Course Description
Soils in urban environments have characteristics that present challenges for management of healthy trees and community forests. Physical and chemical properties of these soils are described along with methods for correcting conditions that reduce tree health and growth. Use of soil information in site planning and protection during development is discussed.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Students registered for graduate credit will be required to successfully complete a solo, service-learning project to provide analysis of an urban tree and/or soil management problem in the Clarke County area. This project will involve on-site (field) evaluation. A written summary of the project and a 12-minute oral presentation are required.
Athena Title
Comm Urban Soils Site Devel SL
Non-Traditional Format
Course includes a service-learning project during the semester that either employs skills or knowledge learned in the course or teaches new skills or knowledge related to course objectives. Students will be involved in the planning and implementation of the project(s) and may spend time outside of the classroom.
Prerequisite
CRSS(FANR) 3060 and COFA 5001/7001
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Topical Outline
Week 1– Climate and Microclimate Impacts of Development Water cycle, runoff and peak flow Radiation and temperature Atmosphere Lab 1 – Determination of runoff, retention ponds, biofilters, and swales Week 2 – Characteristics and Classification of Urban Soils Native soil vs. disturbed urban soils Soil maps for planning Soil investigations for development On-site wastewater Cut and Fill Lab 2 – Profile description and sampling Week 3 – Assessment and Correction of Soil Physical Limitations Requirements for gas exchange, mechanical resistance, water Compaction Site development and construction Post-development trafficking Surface runoff and internal drainage Tillage options Lab 3 – Assessing compaction (bulk density, penetrometer, and infiltration) Week 4 – Soil Chemistry and Biology Soil exchange, solubility, and pH Organic matter decomposition Mineralization of nutrients Soil biota and mycorrhiza Lab 4– Nutrient mineralization and availability Week 5 – Pesticides and Contaminants in Soils Sampling, analysis, and options for correction Brownfield site development Lab 5 – Contaminant sampling protocols Week 6 – Soil Amendments Composts and mulches Biochar Lab 6 – Field tour compost facility Week 7 – Landscape Planning and Site Development Planning process Tree ordinances Sediment and erosion control Lab 7 – Sediment and erosion control structures Week 8 – Protection of Existing Trees During Development Infrastructure Raising and lowering grade Fill and aeration systems Lab 8 – Field tour construction site Week 9 – Tree Production Production systems Nursery stock selection Lab 9 – Field tour nursery Week 10 – Planting and Transplanting Preparation and planting in natural soil Planting islands Vault planting Small containers and planters Lab 10 – Downtown before dark Week 11 – Root Management Hardscape conflicts Growth control Root collar treatments Lab 11 – Root collar excavation, sampling Week 12 –Fertilization Nutrient requirements Assessing deficiency and excess through soil and tissue sampling Fertilizer forms and application methods Lab 12 – Tissue sampling and interpretation Week 13 – Irrigation Water needs and water management programs Irrigation methods Xeriscaping Lab 13 – Calculation of irrigation system needs Week 14 - Presentation of Site Evaluation Projects Week 15 – Review
Institutional Competencies
Analytical ThinkingThe ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.