SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

VISION, MISSION, GOALS, OBJECTIVES

University Vision MSU-Main Campus aspires to be a Center of Excellence in Instruction, Research and Extension transforming itself into a premier and globally competitive national peace university.
MSU-Main Campus is committed to:

Lead in social transformation through peace education and integration of Muslims and other cultural minority groups into the mainstream society.

University Mission Ensure excellence in instruction, research development, innovation, extension, and environmental education and discovery

Advance national and international linkages through collaborations and,

Demonstrate greater excellence, relevance, and inclusiveness for Mindanao and the Filipino nation
The MSU College of Agriculture at Main Campus envisions to be the Center of Excellence and Development in Agriculture in the MINSUPALA Region with state-of-the-art
College Vision
facilities and globally-competitive graduates.
Committed to the attainment of quality education comparable to global standards, the MSU College of Agriculture at Main Campus shall discover, share, and disseminate quality
College Mission and appropriate professional and technical trainings in agriculture to students in the MINSUPALA region to produce empowered graduates who will become leaders and/or prime
movers in various agricultural sectors.
1. To serve as disseminator, creator and innovator of knowledge in all five disciplines: plant science, animal science, agricultural engineering, agribusiness management and
agricultural education and extension;
College Goals 2.To continue to make our agriculture curricula relevant to the needs of the industry and the communities around us and to have globally-competitive graduates;
3. To strengthen our research and extension function to propel economic growth and sustainable development in the region;
4. To forge partnerships with the communities to enhance the quality of life.
1.To offer and continually update relevant degree and non-degree programs in various agricultural disciplines responsive to the needs of industry and the community;
2. To encourage the undertaking of state-of-the-art researches by both students and faculty members;
3. To establish appropriate and innovative technologies in production, processing, marketing, and extension units which will facilitate the packaging and disseminating the research
generated technologies;
College Objectives 4. To develop entrepreneurial and income generating agricultural projects through the establishment of self-sustaining pilot and demonstration projects both inside and outside the
MSU Campus;
5. To establish strong linkage between change agency and immediate users of research generating technologies for practical applications in order to help the people help themselves;
and
6. To continuously augment the existing college physical facilities, laboratory equipment and library resources.
At the end of the course, students are expected to:

1. Increase consciousness about the place of soils in the environment and the life of man and their importance as vital factors in the life of most organisms;
Course Learning 2. Discuss /explain how soils are formed and what key properties make the soil best suited for growing crops;
Outcomes 3. Develop a thorough understanding of soils, their physical, chemical, and biological properties, their ecology and the processes going on within them which are vital in the
growing of plants;
4. Impress in the minds the need for a new paradigm: linking ecology with economy – for agriculture and development to be sustainable; and
5. Apply the principles and practices in handling soils for agronomic and horticultural crop production not only in the Philippines but also in the global workplace.

Program Outcome Code Program Outcomes

PO1 a To keep abreast of the latest developments in the specific field of practice
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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

PO2 b Effectively communicate orally and in writing using both English and Filipino;
PO3 c Work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams;
PO4 d Act in recognition of professional, social, and ethical responsibilities; such as practicing intellectual property rights and sustainable development.
PO5 e Preserve and promote “Filipino historical and cultural heritage” (based on RA 7722);
PO6 f Advocate for peace in multicultural setting.
PO7 g Generate and share knowledge relevant to specific fields in the study of agriculture;
PO8 h Formulate and implement agricultural development plans and programs;
PO9 i Apply the scientific methods in knowledge generation and knowledge application;
PO10 j Understand and apply the concepts of agricultural productivity and sustainability in the context of national, regional, and global developments;
PO11 k Engage in agricultural production and post-production activities;
PO12 l Promote sound agricultural technologies to various clients and in the manpower development for agriculture;
PO13 m Employ relevant tools in information technology in solving agriculture-related problems;
Teach students current concepts in soil and environmental resources that would enhance their competence and provide them with knowledge in changing trends in soil
PO14 n
science globally;
PO15 o produce top quality soil science graduates who would excel in their fields of endeavor and impact positively on their communities.
conduct relevant basic and applied research to address problems, generally in Agriculture and specifically in soil and the environment in order to enhance the development
PO16 p
of the nation.
PO11 q provide gender sensitive and environmentally sound extension services in the management of soils and sustainable agricultural production
PO12 r collaborate with other universities (domestic and abroad) in research and development related to soil science.
PO13 s For professional institutions: a service orientation in one’s profession
For colleges: an ability to participate in various types of employment, development activities, and public discourse particularly in response to the needs of the communities
PO14 t
one serves
PO15 u For Universities: an ability to participate in the generation of new knowledge or in research and development projects.
PO16 v Ability to generate new knowledge in the form of research or developmental projects to support local, regional and national development

