Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
http://www.cses.vt.edu/
Thomas Thompson, Department Head
Thomas B. Hutcheson, Jr. Professor: W. L. Daniels
W. G. Wysor Professor: C. Griffey
Professors: A. O. Abaye; S. K. De Datta; M. J. Eick; E. H. Ervin; G. K. Evanylo; J. M. Goatley, Jr; C. Hagedorn; S. C. Hodges;
M. A. Saghai Maroof; C. E. Zipper
Associate Professors: D. F. Berry; J. H. Fike; J. M. Galbraith; D. Holshouser; R. O. Maguire; N. Persaud; C. D. Teutsch;
W. E. Thomason; B. F. Tracy; C. A. Wilkinson; K. Xia
Assistant Professors: B. D. Badgley; W. H. Frame; T. Fukao; M. S. Reiter
Affiliate Professor: A. Pereira
Adjunct Professors: R. F. Follett; J. E. Perry, III; P. J. Thomas; R. W. Tiner; M. J. Vepraskas
Career Advisor and Coordinating Counselor: Erik Ervin (231-5208; ervin@vt.edu)
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Overview
Crop and Soil Science integrates the basic sciences—biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics—and applies them to challenges of sustainable plant production and soil and water management. As the world’s population grows toward a projected 9-10 billion people, crop and soil sciences will become increasingly important for ensuring the world’s food security.
In the CSES major, students learn about plant production, genetics, and physiology; international aspects of crop production, and the science and management of turfgrasses. Students graduating with a degree in CSES will be competitive for jobs as crop consultants, crop breeders, specialists in international agriculture, soil scientists, and managers of golf courses and sports fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment of soil and plant scientists is expected to increase by 15% between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. Students majoring in CSES can choose from options in Agroecology, Biotechnology and Genetics, International Agriculture, Soils and Land Rehabilitation, and Turfgrass Management.
Agroecology Option
Students in this option concentrate on the biology and increasingly complex technology of food, feed, fuel, and fiber production. Graduates typically move into industries supporting production agriculture, crop and soil consulting, farming, or into sales and managerial positions that directly and indirectly support agricultural production.
Biotechnology and Genetics Option
Producing better quality and higher yielding crops has been a long-standing objective of crop breeders. New techniques of genetic engineering are now being brought to bear on crop improvement. Students in this option learn the newest methods of molecular biology and are well prepared for careers in research and industry.
International Agriculture Option
The world's ever-expanding population must be fed; at the same time, we must be good stewards of the Earth’s resources. Many countries have not been able to bring food production and resource conservation into balance. Students in the International Agriculture option are interested in finding simultaneous solutions to these concerns. Employment opportunities exist with various private and public agencies.
Soils and Land Rehabilitation Option
Human impacts on the environment and good stewardship of the soil and land resources are major focuses of this option. Graduates find positions with governmental agencies and private industry. They may deal with concerns such as soil conservation, groundwater pollution, land-use planning, waste management, and reclamation of disturbed areas.
Turfgrass Management Option
Using basic principles of the natural sciences and agricultural technology, turf managers have skills that make them highly employable in golf-course management, athletic and recreational fields, lawn maintenance services, the landscaping industry, and sod production.
Requirements for a Major
All the curricula for the various options contain a core of courses to assist the student in developing knowledge and ability in basic sciences (biology and chemistry), computational skills (mathematics and statistics), communication skills (both writing and speaking), as well as crop, soil, and environmental sciences. A list of courses specified for each option may be obtained upon request from the department or at www.cses.vt.edu. In the following listing, semester hour credits are shown at the right.
| Core Curricular Requirements (All Options) |
| Agricultural Economics/Economics |
6 |
| Biology |
6 |
| Chemistry |
8 |
| Communications |
3 |
| Creativity and Aesthetic Experience (Area 6) |
1/3 |
| Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences |
14 |
| English (writing) |
9 |
| Ideas, Cultural Traditions, and Values (Area 2) |
6 |
| Mathematics |
6 |
| Statistics |
3 |
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| Some Option-Specific Course Requirement and Electives |
| Agricultural and Applied Economics (in addition to above) |
0-9 |
| Biochemistry |
0-9 |
| Biology (in addition to above) |
0-18 |
| Chemistry (in addition to above) |
3-8 |
| Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences (in addition to above) |
6-21 |
| Entomology |
0-6 |
| Geology |
0-4 |
| Horticulture |
0-8 |
| Physics |
0-3 |
| Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science |
0-11 |
| Total Credits for B.S. Degree (minimum) |
120 |
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Requirements for a Minor
The department offers minors in crop and soil environmental sciences, turfgrass management, and wetland science. The requirements for each include CSES/ENSC 3114 and 3124 (or 3134) and 15 or 16 more credit hours selected from courses from within and outside the department. Consult the department office (240 Smyth) or web site (www.cses.vt.edu) for more information on a minor.
