Fundamental principles of soil science are studied in an effort to relate soil characteristics to plant growth; plant growth as influenced by soil factors. Soil parent materials and soil formation, physical, chemical and colloidal properties of soils and soil surveys, life in the soil, soil water, and water conservation, plant nutrition, lime and liming practices are all covered in this course. Laboratory components complements lecture material.
Students will learn the management practices involved in producing crops in the northeastern United States. Emphasis will be placed upon crop varieties, adaptation, fertility requirements, planting techniques, physiology, and harvesting practices in regards to yield and quality. Row crops, hay crops and pasture management will be studied.
Application of basic plant science to understanding the principles of crop production. The course includes such topics as transpiration, water conduction, mineral nutrition, growth regulators, soil-plant relationship, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, growth and development, physiological disorders, dormancy and others. An opportunity to conduct study projects using the plant grawth chambers and plant science greenhouse is available.