Western Technical College 10006126 Soil Fertility & Fertilizers Course Outcome Summary Course Information Description Career Cluster Instructional Level Total Credits 2.00 Total Hours 54.00 This course will include units on soil fertility and plant requirements, raw material production, marketing and use of fertilizers, economics of fertilizers, agricultural limestone, soil amendments and other sustainable practices and principles. Soil sampling and soil test analysis will be explored. Fertilizer formulation and utilization will be covered from the major nutrients through secondary and the micronutrients. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Associate Degree Courses Types of Instruction Instruction Type Lecture Lab Credits/Hours 1 CR / 18 HR 1 CR / 36 HR Course History Last Approval Date 8/27/2013 Target Population Students enrolled in the Agribusiness and Science Technology working toward completion of their Associate Degree. This is a second semester course in the first year of study. Pre/Corequisites Prerequisite 10006110 Introductory Soils Textbooks Management of Wisconsin Soils. 5th Edition. Walsh, Leo and Emmette E. Schulte. Publisher: Soil Department UW-Extension. SKU:10019429. Required. Course Outcome Summary - Page 1 of 6
Soil Fertility Manual. SKU:10030639. Required. Soil Science and Management. 6th Edition. Copyright 2014. Plaster, Edward. Publisher: Cengage Learning. ISBN-13:978-0-8400-2432-9. Required. Learner Supplies Calculator - $10. Vendor: Campus Shop. Required. Course Competencies 1. Compare and contrast concepts of soil fertility and productivity - Performance will be satisfactory when: 1.1. learner differentiates between a fertile soil and a productive soil. 1.2. learner explains factors affecting soil productivity. 1.3. learner associates the importance of CEC to soil productivity and plant growth. 1.4. learner determines what factors influence fertilizer use and needs. 1.5. learner compares the three basic rules of fertilizer decision making process. 1.6. learner interprets the impact of global and local economics on fertilizer sales and use. 1.a. Differentiate between a fertile soil and a productive soil. 1.b. Define what makes up a productive soil. 1.c. Compare how CEC factors affect a soils productivity and plant growth. 1.d. Describe various fertilizer terms. 1.e. Identify the limiting factors of fertilizer use. 1.f. Compare the three basic rules of fertilizer economics in the decision making process. 1.g. Relate how world and local economics impact fertilizer use and needs. 1.h. Describe how various soil factors impact and affect soil productivity and nutrient balance. 2. Explain effective liming techniques and their impact on soil ph - Performance will be satisfactory when: 2.1. learner explains what makes up the CEC and how it does affect fertility and liming in the soil. 2.2. learner compares factors affecting soil ph. 2.3. learner justify liming needs for a particular soil. 2.4. learner can theoretically recommend appropriate level and frequency of lime applications. 2.5. learner determines appropriate lime placement. 2.6. learner compares various sources of liming materials for quality and practical application. 2.7. learner relates the impact of high ph soils: Calcareous, Saline, and alkali(sodic), on crop growth and soil condition. Course Outcome Summary - Page 2 of 6
2.a. Assess the importance of soil colloids and their impact on soil fertility. 2.b. Determine the effect of Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) on liming requirements. 2.c. Compare factors that affect Soil ph. 2.d. Justify the need for liming soils. 2.e. Recommend appropriate level and frequency of lime applications. 2.f. Determine the appropriate lime placement. 2.g. Selecting quality liming materials. 2.h. Relate the impact of high ph soils: Calcareous, Saline, and alkali(sodic) on crop growth and soil condition. 3. Determine the effectiveness of various forms and sources of nitrogen as a nutrient - Performance will be satisfactory when: 3.1. learner can diagram the Nitrogen cycle. 3.2. learner can assess the role of Nitrogen in the plant and the soil. 3.3. learner can recognize typical plant deficiency symptoms and their general location on the plant. 3.4. learner explains how nitrogen affects soil acidity. 3.5. learner contrasts the various nitrogen sources and their significance to plant growth. 3.6. learner assesses potential ground water problems from nitrates. 3.7. learner can explain the significance of a nitrogen stabilizers/inhibitor on nitrogen availability. 