Satisfactory Progress
By the end of the academic year in which the student has attempted 60 hours (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing and credit by examination) "satisfactory progress" will include meeting the following minimum criteria:
- having a grade point average of at least 2.0
- passing at least 24 semester credits that apply to the Curriculum for Liberal Education
- passing the following:
CHEM 1035, 1036, 1045, 1046
CSES 1004
CSES 3114 and 3124
6 hours of MATH and/or STAT
- declaring an option within CSES
Opportunities to Excel
Students with outstanding records can qualify for the Honors Program and graduate "in honors" in crop and soil environmental sciences. Other opportunities for personal and professional growth and for recognition include department-sponsored agronomy and turf clubs, membership in Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta or other honoraries, and several scholarships. B.S. graduates are certifiable in the professional registry of the American Society of Agronomy.
Graduate courses and research opportunities lead to M.S. and Ph.D. specializations in the crop, soil, and environmental sciences. (See the Graduate Catalog for more information.)
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (CSES)
1004: INTRODUCTION TO CROP AND SOIL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
An overview of crops, soils, and environmental studies. Emphasis placed on career aspects of crop science, soil science, turf management, environmental studies, and plant biotechnology and genetics. I. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C)
2434: CROP EVALUATION
Identification of more than 200 crops, weeds, seeds and crop diseases. Seed testing for purity according to the rules of the Association of Official Seed Analysts. Crops graded according to the official USDA grain grading standards. (6L,2C) I,II.
2444: AGRONOMIC CROPS
An introduction to crop production in Virginia, presenting basic climatic, crop, and soil characteristics and their relation to cropping systems. Introduces basic mechanical, chemical, and managerial tools of crop production and examines feed quality and seed and forage storage. I. (3H,3C)
2564: TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT
Growth, development, adaptation, and selection of the major turfgrass species. Principles of establishment, mowing, nutrition, irrigation, cultivation, and pest control of lawns and utility turfs. Co: BIOL 1105. (2H,3L,3C) I.
2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
2994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
3114 (ENSC 3114) (GEOS 3614): SOILS
Characterization of soils as a natural resource emphasizing their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological properties in relation to nutrient availability, fertilization, plant growth, land-use management, waste application, soil and water quality, and food production. For CSES, ENSC, and related plant-and earth-science majors. Partially duplicates 3134. Pre: CHEM 1036. Co: 3124. (3H,3C) I.
3124 (ENSC 3124) (GEOS 3624): SOILS LABORATORY
Parent materials, morphology, physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and related soil management and land use practices will be studied in field and lab. Partially duplicates 3134. Co: 3114. (3L,1C) I.
3134 (ENSC 3134): SOILS IN THE LANDSCAPE
A study of soils as functional landscape components, emphasizing their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and biological properties in relation to plant growth, nutrient availability, land-use management, and soil and water quality. Primarily for FOR/FIW, LAR, and other plant/earth science related majors. May not be taken by CSES or ENSC majors. Partially duplicates 3114 and 3124. Pre: one year of introductory CHEM or BIOL or GEOS. (2H,3L,3C) II.
