Managing Soil Physical Properties Lab

SOIL 339 Managing Soil Physical Properties Lab
Semester Fall 2007

Objectives and Methodology

The principal purpose of the course is to introduce sampling and measurement procedures for determination of various soil physical properties.

Physical properties of major interest in the course include water content, water retention, density, particle size distribution, porosity, aggregation, compaction, hydraulic conductivity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity.

Students will acquire an appreciation of soil physical properties by analyzing for several physical properties.

Students will learn by performing laboratory procedures after receiving oral and written instruction.

The first part, usually 30 to 50 minutes, of scheduled laboratory periods will be utilized as necessary for instruction, demonstrations, and announcements. Students may organize the remaining scheduled time to complete the assigned procedures.  The laboratory will be available at most times for students to do their laboratory work. The exception will be Thursday afternoons, when Dr. Hopkins' 444 class may use the lab.

Students must use safe laboratory practices at all times.  This includes proper use of gloves, aprons, goggles, and other safety items.

Students will be assigned a laboratory drawer and apparatus to use during the semester.

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism:
Work in this course must adhere to the Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct as cited in "Rights & Responsibilities of Community: A Code of Student Conduct" www.ndsu.edu/policy/335.htm