Instructor: T. Jot Smyth, 3104 Williams Hall, 515-2838, Jot_Smyth@ncsu.edu
Office Hours: to be announced upon survey of student schedules. Make appointments through my secretary, Ms. Bertha Monar, at 3104 Williams Hall or call 515-2838.
Lectures: 8:05 - 9:20 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday, room 1403 Williams Hall
Course Prerequisites: six credits in soil science. This class is intended primarily for graduate students. Undergraduate students normally enroll in SSC 341, SSC 452 and/or SSC 461.
Objectives: to understand the diversity, use, and potential management alternatives for soils in the tropics. Emphasis is placed on 1) characterization and distribution of soil constraints to food production, 2) management practices for the dominant agricultural systems, and 3) nutrient cycling and efficient use of inputs.
Grading:
| ACTIVITY | DATE | % OF GRADE |
|---|---|---|
| Computer exercises | January 24 | 10 |
| January 29 | ||
| February 26 | ||
| March 7 | ||
| March 21 | ||
| Exam 1 | February 14 | 20 |
| Exam 2 | March 26 | 20 |
| Research proposal | April 23 | 20 |
| Exam 3 | Finals Week | 20 |
| Class participation | 10 | |
Attendance to lectures is not recorded, but 10% of the final grade is based on class participation. Final grades may be curved upwards. The +/- system will be used. All assignments are due in my office by 5:00 p.m. on the specified date. A 10% penalty will be imposed for each day of delay.
Textbook: although no longer in print, a good overview of course subject matter is in the following
Sanchez, P.A. 1976. Properties and Management of Soils in the Tropics, Wiley & Sons, New York, NY.
Two copies of this book have been placed on reserve in D.H. Hill Library. One copy is also available with Ms. Monar in my office and can be checked out for 24-hour periods. There are recommended readings from this textbook for most lectures. The textbook is complemented, during each lecture, with handouts on relevant published data and lists of pertinent reference materials.
Additional books for general reference are also on reserve in D.H. Hill Library.