3144: SOIL DESCRIPTION AND INTERPRETATION
Describing, classifying, evaluating, and interpreting soil and site properties in the class and field. Local field trips supplement lecture and laboratory studies. Required for students interested in attending soil judging contests. Co: 3124, 3114. (1H,6L,3C)
3304 (GEOG 3304) (GEOS 3304): GEOMORPHOLOGY
Examines the variety of landforms that exist at the earth's surface. Detailed investigation of major processes operating at the earth's surface including: tectonic, weathering, fluvial, coastal, eolian, and glacial processes. Field excursion. Pre: GEOG 1104 or GEOS 1004 or GEOS 2104. (3H,3C)
3444 (HORT 3444): WORLD CROPS AND CROPPING SYSTEMS
An introduction to world crops, their primary regions of production, the factors that determine where they are grown, and their economic importance, and how they are used in the human diet. Describes the various factors that can be managed to improve crop yields. Examines present and potential systems of farming for improved crop production in the major climatic and soil ecosystems of the world. Junior standing required. (2H,3L,3C)
3564: GOLF AND SPORTS TURF MANAGEMENT
Principles of turfgrass science and culture required for successful establishment and management of intensely utilized fine golf and sports turf surfaces. Taught odd years. Pre: 2564. (3H,3C)
3614 (ENSC 3614): SOIL PHYS HYDRO PROPERTIES
Soil physical and mechanical properties and the physical processes controlling soil water retention and flow in agronomic and natural settings. Grain size distribution, weight-volume relationships, specific surface, electrical charge density, consistency, stress, compaction, rainfall runoff, water retention, steady/non-steady water flow in saturated/unsaturated soil, infiltration, bare soil evaporation, and soil water balance. Pre: (3114, 3124) or (GEOS 3614, GEOS 3624). (3H,3C)
3634 (ENSC 3634): PHYSICS OF POLLUTION
Physical processes that control the fate of pollutants in our land, air, and water resources. Types and sources of pollutants, physical processes in the soil-water-atmosphere continuum controlling the dispersion and deposition of pollutants, the movement of pollutants, including radionuclides, by surface and subsurface water flow in soils, and physics of disturbed soils. I. Pre: 3114, PHYS 2206, MATH 2016. (3H,3C)
3644 (ENSC 3644): PLANT MATERIALS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION
Overview of ecological principles related to re-vegetation and restoration of disturbed sites. Function and species requirements of plants in stabilizing disturbed areas including mines, rights-of-way, constructed wetlands, and for the remediation of contaminated soils. I Pre: BIOL 1106. Co: 3114. (3H,3C)
4004: SENIOR SEMINAR
The job market, placement, and professional ethics within crop and soil environmental sciences, and consideration of topics of current interest in the major. Majors only. Senior standing required. I. (1H,1C)
4134: SOIL GENESIS AND CLASSIFICATION
The form and dynamics of soil bodies across the landscape; soil-forming factors and processes; state factor analysis as a predictive tool to explain the evolution of unique soils across the terrain; diagnostic horizons and other important pedagogical features used in Soil Taxonomy; history and development of soil classification systems. Taught even years. Pre: 4124. (3H,3C) II.
4144: PLANT BREEDING AND GENETICS
Genetic variation in plants and its importance in plant breeding, and comparisons of theories and procedures in breeding of self-pollinated versus cross-pollinated plants. Taught even years. (2H,3L,3C) II.
4154: SOIL AND GENESIS AND CLASSIFICATION LAB
Describe and classify unique soil properties and horizons. Observe, describe, and evaluate their processes of formation, chemistry, and related site properties in the lab and field. Local and regional field trips reinforce laboratory studies. This is an experiential learning course, complementary to CSES 4134. Pre: (3114, 3124) or 3134. (3L,1C)
4164 (BIOL 4164) (CEE 4164) (ENSC 4164): ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
Ecology, physiology, and diversity of soil and aquatic microorganisms; incorporates the significance of these topics within the context of environmental applications such as bioremediation, wastewater treatment, control of plant- pathogens in agriculture, and pollution abatement in natural systems. The laboratory portion of the course will stress methodology development, isolation and characterization of microorganisms from natural and engineered systems, and examination of the roles of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling. Pre: BIOL 2604. (2H,3L,3C) II.
4214: SOIL FERTILITY AND MANAGEMENT
Soil productivity and nutrients required for crop growth; fertilizer sources and nutrient reactions in soil; methods of fertilizer nutrient placement in major tillage systems; and interpretation of soil tests and plant analyses for determining crop nutrient requirements. I. Pre: 3114. (3H,3C)
4224: SOIL FERTILITY AND MANAGEMENT LABORATORY
Determination of essential elements for plant growth in soils and plants. Techniques for obtaining representative soil and plant samples. Comparison of soil test methods and interpretation of results and instrumentation utilized in analytical work. I. Co: 4214. (3L,1C)
4314 (ENSC 4314): WATER QUALITY
Provide comprehensive information on the physical, chemical, biological, and anthropogenic factors affecting water quality, fate and transport of contaminants in water, water quality assessment and management, and current water quality policies. Pre: (ENSC 3604 or BIOL 4004), MATH 2015, BIOL 1105, BIOL 1106, CHEM 1035, CHEM 1036. (3H,3C)
4324 (ENSC 4324): WATER QUALITY LABORATORY
Teach students a variety of laboratory chemical and biological techniques for water quality analysis. Complementary to ENSC/CSES 4314. Pre: CHEM 1046. Co: 4314, ENSC 4314. (3L,1C)
4334 (FOR 4334): PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF AGROFORESTRY
Biological, social, economic, and technical aspects of agroforestry, training and technology transfer techniques, and application of forestry and agriculture principles. Roles of animals and fish, trees, and agricultural crops in agroforestry systems. Community involvement in planning and implementation of agroforestry projects. I. (3H,3C)
4344: CROP PHYSIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY
Developmental and ecological processes important in cropping situations: seed physiology, root and canopy development, flowering, water stress, energy flow, competition; emphasis on physiological adaptations, limitations to yield, and yield-optimizing strategies. (3H,3C) II.
