soil Horizons. In: The Canadian
System of Soil Classification. 3rd Ed.
Module 1: Introduction
2
Chapter 16. Correlation of Canadian Soil
Taxonomy with Other System. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed. You do not need to read this chapter in
its entirety, but you will want to refer to it as
we move through the remainder of the
course.
Sep 8, 2014
to
Sep 12, 2014
Outline of a Generalized Theory of Soil
Genesis by Roy W. Simonson. (PDF)
3
Sep 15, 2014
to
Sep 19, 2014
Module 2: Overview of
Soil Genesis
n/a
Geoderma paper 1: summarizing the history
of key concepts of pedology, including soil
forming processes and factors (US-based
review). Be sure to review sections 1.3 and
1.4, which show the relationship between
soil-forming “factors and “processes”. (PDF)
Geoderma paper 2: US Soil Taxonomy
focused review of several key soil-forming
processes. (PDF)
Page 3 of 10
SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Week
Dates
Module
Readings
Chapter 1. Introduction. In: The Canadian
System of Soil Classification. 3rd Ed.
Review from "Attributes of the Canadian
System" to end of chapter.
4
Sep 22, 2014
to
Module 3:
Chernozemic Order
Sep 26, 2014
Evaluation Due
Date
Chernozemic Quiz
- Due, Oct. 3
Chapter 3. Outline of the System. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Chapter 5. Chernozemic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
5
Sep 29, 2014
to
Module 4: Gleysolic
Order
Chapter 7. Gleysolic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Gleysolic Quiz Due Oct.10,
Module 5: Regosolic
Order
Chapter 11. Regosolic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Regosolic Quiz Due Oct.17
Oct 3, 2014
6
Oct 6, 2014
to
Oct 10, 2014
Thanksgiving – University Closed
No Class
Oct 13, 2014
7
Oct 14, 2014
to
Oct 17, 2014
Module 6: Solonetzic
Order
Chapter 12. Solonetzic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Assignment #1
8
Oct 20, 2014
to
Oct 24, 2014
Module 7: Vertisolic
Order
Assignment #1 Due Oct. 31
Chapter 13. Vertisolic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
10
Oct 27, 2014
to
Oct 31, 2014
Nov 3, 2014
to
Nov 7, 2014
Nov 10, 2014
to
Nov 15, 2014
Vertisolic Quiz Due Oct. 31
Midterm Exam Due Oct. 31
Midterm Examination
9
Solonetzic Quiz Due Oct. 24
Module 8: Luvisolic
Order
Chapter 8. Luvisolic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Luvisolic Quiz Due Nov 7
Module 9: Podzolic
Order
Chapter 10. Podzolic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Podzolic Quiz Due Nov 21
Fall Midterm Break
Page 4 of 10
SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Week
Module
Dates
Assignment #2
11
Nov 17, 2014
to
Nov 21, 2014
Readings
Chapter 4. Brunisolic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Module 10: Brunisolic
Order
Nov 24, 2014
to
Nov 28, 2014
Module 11: Organic
Order
13
Dec 1, 2014
to
Dec 5, 2014
Module 12: Cryosolic
Order
TBA
FINAL EXAMINATION
Assignment #2 Due Nov. 28
Brunisolic Quiz Due Nov. 28
Chapter 9. Organic Order. In: The Canadian
System of Soil Classification. 3rd Ed.
12
Evaluation Due
Date
Organic Quiz Due Dec. 5
See also: The following three sections in
Ch. 2: "Organic soils" p.11, "Organic
horizons" p.17-18, and "Tests for
distinguishing organic layers" p. 20).
Chapter 6. Cryosolic Order. In: The
Canadian System of Soil Classification. 3rd
Ed.
Cryosolic Quiz Due Dec. 5
NOTE: All discussion comments, quizzes, assignments, and exams are due by 11:30 p.m.
(Saskatchewan time) on the day indicated.
Note: If for any reason the Class Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading
List, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
Grading Scheme
Mini Quizzes (10)
Participation
10%
5%
Assignment #1
15%
Assignment #2
15%
Midterm Exam
15%
Final Exam, open book
40%
Total
100%
Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
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SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.
More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and
assessment of student learning can be found at:
http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/council/academiccourses.php
The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the
learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing
these aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can
be found at: http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/LearningCharter.pdf
Evaluation Components
Mini-Quizzes (10)
Value:
10% of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Description: Further details and information about these assessments are presented online
within your Blackboard course.
Assignment 1: Grassland Soils
Value:
15% of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Description: Read and interpret information presented in a soil survey report. Apply that
information, together with your knowledge of soil genesis in grassland ecosystems, to determine
land use suitability. Further details and information about the assignment are presented online
within your Blackboard course.
