I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Nutrient Management

2. Course Prefix & Number:
AGRO 1112

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 3

4. Course Description:

This course introduces students to the concept of nutrient management in relationship to plant growth. This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of soil properties, nutrient cycles, soil nutrient test results, manure applications, liming soils, fertilizer sources, plant deficiencies, and fertilizer recommendations.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

AG215 Advanced Fertilizers, Soils and Waste Management – 3 Credits – Lake Area Technical College, SOIL 322 Soil Fertility and Fertilizers – 3 Credits – North Dakota State University

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Agronomy Diploma

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate written communication skills	Create a flow chart documenting the life cycle of nutrient application.
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Interpret soil test results to determine available nutrients and make a recommendation for specific crops.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Utilize research farm to demonstrate soil testing methods;
• Demonstrate understanding of macro and micro nutrients;
• Analyze soil nutrient test result;
• Describe how to make fertilizer recommendations;
• Identify nutrient deficiency in plants;
• Compare soil types and how they affect CEC;
• Ability to calculate analysis of fertilizer blends;
• Ability to identify and calculate liming needs for specific crops; and
• Understand the 4R nutrient management strategy.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Soil Fertility
   • Difference between macro and micro nutrients
   • Organic matter variations among soil type
   • Cation exchange capacity (CEC) and its relationship to soil type
2. Nutrient Availability and Pathways
   • Nutrients move within the soil
   • Physical properties affect on nutrient availability
   • Losses in the nutrient cycle
3. Plant and Nutrient Relationships
   • Roots interaction with the soil and soil biology
   • Nutrients movement within the plant
   • Nutrient deficiency in plants
   • Utilizization of plant tissue testing
4. Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium
   • Life cycle of Nitrogen, including plant uptake, nutrient tie-up, and losses
   • Life cycle of Phosphorus, including plant uptake, nutrient tie-up, and losses
   • Life cycle of Potassium, including plant uptake, nutrient tie-up, and losses
5. Soil Nutrient Testing
   • Sampling methods (whole field vs grid vs zone)
   • Sampling techniques for different nutrients
   • Reading soil test results
6. Fertilizers
   • Common fertilizer sources and guaranteed analysis
   • Manure utilizization as a fertilizer source
   • Analysis of mixed blends of synthetic fertilizer
7. Micro Nutrients and Amendments
   • Micronutrient needs for specific crops
   • Stabilizers to protect nutrients from losses
   • Liming effects on pH
8. Application Methods
   • Fertilizer application methods
   • Application method affects on nutrient life cycle
9. Specific Crop Needs/Recommendations
   • Local BMP’s and 4R nutrient approach
   • Credits from previous crops and manure
   • Soil test results to make fertilizer recommendations