AGR 1213 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Course Syllabus

Instructor: Steve Hnetkovsky Contact: email: [email protected]; phone 618-262-8641 X3701 Office: ATC 107 Class Meeting Times: 9:00- 9:50 MTWR

Course Description: A study of the relationship between soil and crop nutrients. Includes fertilizer sources and materials, chemical forms of elements in the soil, reactions of fertilizers, and determination of fertilizer needs. Two classroom hours per week. Two lab hours per week. 3 semester hours credit.

Course Prerequisites: Passing Grade in Introduction to Soil Science

Student Learning Outcomes: Successful completers will: 1. Be able to develop an understanding of fertilizer terminology and types of fertilizer. 2. Be able to list the various fertilizers and their use. 3. Be able to calculate fertilizer rates based on soil test results. 4. Be able to calculate cost per unit of fertilizer applied. 5. Be able to learn the essential elements and the function in the plant as well as their availability. 6. Be able to safely handle various fertilizer materials, especially anhydrous ammonia.

Methods of Instruction: Instructional methods include: Lecture, discussion, lab exercises and field trips.

Methods of Student Evaluation: Student evaluation includes: homework, quizzes, hourly exams, lab exercises, project grades, class participation, and class attendance.

Grading Policy: 90%-100%=A; 80%-89%=B; 70%-79%=C; 60%-69%=D; BELOW 60%=F

Class Attendance is mandatory for successful completion of this course. The Instructor reserves the right to change or modify topics covered during the semester.

The Wabash Valley College Code of Honor will be followed at all times during this course.

Recommended Textbooks and Reference Materials: To ensure you purchase the correct textbook required for your course section, either present your schedule to the bookstore or contact the instructor. THE SOIL FERTILITY MANUAL, Potash and Phosphate Institute. ISBN# 0-9629598-5-5 Reference: Illinois Agronomy Handbook ISBN # 978-1-883097-62-2: Supplied by Instructor. Phosphorus and Potassium Institute Materials, current. AGR 1213 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Course Syllabus

Topical Outline Lecture: I. Introduction/History of Industry A. Fertilizer Terms 2 B. Fertilizer Placement 2

II. Essential Elements and Plant Use A. Major Elements 1. Nitrogen 2 2. Phosphorus 2 3. Potassium 1 4. Sulfur 1 B. Secondary and Minor Elements 4 1. Calcium 2. Magnesium 3. Iron 4. Boron 5. Manganese 6. Zinc 7. Molybdenum 8. Chlorine 9. Copper

III. Fertilizers and Safety A. Nitrogen 4 B. Phosphorus 2 C. Potassium 1 D. Secondary Elements 3 E. Fluid Fertilizers 2

IV. Soil Testing A. Techniques of Testing 2 B. Interpreting Soil Test Reports 2 Possible Lab Topics: Total 30 Week 1. Soil pH Testing 2. Limestone Evaluation lab 3. Nitrogen loss lab, Urease Inhibitors 4. Nitrogen Testing 5. Phosphorus Testing/recommendations 6. Potassium testing 7. Field trip to Fertilizer plant/Nutrient lecture 8. Guest Speaker on nutrient management 9. Project presentations AGR 1213 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Course Syllabus

10. Project Presentations Wabash Valley College Code of Honor At Wabash Valley College, it is expected that students will adhere to honest academic practices and will behave appropriately while on campus. Students shall receive maximum benefit from their experiences at WVC by doing all assignments honestly and by their own ability.

It is assumed that all students will enter WVC, perform their academic duties, and adhere to the following Code of Honor. Honor Statement I promise that I will do all of my academic work at Wabash Valley College in strict accordance with this WVC Code of Honor, and on all of my assignments I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid. In any course during a quiz or a test . I shall not offer nor accept answers for examination material to or from another student. . I shall not utilize a textbook, classroom notes, or other printed materials to gain answers to a test, unless instructor grants permission to do so (as in an open-book test). . I shall not use any type of cheat sheet or hidden notes. . I shall not look over at another student’s quiz or test to see any answers.

In any course where any type of writing activity is assigned (or offered as extra credit) . I shall not submit any work that was taken off the Internet (wholly or partially) and passed off as my (the student’s) own work. . I shall not use an essay written by a fellow student (past or present) to gain credit for an assignment. . I shall not take the ideas or information from a printed source and use ideas or information from it without giving appropriate credit to the original source.

In any course . I shall not steal or take any testing material that an instructor will use to test his/her students in present or future semesters or make tests available to other students. . I will keep electronic devices silent and out of view during lectures and tests. . I promise that at all times I will conduct myself in an honest and responsible manner that is in accordance with this Code of Honor. . I will act respectfully to the instructor and fellow students.

I understand that violation of this honor code could result, depending on the discretion of the instructor, in any of the following consequences: . A verbal/written warning – no grade reflection . A possible make-up assignment or alternate assignment . A grade of “zero” or an “F” on the assignment . A grade of an “F” for the course . Other consequences as determined by the individual instructor AGR 1213 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers Course Syllabus

*Students have the right to appeal the instructor’s decision to the Dean of Instruction.*