Assignment 2: Forest Soils
Value:
15% of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Description: Distinguish between the major forest soils Orders in the Canadian System of Soil
Classification. Compare and contrast the soil-forming factors and processes associated with the
mineral soil types and summarize how these characteristics contribute to soil carbon storage.
Further details and information about the assignment are presented online within your
Blackboard course.
Participation (Discussion Forums for online classes)
Value:
5% of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Description:
Contribute to discussions by providing thoughtful answers and replies to questions
posted to the forum.
Page 6 of 10
SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Midterm Exam
Value:
15% of final grade
Date:
See Class Schedule
Length:
Two hours
Description: Open book examination to be completed entirely online. Once you begin the
exam, you will have two hours to complete it.
Final Exam
Value:
40% of final grade
Date:
See Class Schedule
Length:
Three hours
Description: You will have three hours to complete this exam; starting from the time you click
"Begin Assessment". You are expected to complete this exam on your own, with no help from
your peers. You are allowed to consult your class materials but DO NOT copy directly from them
- be sure any written answers are paraphrased in your own words.
Submitting Assignments
•
Submit assignments electronically to your instructor using the Blackboard Assignment
tool.
•
You should keep a personal copy of all assignments submitted.
Additional Information
All components of course evaluation must be completed in order to be eligible for a
passing grade in this course.
Citation Guidelines
When citing the work of others in your written materials, please use the citation format
recommended by the Soil Science Society of America (see Chapter 1, pages 11-20 in their
online Publications Handbook and Style Manual).
Students with Disabilities
If you have a diagnosed disability (learning, medical, physical, or mental health), you are
strongly encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS). In order to access
DSS programs and supports, you must follow DSS policy and procedures. If you suspect you
may have a disability, contact DSS for advice and referrals. For more information,
see http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/ or contact DSS at 306-966-7273 or [email protected].
Page 7 of 10
SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Integrity Defined (from the Office of the University Secretary)
“Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations,
assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.”
(Office of the University Secretary)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for
Academic Conduct. More information is available at
http://www.usask.ca/secretariat/student-conduct-appeals/IntegrityDefined.pdf
Module Objectives
Module 1: Introduction
1. Distinguish between soil and non-soil.
2. Define key terminology used to describe soils.
3. Summarize the key milestones in the development of soil survey in Canada and of the
Canadian System of Soil Classification (CSSC).
4. Discuss the characteristics of soil map units and identify how these characteristics might
vary with map scale.
Module 2: Overview of Soil Genesis
1. Describe the major categories of soil-forming processes.
2. Discuss how soil-forming factors influence the rate and intensity of soil formation.
3. Explain how soil-forming processes and factors interact resulting in a catena.
Module 3: Chernozemic Order
1. Classify soils of the Chernozemic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian
System of Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Chernozemic Order.
3. Apply your knowledge of Chernozemic genesis and classification by evaluating the
potential for mediating greenhouse gas emissions through land use change.
Module 4: Gleysolic Order
1. Classify soils of the Gleysolic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of
Soil Classification.
Page 8 of 10
SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Gleysolic Order.
Module 5: Regosolic Order
1. Classify soils of the Regosolic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System
of Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Regosolic Order.
Module 6: Solonetzic Order
1. Classify soils of the Solonetzic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System
of Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Solonetzic Order.
Module 7: Vertisolic Order
1. Classify soils of the Vertisolic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of
Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Vertisolic Order.
Module 8: Luvisolic Order
1. Classify soils of the Luvisolic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of
Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Luvisolic Order.
Module 9: Podzolic Order
1. Classify soils of the Podzolic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of
Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Podzolic Order.
Module 10: Brunisolic Order
1. Classify soils of the Brunisolic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of
Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Brunisolic Order.
Page 9 of 10
SLSC 232.3 – Soil Genesis and Classification
Module 11: Organic Order
1. Classify soils of the Organic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of
Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Organic Order.
Module 12: Cryosolic Order
1. Classify soils of the Cryosolic Order to the Subgroup level using the Canadian System of
Soil Classification.
2. Determine the dominant soil forming processes and factors giving rise to the central
concept of the Cryosolic Order.
Acknowledgements
Course Author
Drs. Angela Bedard-Haughn and Darwin Anderson, University of Saskatchewan
Instructional Design and Course Development
Instructional Design: Jordan Epp, CCDE, University of Saskatchewan
Development: Educational Media Access and Production (eMAP), University of Saskatchewan
Course Funding
This course was developed with the support of the Technology Enhanced Learning program
(TEL), which is funded, by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour,
Province of Saskatchewan.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all photos and figures included herein can be attributed to faculty
(past and present) of the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan.
Page 10 of 10