Plant and Soil Science (PLSS)

Fundamental principles underlying the selection, growth, development, maintenance, improvement, utilization and harvesting of cultivated plants.

Fee: $5.00

Art and science of soil description using Soil Taxonomy of the United States Department of Agriculture and Intercollegiate Soil Judging. Provides essential experience for those in soil-related careers. Open to all university students.

Classification, life histories, habits, and management practices of common local insects and insect pests of plants and animals. Collect, preserve and identify anthropods with emphasis on insects. Prerequisites: PLSS 1407, 3 hours of Biology.

Fundamentals of landscape design including historical survey of garden designs, site analysis, development and evaluation of exterior and interior environments of residential, school, commercial and public park areas. Open to all university students.

Fee: $5.00

The genesis and evolution of soil profiles as influenced by soil forming agencies, classification schemes, soil survey techniques and utilization of soil maps in management of the soil. Prerequisite: PLSS 3410.

Fee: $5.00

Methods of reclamation, conservation and management of soils based on the kinds of soils and adapted crops.

Production practices, produce quality, environmental considerations in the production of field crops and forage crops. Prerequisite: PLSS 1407.

Characteristics, description, identification and landscape uses of ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, flowers, ground-covers and grasses adapted to tropic and subtropical zones of the world. Prerequisite: PLSS 1407.

A study of principles and practices of asexual and sexual propagation of horticultural crops. Prerequisite: PLSS 1407.

Fee: $5.00

Proper selection, mode of action and application of chemicals for proper weed control and management. Prerequisites: 3 semester hours of chemistry, PLSS 1407.

Fee: $5.00

A study of principles and practices used in commercial production, harvesting, storage and processing of fruit and vegetable crops. Prerequisite: PLSS 1407.

Fee: $5.00

Physiological concepts underlying the practices utilized in crop production systems as related to growth processes and their mechanisms. Prerequisite: PLSS 1407, 3 semester credit hours of biology.

Fundamental principles underlying the formation, characteristics and management of soil. Prerequisites: 3 semester hours of Chemistry.

Fee: $5.00

Supervised and planned work experience under college guidelines in an agriculture enterprise or agency setting. Practical application of knowledge and skills of major subject area without classroom consultation, but with formal evaluation. May be repeated for a maximum of nine semester hours toward degree; may not count toward minor. Prerequisite: written consent of adviser and department chair.

Current Management practices used to control agriculture, horticulture, wildlife and animal pests. This includes insects, weeds, plant diseases and nematodes as they affect crop and animal producation. Introduction to pesticide groups and their ecological effects. Prerequisites: PLSS 3325 and 3 semester credit hours of biology.

Grading, drainage and construction of landscaped areas to include cost and bid estimation, soil preparation, transplanting operations, arboriculture, turf management, pest and disease control and general maintenance of landscaped areas. Prerequisite: 3 semester credit hours of Biology or PLSS 1407.

Fee: $3.00

Tropical and subtropical climates and physiography related to production and management of tropical and subtropical crops including fruits and vegetables, root and tuber crops, beverage crops, oil and industrial crops, legumes, spices, herbs and medicinal plants. Recent significant development in production technology will be presented. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or permission of the instructor.

The water-related properties of plants and soil, the properties of water and the natural processes that affect the behavior of water in plants. Prerequisite: junior standing.

Comprehensive study of diseases and arthropod pests of cultivated crop plants with emphasis on symptoms identification, economic importance and control measures. The concept of integrated pest management is discussed. Prerequisite: senior standing.

The principles of soil fertility, mechanisms of plant nutrient uptake and plant nutrient requirements. Includes a study of soil fertility management. Prerequisite: PLSS 3410.

Fee: $5.00

Commercial production and management of floricultural crops in greenhouses, modern nurseries and other forcing structures. Prerequisite: PLSS 1407.

Fee: $5.00

Material offered to be determined by the needs of the students. Lecture will vary according to the subject needs with each course having three hour credit. May be repeated for credit when the topic changes. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing.

Literature review, laboratory field problem or undergraduate research under direction of a faculty advisor. May be repeated for a total of six semester hours, only three hours may count toward a minor in PLSS. Prerequisite: approval of supervising professor.