Mr. Hall
122 Yow Building
khall@abac.edu
FRSC 2230
FOREST ECOLOGY AND SOILS
(FOUR SEMESTER HOURS)
COURSE
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the
interrelationship of basic soil science concepts to the many facets
of the vegetative community. Various inventory techniques will be
incorporated, and
current issues such as acid rain, ozone depletion, and old-growth preservation
will be
emphasized.
PREREQUISITES: FRSC 1190 and ENGL 1101 (w/C)
TEXT:
Soil Science Simplified (Kohnke and Franzmeier) 4th Edition
Frequent supplemental reading will be provided.
ATTENDANCE: Students whose number of unexcused absences from class/lab exceeds eight (8) will receive an "F" for the course. Unexcused absences less than the maximum allowable will result in fractional participation deduction from the final grade. For example, one unexcused absence out of eight (8) maximum results in 12.5% participation penalty. Students should advise the instructor of anticipated absences in advance when possible; informative messages may be left at (229)391-4800. All excused absences must be accompanied by written documentation; final evaluation of excuse legitimacy resides with the instructor.
TARDINESS: A student
entering class late will be considered absent for that day. It is the sole
responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of his/her tardiness so
that
absences are not inadvertently recorded. Chronic tardiness will result in
class
participation penalty.
CHEATING: Automatic F for the course.
POLICY:
Students will not be permitted to review their hourly exams at any time other
than the
in-class review session (usually the next class period): hourly exams will
NOT be
available prior to finals. Short notes may be taken during class review of
exams.
GRADING SCALE: 90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
65 - 69% = D
less than 65 = F
GRADE BASE: Three (3)
hourly exams
40%
Lowest hourly score will be dropped
FINAL EXAM (cumulative)
35%
Quizzes, lab projects
20%
Participation, attitude, attendance
5%
NOTE:
Missed hourlies may not be made up. Missed exam will be the score dropped.
No early or late final exams. Final exam scores and course grades will not
be
posted. Assignments and projects will not be accepted late.
Hourly exam dates and project due dates will be announced well in advance.
Exams may include TRUE/FALSE, multiple choice, matching, completion, and short
essay-type questions.
Most, if not all, quizzes will be unannounced.
Quiz questions are usually derived from recent lectures/lab experiences.
Quizzes not surrendered to the instructor when requested result in a grade of
zero (0).
No make-up quizzes. A score of zero (0) is recorded for tardy or absent
students.
A maximum of three (3) quiz/project scores may be dropped.
Chronic misbehavior in class may result in forfeiture of some or all five
(5)
participation percentage points.
OFFICE HOURS: Posted at Room 122 or by chance.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND SOILS
COURSE OUTLINE
I. Introduction of Basic Concepts
A. Forest Ecology
B. Relationships within the
Forest
C. Autecology vs. Synecology
D. Forest Soil Formation
E. Periodic Table of Elements
F. Atomic
Structure/Molecules/Ions
G. Nutrient Requirements for
Plant Growth
II. Physical Properties of Soils
A. Texture/Textural
Triangle
B. Structure
C. Bulk Density/Pore
Volume
D. Horizons
E. Parent
Material/Oxidation/Reduction
F. Temperature/Color
III. Chemical Properties of Soils
A. Soil Acidity
B. Ion Exchange,
Shrink/Swell Clays, Organic Matter
IV. Soil Water
A. Hydrologic Cycle
B. Water Movement
in Soils
C. Water Absorption
by Tree Roots
D. Seasonal Changes
- Mottling/Drainage Classes
V. Forest Soil Biology
A. Forest Floor
Stratification
B.
Deposition/Accumulation of Litter
C. Decomposing Organisms
and Functions
D. Factors Influencing
Decomposition Rate
E. Effects on Soil
Structure and Plant Nutrition
F. Allelopathy
G. Nutrient
Cycling/Examples
VI. Woody Plant Structure
A. Leaf
B. Stem
C. Meristem
(Mitosis)
D. Roots
1. Form and Function
2. Variation with Soil Conditions
3. Mycorrhizae
VII. Soil Classification Systems
A. Major Orders
B. Soil Surveys
C. Productivity
Rating/Classes
1. Site Index
2. Soil Site Index
VIII. Environmental Factors and Issues
A. Site
Factors/Law of the Minimum
B.
Solar Radiation/Ozone Depletion
C.
Temperature/Greenhouse Effect
D.
Atmospheric Deposition
E.
Energy Flow/Food Chains and Webs
IX. The Forest Tree
A. Variability and
Diversity
1. Genotype/Phenotype
2. Reproduction/Natural Selection/Evolution
X. The Forest Ecosystem
A. Competition and
Survival
B.
Tolerance/Mortality Factors
C. Forest
Succession
1. Primary
2. Secondary
D. Stand
Dynamics/Old Growth
XI. Disturbance Effects
A. Natural
1. Fire
2. Wind
3. Insects and Disease
B. Forest
Management Disturbances
1. Site Prep/Planting
2. Prescribed Burning
3. Ecological Results of Erosion
4. Streamside Management Zones (SMZs)
FOREST ECOLOGY AND SOILS
LAB EXERCISES
SOIL TEXTURE DETERMINATION
PROFILE STUDIES/PERCOLATION TESTS
SOIL SURVEY USE (introduction)
SOIL SURVEY USE (CRIFF classification)
INTRODUCTION TO WETLAND DETERMINATION
TRANSECT VEGETATION SAMPLING
WOODY PLANT STRUCTURE (INDOOR)
VEGETATION PLOT SAMPLING/WETLANDS DETERMINATION
SOIL/WOODY SPP. ASSOCIATIONS
LONGLEAF PINE ECOSYSTEMS
LIBRARY RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT
UPDATED: 08/05