Processes of soil erosion by wind and water in agricultural areas, and methods of soil conservation will be discussed. Methods of predicting rates of soil erosion will be considered. Offered in alternate years. Multidisciplinary analysis of energy and nutrient transfers within terrestrial ecosystems. Laboratory section uses biogeochemical simulation models to examine case studies.
Topics vary from year to year.
May be repeated once for credit. Offered in alternate years. Structure and function of soil organic matter, biochemistry of humic substance formation, relationship of organic matter to nutrient cycling and sustainability in agricultural and natural ecosystems, reactions of organics with humic substances in soil and water, methods for characterization. Offered in alternate years. Oral presentation and discussion of scientific material and procedures for review and critique of publications.