AGCR 2313 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

Course Syllabus

Fall 2008

I.TEXT:

None

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Soil formation and development, soil water and wildlife conservation and management practices: soil conservation districts and USDA agency assistance.

III. PREREQUISITES:

In a course of this nature it is imperative that the student have an agricultural background. They must make arrangements for a personal interview with the director or assistant director of the program. The interview must be requested and completed between January 15 and May 1 for the class starting the following fall semester.

IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

General Objectives:

Enable the student to understand the importance of all aspects of soil and water conservation. Knowing the different types of soil and what key plants grow on that soil. Compute the most economical ways to harvest the plants with cattle.

Specific Objectives:

Learning the Major components of soils.

Soil formation, function, makeup, texture, capability classes, erosion.

Obtain a basic understanding of Soil Water and it's various functions.

* Commonly used terms and their explanation.

* Site selection and staking of ponds for livestock water and recreation.

* Wildlife and it's importance to Ranching.

* Fertilization, it's economic importance both from commercial and feedlot waste stand point.

* All aspects of feedlot development and construction.

* Dust control, solid waste management, feedlot pollution control.

AGCR 2313 cont.

V. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

A. Lecture

1. Comments on and explanation of the topic under consideration.

2. Exploring all aspects pertaining to economics and practicality.

B. Lab

1. Visiting several ranches and feedyards within a 200 mile radius of Clarendon, Texas, to observe different methods of soil and water conservation.

2. Visiting with USDA Farm Services Agency on their requirements and recommendations to conserve the soil and water.

3. Guest speakers from the Beef Industry pertaining to all aspects listed in the Course Description above.

4. Participation in Feedlot Waste Management work shops.

5. Attend a Holistic Resource Management School.

C. Individual guidance on assignments.

D. Discussion and questions.

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA:

A. Overhead projection

B. Chalkboard

C. Slide projector

D. Video

E. Computer (Web)

F. Guest Speakers

G. Field trips

VII. STUDENT REQUIREMENTS:

See current RFO requirements

VIII. TESTING:

See current RFO requirements:

IX. GRADING SYSTEM:

See current RFO requirements: