Crop and Soil Sciences > Degree Programs and Courses > Soil Science Courses > Soils 101

Soils 101 - Introduction to Soils

  • Instructor: Dr. Richard Stehouwer
  • Credits: 3
  • Semesters Offered: Fall and Spring
  • Texts:
    1. Soils: An Introduction, 6th Edition. 2006 by M.J. Singer and D.N Munns. Published by Prentice Hal
    2. Soils 101: Introduction to Soils Fall 2008 Lab Manual. by K.L. Butler, R.C. Stehouwer, D.D. Fritton. Available only at the Penn State Bookstore.
  • Prerequisite: none
  • Syllabus: Link to PDF file.
  • Links: Course page

Course Description

An introductory course in soil science — presents basic concepts of all aspects of soil science including: composition and genesis; physical, chemical, and biological properties; soil water; classification and mapping; soil conservation; management practices; soil fertility and productivity (liming, nature and use of fertilizers and manures, and soil testing). Introduces relation of soil to current concerns such as environmental quality and non-agricultural land use. This course should instill awareness of soil as a basic natural resource, the use or abuse of which has a considerable influence on human society and life in general.