3.8. learner summarizes how nitrogen can be lost from the soil system. 3.9. learner compares and contrasts the differences between mineralization and immobilization of nitrogen. 3.10. learner compares and contrasts the significance of nitrification and denitrification to N loss. 3.11. learner classifies symbiotic and non-symbiotic N-fixation processes. 3.12. learner determines what can cause nitrate toxicity in crop plants and methods of reducing it. 3.a. Diagram the nitrogen cycle. 3.b. Assess the role of nitrogen in plants. 3.c. Recognize typical plant deficiency symptoms. 3.d. Determine how nitrogen affects soils acidity. 3.e. Contrast the various nitrogen sources and their significance to plant growth. 3.f. Assess potential groundwater problems from nitrates. 3.g. Explain the significance of a nitrogen stabilizer/ inhibitor. 3.h. Summarize how nitrogen is lost from the soil system. 3.i. Compare the differences of mineralization and immobilization of nitrogen. 3.j. Compare the significance of nitrification and denitrification to N loss. 3.k. Classify symbiotic and non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation processes. 3.l. Determine how to detect and reduce nitrate toxicity. 3.m. Compare how various forms of natural organic sources can impact the soil system. 4. Analyze the effectiveness of various forms and sources of phosphorus as a nutrient Course Outcome Summary - Page 3 of 6
- Performance will be satisfactory when: 4.1. learner determines the role of Phosphorus (P) in the soil and plants. 4.2. learner recognizes typical plant deficiency symptoms. 4.3. learner determines sources and amounts of of P in the soil. 4.4. learner explains P movement in the soil. 4.5. learner determines factors affecting P availability. 4.6. learner determines appropriate P application methods for crop and production system. 4.7. learner categorizes appropriate P sources for application in a particular production system. 4.8. learner explains P solubility terminology relative to availability. 4.a. Describe the role of phosphorus in plants. 4.b. Characterize P deficiency symptoms as to color, location, and plant growth. 4.c. Determine sources and amounts of P in the soil. 4.d. Explain P movement in the soil. 4.e. Determine factors affecting P availability. 4.f. Categorize different methods of applying P fertilizer. 4.g. Determine appropriate P fertilizer sources. 4.h. Explain P fertilizer terminology (as related to solubility). 5. Assess the impact of various forms and sources of potassium on crop growth and development Domain Cognitive Level Evaluation Status Active - Performance will be satisfactory when: 5.1. learner explains the many roles K plays in the plant. 5.2. learner explains the importance of potassium (K) as an essential plant nutrient. 5.3. learner recognizes typical plant deficiency symptoms. 5.4. learner can characterize the relationship between the 3 forms of K found in the soil. 5.5. learner describes how K moves in the soil. 5.6. learner compares and contrasts the soil factors affecting K uptake by plants. 5.7. learner determines appropriate K application methods for various crop, plant, and production systems. 5.8. learner differentiates the effectiveness of various K fertilizer sources in a particular production system. 5.a. Explain the importance of potassium (K) as an essential plant nutrient. 5.b. Correlate the many roles potassium plays in the plant. 5.c. Explain how plants usually expresses K deficiency symptoms. 5.d. Characterize the relationship between the 3 forms of K found in the soil. 5.e. Describe how K moves in the soil. 5.f. Compare and contrast the soil factors affecting K uptake by plants. 5.g. Differentiate the various methods of K application. 5.h. Differentiate the effectiveness of various sources of K fertilizers. 6. Compare and contrast the various forms and sources of secondary nutrients and their impact on plant growth and development Domain Cognitive Level Evaluation Status Active Course Outcome Summary - Page 4 of 6
