Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences
Head: Erik Ervin
Thomas B. Hutcheson, Jr. Professor: W. L. Daniels
W. G. Wysor Professor: C. Griffey
Professors: A. O. Abaye, M. J. Eick, E. H. Ervin, G. K. Evanylo, J. M. Goatley Jr., S. C. Hodges, R. O. Maquire, M. A. Saghai Maroof, W. E. Thomason, T. Thompson, K. Xia, and C. E. Zipper
Associate Professors: J. H. Fike, J. M. Galbraith, D. Holshouser, M.S. Reiter, B. F. Tracy, and C. A. Wilkinson
Assistant Professors: B. D. Badgley, W. H. Frame, T. Fukao, S. Li, M. Steele, R. Stewart, and B. Zhang
Affiliate Professor: A. Pereira
Adjunct Professors: R. F. Follett, J. E. Perry III, P. J. Thomas, R. W. Tiner, and M. J. Vepraskas
Undergraduate Program Director: Benjamin Tracy (231.8259, bftracy@vt.edu)
Web: www.cses.vt.edu
Overview
With the world's population now approaching 7 billion people, and expected to exceed 9 billion within 30 to 40 years, the demand for food is expected to double. Therefore, our ability to sustainably produce plants for food and aesthetic purposes is more crucial now than ever before. If you want to become a scientist with the skills and knowledge to grow crops or turfgrass to provide for human needs and improve environmental quality, then the Crop and Soil Sciences major at Virginia Tech is for you! In the CSS program, students learn the fundamentals of plant science and improvement, and soil and environmental stewardship for feeding the world, protecting the environment, and producing quality turfgrass. As a student majoring in Crop and Soil Sciences, you can count on quality academic programs relevant for today and tomorrow, opportunities for involvement and experience, and individual and personal attention from our award-winning faculty and staff. Our programs offer the rigor, flexibility, and practical knowledge that will help you succeed regardless of the path you choose. You will learn the fundamentals of soil, plant, and environmental sciences to prepare you for your career.
Agronomy Option
Students in this option concentrate on the biology and increasingly complex technology of food, feed, fuel, and fiber production. Graduates typically move into farming or into sales, consulting, and managerial positions that directly and indirectly support agricultural production, a most vital component of the world's economy.
Crop Genetics and Breeding 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.
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 http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
Degree Requirements
The graduation requirements in effect at the time of graduation apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year of your expected date of graduation. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets". The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion.
The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program. However, the university will not alter degree requirements less than two years from the expected graduation year unless there is a transition plan for students already in the degree program.
Please visit the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html for degree requirements.
Requirements for a Minor
The department offers minors in crop and soil environmental sciences, turfgrass management, environmental science 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 (http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html) for more information on a minor.
Satisfactory Progress
University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree.
Satisfactory progress requirements toward the specific degree can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.
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)
2244: AGRICULTURE, GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY AND HEALTH
Agriculture and food security within the larger context of
applied agronomy,
gender role, cultural and political aspects of food
production, food policy, production contraints, and
global population growth. Emphasis on gender iniquity
and globalized food systems will be made. Service learning
experience both local and global to promote career
opportunity in international development.
(3H,3C)
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)
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.
(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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Provides an opportunity to taste foods made in traditional
and non-traditional ways from the crops hence from field to
fork. 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.
Pre: 2564.
(3H,3C)
3614 (ENSC 3614): SOIL PHYSICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL 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.
Pre: 3114, PHYS 2205, (MATH 2016 or MATH 2024).
(3H,3C)
3644 (ENSC 3644): PLANT MATERIALS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION
Overview of ecological principles related to revegetation
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.
Pre: BIOL 1106.
Co: 3114.
(3H,3C)
3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.
4134 (ENSC 4134): SOIL GENESIS AND CLASSIFICATION
Formation of soils across landscapes, soil-forming factors
and processes, applied soil geology/geomorphology, applied
soil biochemistry, soil hydrology, diagnostic horizons and
characteristics used in Soil Taxonomy; soil classification
and mapping. Three outdoor lectures and one 3-day field
trip are mandatory.
Pre: (3114, 3124) or (ENSC 3114, ENSC 3124) or (GEOS 3614, GEOS 3624) or CSES 3134 or ENSC 3134.
(3H,3C)
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.
(2H,3L,3C)
4164 (BIOL 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)
4174: SOIL EVALUATION AND SAMPLING
Naming, describing, classifying, sampling, and interpreting
soil and site properties in the field to assess
environmental impacts and suitability under specific land
use scenarios. Selecting and evaluating sites of
representative soil resources across the landscape
using accepted professional protocols, simulating workplace
responsibilities and performance. Local and regional field
trips and sampling projects provide professional skill
development evaluated by practitioners and potential
employers.
Pre: 3114 or 3144.
(2H,3L,3C)
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.
Pre: 3114 or 3134.
(3H,3C)
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 or MATH 1026), (BIOL 1105 or BIOL 1106), (CHEM 1035 or 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 (FREC 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.
(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)
4354: ADVANCED AGRONOMIC CROPS
Survey of major agronomic crops grown in the Eastern
US and their production including: corn, soybean, wheat,
barley, cotton, peanut, tobacco and alfalfa. Covers impact
of environmental conditions and management on crops,
resource requirements for productivity, and effects on
soil resources.
(3H,3C)
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, bioenergy, 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 Standing required.
Pre: 3114 or 3134.
(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.
(3H,3C)
4644: LAND-BASED SYSTEMS FOR WASTE TREATMENT
Soils as a medium for waste treatment; potential for
environmental degradation from biologicals 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.
(3H,3C)
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, redox reactions, and
acidity and salinity processes.
Pre: 2114, 3124, CHEM 2514 or CHEM 2535, CHEM 2114, (MATH 2015 or MATH 1026).
(3H,3C)
4764 (ENSC 4764): BIOREMEDIATION
Overview of environmental biotechnology and the use of
microbes and other organisms to remove contaminants and
improve environmental quality. Topics include treatment of
contaminated soils, waters, and wastewaters, as well as
remediation of industrial waste streams.
Pre: BIOL 2604.
(3H,3C)
4774 (ENSC 4774): RECLAMATION OF DRASTICALLY DISTURBED LANDS
Remediation, rehabilitation, and revegetation 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 3304 or GEOS 3304.
(3H,3C)
4854 (ENSC 4854): WETLANDS SOILS AND MITIGATION
Wetland soils as components of natural landscapes:
biogeochemistry, hydrology, geomorphology, hydric
soil indicators, and wetlands functions under various
land uses. Soil and hydrologic factors important to
wetland delineation and jurisdictional determination.
Mitigation of weltand impacts with emphasis on
restoration and creation. Outdoor lectures at
local wetlands and a two-day long field trip to
observe and identify wetland soils are mandatory.
Pre: (3114, 3124) or (ENSC 3114, ENSC 3124) or (GEOS 3614, GEOS 3624) or CSES 3134 or ENSC 3134.
(2H,3L,3C)
4864: CAPSTONE: CROP & SOIL SCIENCES
Experiential and discussion-based learning that utilizes
prior knowledge gained in the major to synthesize
information, and prepare a written comprehensive work
plan that is defended orally. Review available careers in
the crop and soil sciences. Compose and critique resumes
and cover letters. CSS majors only. Pre: Senior standing.
(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.