REM 310 - Rangeland Soil Analysis and Management

(3 units)

Introduction to soil principles and the analysis & management of rangeland soils of the Western US. Examination of soil orders and characteristics using common tools & frameworks of rangeland management: ecological sites, disturbance response groups, and state and transition models.

A mix of in-person and online learning materials and activities. Students will be provided with a full-semester schedule detailing which days are in-person and which days are for independent online learning

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): CHEM 121A and CHEM 121L and REM 241

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. explain and assess basic soil characteristics for a given rangeland area.
2. characterize soil types of the arid systems of the Western US.
3. explain the dynamics and mechanics of the soil-plant-resource complex for given Western US arid system site-based scenarios.
4. list dynamic soil properties and explain how they can underlie STM transitions.
5. utilize soil assessment to determine the ecological site of a given area, and in conjunction with site vegetation and degree of ecological processes the current state of a site within the STM framework.
6. apply understanding of disturbance impacts on soil health to predict soil stability, soil health and ecological risks of given site.
7. assess soil quality health and stability for given scenarios and suggest possible actions to bolster soil quality and/or increase soil stability for given scenarios.

Click here for course scheduling information. | Check course textbook information