- Performance will be satisfactory when: 6.1. learner compares the essential role of secondary elements as plant nutrients. 6.2. learner describes the role of calcium(ca), magnesium(mg), and Sulphur(S) in plants and soil. 6.3. learner recognizes typical deficiency symptoms of Ca, Mg, and S in plants. 6.4. learner compares and contrasts the various sources of Ca, Mg, and S for their effectiveness. 6.5. learner differentiates appropriate sources of Ca, Mg, and S for use in various crop and production systems. 6.6. learner determines appropriate application methods for crop and production systems. 6.a. Compare the essential role of secondary elements (Calcium-Ca, Magnesium-Mg, & Sulphur-S) as plant nutrients. 6.b. Describe the deficiency symptoms of Ca, Mg, & S in plants. 6.c. Determine the role of Ca, Mg, & S in the soil. 6.d. Compare and contrast the various sources of Ca, Mg, & S and their effectiveness. 6.e. Assess the role of Ca, Mg, & S in plants. 6.f. Differentiate the quality of various Ca, Mg, & S sources and their application. 7. Assess the impact of micronutrient forms and sources on plant growth and development - Performance will be satisfactory when: 7.1. learner can categorize the seven micronutrients/trace elements (Boron, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Chloride, Manganese, Molybdenum). 7.2. learner explains the soil-plant relationships of mirconutrients. 7.3. learner explains at least one critical function in the soil and the plant for each micronutrient. 7.4. learner correlates balanced micronutrient needs with major and secondary nutrients for essential plant growth. 7.5. learner associates micronutrient deficiency with particular soil types. 7.6. learner distinguishes typical plant deficiency symptoms for the seven micronutrients. 7.7. learner explains the need for more micronutrient use now than in past years. 7.8. learner determines the potential sources for natural and manufactured micronutrients. 7.9. learner relates the advantages and disadvantages of foliar feeding over soil placement. 7.10. learner compares various fertilizer application nutrient forms and methods. 7.11. learner compares and contrasts the differences of liquid vs dry forms of micronutrients for cost, efficiency, and practical application, etc. 7.a. Group the seven micronutrients/trace elements. 7.b. Explain the soil-plant relationships of micronutrients 7.c. Explain at least one critical function in the soil and plant for each micronutrient. 7.d. Correlate the need for micronutrients for essential plant growth with major and secondary nutrients. 7.e. Associate deficiency with soil types. 7.f. Explain why more micronutrients are needed today than past years. 7.g. Distinguish typical plant deficiency symptoms for the seven micronutrients. 7.h. Recognize various potential sources for natural and manufactured micronutrients. 7.i. Relate the advantages and disadvantages of foliar feeding over soil placement. 7.j. Compare the differences of liquid versus dry forms of fertilizer for cost, efficiency, practical application, etc. 8. Evaluate proper soil sampling and testing techniques and procedures Domain Cognitive Level Evaluation Status Active Course Outcome Summary - Page 5 of 6
Investigate opportunities in Agribusiness - Performance will be satisfactory when: 8.1. learner demonstrates proper technique for collecting a soil sample. 8.2. learner demonstrates proper technique for collecting a plant tissue sample. 8.3. learner distinguishes between appropriate and non-appropriate soil sampling areas. 8.4. learner distinguishes between appropriate and non-appropriate plant areas to be sampled. 8.5. learner prepares collected soil sample for shipping to soil testing lab. 8.a. Demonstrate the proper technique for collecting a soil sample. 8.b. Simulate the proper technique for collecting a plant tissue sample. 8.c. Recognize the appropriate soil areas to be sampled. 8.d. Recognize the appropriate plant areas to be sampled. 8.e. Identify where and how to send samples. 8.f. Prepare collected samples for testing. 8.g. Prepare a soil sample test information sheet. 9. Analyze soil test results and make appropriate recommendations Investigate opportunities in Agribusiness - Performance will be satisfactory when: 9.1. learner develops a planned fertilizer application. 9.2. learner develops a planned lime application. 9.3. learner interprets a soil and plant tissue report. 9.a. Justify fertilizer selection and placement choice when banding or row applying fertilizers versus broadcast applications. 9.b. Develop a planned fertilizer application based on a given set of circumstances. 9.c. Correlate how soil and plant tissue tests relate to nutrient deficiencies. 9.d. Interpret a soil and plant tissue test report. 9.e. Analyze a soil test report. 9.f. Calculate appropriate fertilizer recommendations and application rates. 9.g. Determine lime requirements based on soil test results and crop needs. 10. Create a basic nutrient management plan Domain Cognitive Level Creating Status Active Course Learning Plans and Performance Assessment Tasks Type Title Source Status LP Learning Plan 1 Course Active Course Outcome Summary - Page 6 of 6