Information About:

Mailing Address:

Dept. of Crop & Soil Sciences 116 ASI Building University Park, PA 16802-3504
Phone: +1-814-865-6541 Fax: +1-814-863-7043 David Sylvia, Department Head

Crop and Soil Sciences > Degree Programs and Courses > Soil Science Courses > Soils 422

Soils 422 - Natural Resources Conservation & Community Sustainability

Instructor: Larry Schardt
Credits: 3
Semesters Offered: Spring
Texts:
1. Leopold, Aldo. 1986. A Sand County Almanac with Essays on Conservation from Round River. First Ballantine Books, N.Y.
Prerequisite: SOILS 101
Syllabus: Link to PDF file.

Course Description

The course is designed to give the student an appreciation of natural resources and their sustainable use and conservation. It provides the foundation for utilizing creative solutions and technical knowledge in conservation planning. We begin by highlighting natural resource challenges and work to develop solutions to these challenges. By the end of the semester you will be able to use the Universal Soil Loss Equation and understand its applications. You will also understand the use of structural and non-structural conservation practices. Additionally, you will be able to 'read' the landscape and produce sustainable land-use conservation plans. A field trip to Rock Springs Conservation Area enables viewing of conservation practices on the land. Ideally, by the end of the course you will form a land ethic and develop a sense of place in the community.