4444 (ENSC 4444): MANAGED ECOSYSTEMS, ECOSYSTEM SERVICES, AND SUSTAINABILITY
Description and interactions of climate, soils, and organisms within intensively managed ecosystems used to produce food, fiber, bio-energy, fresh water, recreation, cultural, and other ecosystems services essential for human well-being. Ecological concepts applied to agricultural, grassland, and urban/turf ecosystems. Ecologically based principles for sustainably managed ecosystems. Regional and global significance of managed ecosystems in context of sustainable food systems, and the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Pre-Requisite: Junior or Senior Standing required. Pre: 3114, 3124. (3H,3C)
4544: FORAGE CROP ECOLOGY
Species adaptation interrelated with soil, climatic, and biotic factors as associated with establishment, production, utilization, and nutritional value of forages. Pre: ALS 3204. (3H,3C) II.
4564: INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF TURF SYSTEMS
Requires students to develop an integrated turf management plan for a case-study golf course, athletic field complex, sod farm, or commercial lawn care operation. A significant part of this plan will be in agronomic programming, material selection, application schedules, and budgeting. Prerequisite and senior standing are required. Pre: 3564. (2H,2C) II.
4594 (CEE 4594): SOIL AND GROUNDWATER POLLUTION
Application of mathematical models for chemical movement in soils and groundwater to evaluate soil and groundwater pollutant behavior; discussion of pollution remediation technologies; design of subsurface monitoring networks; case studies in soil and groundwater pollution; applications to landfills, waste spills, septic drain-fields, pesticide/fertilizer leaching, and other problems of environmental concern. Pre: MATH 2224, (GEOL 4114 or CEE 4314). (3H,3C) I,II.
4644: LAND-BASED SYSTEMS FOR WASTE TREATMENT
Soils as a medium for waste treatment; potential for environmental degradation from biological elements and chemicals added to soils; development of land-based treatment and utilization systems for solid and liquid wastes; issues and concerns relating to large-scale applications of municipal and industrial wastes to land. Taught odd years. (3H,3C) II.
4734 (CHEM 4734) (ENSC 4734): ENVIRONMENTAL SOIL CHEMISTRY
Chemistry of inorganic and organic soil components with emphasis on environmental significance of soil solution-solid phase equilibria, sorption phenomena, ion exchange processes, reaction kinetics, reduction/oxidation reactions, and acidity and salinity processes. I Pre: 2114, 3124, CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535, CHEM 2114, MATH 2015. (3H,3C)
4754 (CHEM 4754) (ENSC 4754): INSTRUMENTAL ANALYSIS FOR AGRICULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Theory and principles of common analytical instruments and their applications to agriculture and environmental science research. Topics include atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy, spectrophotometric methods (UV, visible, luminescence, and automation), chromatography, ion-selective electrodes, and microwave digestion. Infrared spectroscopy, atomic ratio and molecular mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance will also be included. Provides hands-on experience with modern analytical instruments. Prerequisites or graduate standing required. Pre: (CHEM 2114, CHEM 2124) or (CSES 3114, CSES 3124) (3H,3L,4C) II.
4774 (ENSC 4774): RECLAMATION OF DRASTICALLY DISTURBED LANDS
Remediation, rehabilitation, and re-vegetation strategies for lands disturbed by mining, construction, industrialization, and mineral waste disposal. Disturbed site characterization and material analysis procedures. Regulatory and environmental monitoring frameworks for mining sites and other disturbed lands. Prediction and remediation of water quality impacts from acid drainage.
Pre: 3114 or GEOS 3614 or ENSC 3114 or CSES 3134 or ENSC 3134 or CSES 3304 or GEOG 33 04 or GEOS 3304. (3H,3C)
4854 (ENSC 4854): WETLAND SOILS AND MITIGATION
Wetland soils as components of natural landscapes: biogeochemistry, hydrology, geomorphology, hydric soil indicators, and classification. Soil and hydraulic factors important to wetland delineation and jurisdictional determination. Mitigation of wetland impacts with emphasis on restoration and creation. Constructed wetlands for water treatment. Odd years. I Pre: 3114 or 3134 or 3304. (3H,3C)
4964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.
4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.
4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.
4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.
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