Geography 329, Geology 329
Fall 2012
Soils 2012
Lectures:
Laboratory:
TR
11:30 – 12:45 p.m.
R 10:00 –11:15 or 12:50 to 14:05
Instructor:
Phone:
Email:
Dr. Janis Dale
CW 234.5
585-4840
[email protected]
Office Hours:
TR
CL 312
Cl 322
9:30 – 4:30 or make appt.
Textbooks: Singer, Michael J. and Donald N. Munns 2006 or 2002. Soils:
An Introduction 6th or 5th Ed. Toronto: Prentice-Hall Canada Inc. (required)
Agriculture Canada Expert Committee on Soil Survey. 1998.
The Canadian System of Soil Classification 3rd Ed. Agri. Can.
Publ. 1646. (optional, avail in map library)
Lab Materials:
Grading:
Available in lab from Lab instructor TBA
Midterm exam (tent. Tues. Oct. 23 in class)
Laboratory Assignments
Laboratory project (Compilation of lab assign)
Final Exam (Tues Dec 18, 9:00)
25%
20%
20%
35%
Course Information:
The midterm, laboratory project and final exam are considered to be absolute requirements for
the course and students will receive an NP if not completed. The final exam is inclusive and
covers all materials from the entire course including the lab project and assignments. There
will be a one day field trip planned for the weekend of Sept 15 or 22, 2012, weather permitting
and will be discussed further in class. For students who cannot attend the field trip, alternative
arrangements can be made regarding the lab project.
The University of Regina promotes a learning environment that is free from all forms of
harassment and discrimination. If there is any student in this course who because of a
disability may have need for accommodations, please come and discuss this with me as well
as contacting the Co-ordinator for Special Needs Services at 585-4631.
Students are responsible for understanding and following the academic regulations for the
university, this includes dates for dropping courses, plagiarism etc. Please consult your
calendar or you can consult with me if you have any additional questions. If you have any
questions regarding this course please ask me!
Rationale of Course:
Soils 329 is an introduction to the formation and classification of soil by measuring the
properties of soils. Students will learn about the fundamental concepts and major factors of
soil formation, climate, water, organics, geology, and environmental change. The student will
conduct laboratory exercises that address the practical and empirical aspects of soil and
sediment analyses.
“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” Chinese proverb
Learning Outcomes: The learner will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Identify what constitutes a soil, its components and characteristics;
Learn about the fundamental concepts of soil formation;
Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the soil forming factors;
Soil = f(climate, organics, relief, parent material, time and human impact);
Learn how the soil forming processes create characteristic soil types;
Understand the basics of soil classification;
Perform their own field research project from beginning to end;
Trained to conduct laboratory and field measurements for unconsolidated materials, including
soils;
9. Discover how to interpret original laboratory and field data from their project.
Geography 329, Geology 329
Tentative Outline of Lectures
Note to students: Lecture materials will follow this general outline, but may vary due to
laboratory work and time of field trip. Review the outline and note the readings that you are
responsible for in class. You are encouraged to read ahead to ensure that you are prepared
for class, lab and exams. Additional handouts will be available.
Weeks 1-2 Introduction to Soil Geography Chapters 1, 14
Definition of soil, soil components, fundamental concepts, classification
Lab Topics No lab Week 1, Week 2 Intro to Lab and Field work.
Week 3
Properties of Soils Chapter 2
Identification of horizons, soil texture and colour. Introduction to field and lab
techniques in soils
Lab Topics Intro. to Lab and Field work. Soil profile Assign #1 start.
Field Trip Tent dates Sept 15 or 22
Weeks 4-5 Factors of Soil Formation Chapters 12.1 Parent Material Chapter 2 (2.3)
Lab Topics Soil monolith and soil profile Assignment #1 Due Friday Oct 5
Weeks 6-7 Factors of Soil Formation cont.
Factors of Soil Formation Climate Chapter 4
Lab Topics Properties of Soils Chapters 3, 5 Wk 5 Soil Moisture Content/
Density Wk 6 Soil structure/porosity Assignment #2 Due Fri Oct 19
Week 8 and Midterm Tuesday Oct. 23 in class
Factors of Soil Formation Topography and Time
Lab Topics Properties of Soils Chapters 3, 5 start Assignment #3
Weeks 8-9 Factors of Soil Formation cont. Topography and Time
Lab Topics Soil Texture Assignment #3 Due Friday Nov 9
Weeks 10-12 Factors of Soil Formation cont. Organisms and Soil Forming Cycles
Chapter 7, 8
Lab Topics Soil organic matter, soil pH, carbonates Chapters 2.4,8,11
Assignment #4 Due Friday Nov 23
Weeks 13-14 Soil forming processes, weathering and degradation Chapter 12
Final Lab project due Friday Dec 7
Final Exam (Tues Dec 18, 9:00) Location TBA
2011 Soils Class