Forces that can change gene frequency, covariance between relatives, response to selection, artificial selection, estimation of variance components, inbreeding depression, heterosis, cross-breeding, genotype x environment interaction, selection experiments, introduction to quantitative genetics loci mapping. F., offered 2000. Synthesis of how landscapes, water, organisms, and chemical reactions determine the morphology, mineralogy and spatial distribution of soils. Methods of measuring soil physical properties such as texture, density, and water content, and transport of heat, water, and gases. Ecological and environmental considerations of soil microorganisms, organic matter, enzymes, carbon, and other nutrient cycles.
Laboratory emphasizes creative component.
Special Topics Cr. Literature reviews and conferences on selected topics in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to needs and interest of student. Analysis of cropping systems from a problem-solving perspective. Case studies will be used to develop the students ability to solve agronomic problems. Restricted to students admitted to the distance education M.S. in Agronomy degree program.