In-depth analysis of the underlying principles of plant production systems. Successful strategies, based on application of the principles developed by lecture and laboratory activities, will be discussed in either agronomic or horticultural contexts. Special attention will be given to minimizing the the environmental impact of the plant production techniques employed. Lecture, three hours; laboratory, two hours per week.
This course involves basic soil resource evaluation designed to provide the students with essential field training needed to pursue careers as soil scientists, conservationists, planners, agricultural chemical representatives and environmental assessors. It is also used to prepare the UK soil judging team for regional college competition. May be repeated to a maximum of five credit hours.
The application of principles related to soils and their management in planning the utilization of land and associated resources.
Study of the physical environment (radiation, temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration) in which crops are grown and the effect of the environment on crop growth and yield. Both micro- and macro-climatic relationships are considered.
A study of the selection, culture, and management of certain turf species used for home lawns, golf courses, athletic fields, and highway slopes. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, two hours.
A course for the Plant Pest Management option in Plant and Soil science to reinforce the concepts of pest management learned in previous courses. Emphasis will be placed on integrating information to develop pest management strategies. Instructional methods will include formal lectures and laboratories in the field.
Study of concepts of soil horizons, soil profiles and soilscapes; morphological, physical, chemical and mineralogical parameters useful in their characterization. Soil forming factors and processes. Basic principles of soil classification. Characterization of selected Kentucky soils and their placement in the modern system; practical field problems in soil identification, characterization and classification. Lecture, two hours; laboratory, three hours per week.
This course deals with the state and movement of matter, and with the fluxes and transformations of energy, in soil systems. Its objectives are to develop a basic theoretical understanding of soil physical properties and processes (with emphasis on the statics and dynamics of soil water), and to demonstrate how this understanding can be applied under field conditions to make sound management decisions concerning both agricultural and non- agricultural uses of soils.
This course consists of laboratory and field exercises designed to increase understanding of important soil physical properties and processes. Its objectives are to develop familiarity with standard methods of measuring soil physical parameters, and to instill scientific methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation.
This course is intended to be a treatment of current concepts of plant molecular biology. It will be a literature-based course, supplemented by handouts and reading lists. The course will deal as much as is possible with topics that are unique to plants. Current aspects of molecular biology that are relevant to the course content will be covered in the first part of the course; however, these lectures will not be a review of topics that should have been retained from introductory genetics and biochemistry courses. Also, they will not be a substitute for a molecular biology course.
