Applied Soil Chemistry
EXERM 4282 is offered this fall:
This course will introduce students to the soil principal reactive chemical constituents and their processes. Topics will include an introduction to the soil solid and liquid components (chemical composition, mineralogy, organic matter and soil solution); and description of important soil chemical processes and their relevance to environmental and agricultural applications (mineral stability and weathering, oxidation-reduction, surface adsorption and exchange, colloidal behaviour and soil acidity and salinity).
Course at a glance
- This is an online synchronous course
- Will have calculations and software demonstration.
- Aimed at individuals transitioning into the environmental field, as well as mid-level professionals in sectors involving environmental aspects, this course will also be of value to agrologists, biologists, engineers, industrial managers, foresters, technologists, and others who wish to update their skills and knowledge in this area.
- Recognized by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) as a senior agrology course related to entrance into the profession and to augment core knowledge requirements related to a practice area.
- This course may be recognized as educational or continuing professional development credits by ECO Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP), and the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals Of Alberta (ASET).
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Identify the basic chemical properties of the solid and liquid phases of soils.
- Understand how nutrients, metals, and contaminants are held and released by soil organic and inorganic surfaces.
- Identify the link between the soil surface chemical properties and soil solution, with emphasis on dissolution/precipitation, exchange, and adsorption processes.
- Understand some of the soil management challenges that involve soil chemistry, such as salinity, acidity, and contaminants.
- Demonstrate how you can manipulate the soil to enhance its chemical properties or to mitigate potential challenges.
- Understand soil chemical parameters.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how soils hold and release nutrients, metals, and contaminants.
- Perform calculations related to soil chemical properties.
- Understand how soil chemical properties can be manipulated for soil enhancement and/or for dealing with soil environmental and management challenges.
Offered:
Take note:
- Required textbook: Strawn, Daniel G., Bohn, Hinrich, L., and O’Connor, George A. (2020). Soil Chemistry, Fifth Edition, John Wiley and Sons Ltd. 2020, ISBN: e-text 9781119515258 or print 9781119515180.
- Bring your own Windows based personal computer or comparable device for running the Visual MINTEQ software; Microsoft Excel must be installed and accessible.
- Pre- or post-course work may be required; advanced registration is recommended.
- Assessment includes assignments and readings to be completed outside of class times.
- While there are no prerequisites for this course, prior knowledge of soil science and chemistry, including mathematical applications, is recommended for student success.
Overall Schedule
Lecture/Class Schedule
Nov 21Nov 23
8:00 am – 5:00 pm MT
8:00 am – 5:00 pm MT
Nov 28Dec 1
8:00 am – 5:00 pm MT
8:00 am – 5:00 pm MT
8:00 am – 5:00 pm MT
Dec 5 — post-class component closes
Students in this section may have post-class readings or assessments to complete.
Synchronous online learning, eClass
39 hours of instruction
In synchronous online courses, students move through the course material at the same pace as their peers. These courses also provide learners with pre-scheduled online lectures that have the instructor and students interacting at the same time. All components of this type of course are accessible through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool. format details
Your Instructor
Sheila LutherID: sheila-luther
Textbook
Required
Strawn, Daniel G., Bohn, Hinri
Soil Chemistry
5th edition
ISBN 9781119515180
Class info
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This is a synchronous course. Students will require a computer with both audio input and output (such as a microphone-equipped headset). Windows based computer or comparable device for running the Visual MINTEQ software and using Microsoft Excel software.
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39 course hours in total
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Cost assistance: may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant, the Canada Training Benefit, and the Skilled Immigrant Micro-Loan.
— view all 28 funding opportunities -
Please be advised that some of our courses fill quickly, early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. See our refunds, withdrawals & transfers policies for detailed information.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Take note:
- Required textbook: Strawn, Daniel G., Bohn, Hinrich, L., and O’Connor, George A. (2020). Soil Chemistry, Fifth Edition, John Wiley and Sons Ltd. 2020, ISBN: e-text 9781119515258 or print 9781119515180.
- Bring your own Windows based personal computer or comparable device for running the Visual MINTEQ software; Microsoft Excel must be installed and accessible.
- Pre- or post-course work may be required; advanced registration is recommended.
- Assessment includes assignments and readings to be completed outside of class times.
- While there are no prerequisites for this course, prior knowledge of soil science and chemistry, including mathematical applications, is recommended for student success.
Currently counts towards:
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└39-hour elective course
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└ course option
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└ course option
Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.
*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.
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