Teachings

Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Courses

CSES 4224/5114 – Soil Fertility (Fall)

Dr. Roberts (100% resp.)

Study of the soil’s chemical, biological and physical properties, and human modification of these properties, as they influence the uptake and utilization of the essential nutrients by plants. The objectives of this course are to, 1) provide students the opportunity to learn the fundamental concepts of fertilizer, manure, and soil nutrient management and reactions, 2) train students how routine manure, plant, and soil analyses are performed, what these analyses measure, and provide them with practical experience in using and interpreting the analyses, and 3) Provide a learning environment that encourages students to develop skills needed to collect (when needed), manipulate, and/or interpret nutrient management data presented in written summaries, tables, and figures.

CSES 5033 – Advanced Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition (Spring, even years)

Dr. Drescher (100% resp.)

A discussion-oriented course for graduate students on the importance of plant nutrition in crop physiology and metabolism and the importance of soil chemical, biological, and physical processes that influence nutrient availability. Topics for discussion concerning plant nutrition include: nutrient absorption and desorption reactions, nutrient mobility, uptake mechanisms, and kinetics, macro- and micro-nutrient roles in enzymatic/metabolic processes, soil oxi-reduction reactions, element toxicity, stable isotopes, and research techniques to evaluate plan nutritional status. Topics of discussion concerning soil fertility concentrate on how elemental forms, chemical mechanisms, and biological and physical factors in the soil affect nutrient availability and nutrient management as well as research techniques used in soil fertility.

CSES 4013/5073 – Advanced Crop Science (Spring)

Dr. Drescher (Co-taught, 75% resp.)

This course is designed to introduce students to agriculturally important crop plants and cropping practices through a thorough study of soils and soil-based plant nutrients, soil and water management, integrated pest management, and modern cropping practices. The course material, as presented, is designed to prepare students to take the International Certified Crop Advisor Exam, which is based on performance objectives that can be thought of as areas of expertise that a Certified Crop Advisor should possess. Dr. Drescher is responsible for covering soil fertility and nutrient management, soil and water management, and crop management topics. Topics of discussion include basics of soil science, soil erosion, water quality, plant-water relations and irrigation, plant nutrition, soil fertility, tissue analysis, nutrient management planning, and aspects associated with cropping systems from crop establishment to harvest and storage.

CSES 3332 – Rice Production

Dr. Roberts (100% resp.)

The rice production course is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn the fundamental concepts of rice production with a focus on the management strategies implemented in the Mid-south US. Students will be trained on the cultural and water management practices needed to grow rice profitably in a mechanized rice production system. Our goal is to provide a learning environment that encourages students to develop skills needed to collect (when needed), manipulate, and/or interpret rice data, economic data and pest management information to ensure profitable and sustainable rice cultivation.

CSES 3214 – Soil Resources and Nutrient Cycles (Spring, odd years)

Dr. Drescher (100% resp.)

This course is designed to expand students’ knowledge about soil science, soil and crop management practices to improve soil quality/health, and the processes and controls of decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling in the Mid-South US. In addition to acquiring subject-specific information, the course aims to strengthen students’ ability to think clearly and critically and improve communication (written and spoken) and problem-solving skills. Topics of discussion include fundamental concepts of chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils and their roles in crop production systems and nutrient and carbon cycling.