AGRI 109 - Advanced Plant and Soil Science
PROGRAM: Agriculture
CREDIT HOURS MIN: 3
LECTURE HOURS MIN: 3
DATE OF LAST REVISION: Spring, 2019
Investigates concepts of plants and soils as they pertain to the agricultural sciences. Students recognize how plants are classified, grown, function and reproduce. Students will explore plant genetics and the use of plants by humans. They will examine plant evolution and the role of plants in ecology. Students will also investigate through laboratory and fieldwork how plants and soils interact in a dynamic system.
MAJOR COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be expected to:
- Understand the concepts of plant taxonomy and how plants are inter-related by their morphology and physiology.
- Identify major characteristics of the plant classification including vascular system, methods of reproduction, seed dispersal and seed morphology.
- Explain the major components of plant anatomy and their function.
- Understand basic requirements of plant culture in natural and man-made environments including natural and agricultural ecosystems as well as greenhouse, hydroponic and aquaponic environments.
- Differentiate between wild and domesticated plants and understand how plants were domesticated.
- Explain the concepts of natural selection, traditional plant breeding and genetic modification.
- Understand the process of soil genesis and explain the concepts of soil taxonomy.
- Understand the role of mineral soil, artificial soils and nutrient solutions in plant culture.
- Evaluate soil for usefulness in field and greenhouse production systems.
- Explain the concepts of hydroponic and aquaponics plant production systems.
COURSE CONTENT: Topical areas of study include - Taxonomy and Classification
- Binomial nomenclature
- Seeds and spores as methods of sexual reproduction
- Seed and fruit morphology as a basis for plant classification
Plant Physiology
- Photosynthesis and respiration
- Meiosis and mitosis
- Water and nutrient transport
Plant Breeding
- Natural selection
- Pollination and selection
- Hybridization
- Seed production
- Genetic modification
Environmental Requirements
- Root function and soil environment
- Leaf anatomy and environmental adaptation
- Seed and fruit specialization to environmental variation
Soil Science
- Soil formation
- Profile development
- Physical properties of soils
- Chemical properties of soils
- Fertility in mineral soils
Soilless Growing Media
- Greenhouse growing mixes
- Hydroponic media
- Fertility in soilless media
Plant and Soil Interactions
- Root/Soil interface
- Root effects on soil pH
- Root effects on soil fungi
- Mycorrhizal associations
GRADING POLICY
| A |
90-100 |
| B |
80-89 |
| C |
70-79 |
| D |
60-69 |
| F |
0-59 |
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)
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