COURSE OUTCOMES PROGRAM OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the students are expected a b c d e f G h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v
1. Increase consciousness about the place of soils in the environment and the life of
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
man and their importance as vital factors in the life of most organisms.
2. Discuss /explain how soils are formed and what key properties make the soil best
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
suited for growing crops;
3. Develop a thorough understanding of soils, their physical, chemical, and biological
properties, their ecology and the processes going on within them which are vital in the √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
growing of plants;
4. Impress in the minds the need for a new paradigm: linking ecology with economy –
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
for agriculture and development to be sustainable; and
5. Apply the principles and practices in handling soils for agronomic and horticultural
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
crop production not only in the Philippines but also in the global workplace.

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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

COURSE SPECIFICATIONS
Course Number SSC001 Number of Hours 5 hours/week
Course Title Principles of Soil Science Prerequisites None
Credit 3 units Class Schedule
Lecture 2 units Laboratory 1 unit
Course This course covers the nature (soil origin and development), properties (physical, chemical and mineralogical) and management of soils. This also encompasses the basic concepts of plant
Description nutrition, organic matter and soil organisms, soil fertility, soil conservation and management, survey and classification.
Values Integrate and inculcate to the students the values of perseverance, analytical thinking and decision-making, accuracy and precision, hardwork in attaining skill, orderliness and cleanliness in
Integration doing laboratory tasks.

COURSE SCOPE AND LEARNING PLAN

Assessment Evidence of
Intended Learning Methodology/ Teaching Materials/ Evaluation
Unit Content/Topic Activities/ Tasks Attainment Time Frame
Objectives Strategies Resources Measures/ Tools
(Output) (Outcomes)
Synchronous Asynchronous
Students who
successfully complete
this course will be
able to:
Understand classroom Course orientation; Memorize and 1 hour
policies and grading ➢ Course content understand
system, VMGO ➢ Classroom policies VMGO,
➢ Grading system grading system,
Understand the course ➢ VMGO course content
content and classroom
policies
Soil Genesis, Composition Lecture/ class Watch pre- Pen and paper Student reciting 7 hour
1. Recall and define and Development discussion/online recorded a. Lecture with LCD or smart led test; in the class;
the basic terms used and face to face; videos discussion, tv, laptop, lab Oral exam rubric; Passed the quiz
for the description, 1. Importance of soil as a Multi-media submitted by b. laboratory manuals, lab Exam Rubric given;
study, and natural resource and as a presentation; the instructor, exposure and actual equipment Passed the
management of soils. medium for plant growth, soil seatwork IM guides; performance of lab Course Syllabus exam given
2. Identify the management Problem sets; exercises, White/Green
importance of soils as 2. Definition, fundamental Reading and c. group dynamics in board
a natural resource, its concepts, approaches in soil written lab Marker/Chalk
major components and study and its various fields, soil assignments; exercises,
its study approaches. components, soils for urban, Answer d. field tours,
3. Determine and agricultural and recreational questions on e. problem solving
identify the soil- uses study guides. activity
forming minerals and 3. Soil Formation/genesis and
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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

rocks. development
4. Describe the soil 4. Soil-forming minerals and
forming factors and rocks
the effect of each 5. Weathering: definition and
factor on soil types
development. 6. Soil morphology, formation
5. Perform relevant of horizons, soil profile, profile
lab exercises as maybe variability, topsoil vs. Subsoil
assigned. 7. Related terms in soil
formation, terminology used in
describing soils
Soil Physical Properties Lecture/ class Watch pre- 7 hours
1. Identify and discussion/online recorded a. Lecture with LCD or smart led
describe soil physical 1. Soil texture and face to face; videos discussion, tv, laptop, lab
properties. 2. Soil structure Multi-media submitted by b. laboratory manuals, lab
2. Explain how soil 3. Soil color presentation; the instructor, exposure and actual equipment
physical properties 4. Soil permeability seatwork IM guides; performance of lab Course Syllabus
and processes affect 5. Soil density Problem sets; exercises, White/Green
agricultural and non- 6. Soil porosity Reading and c. group dynamics in board
agricultural land use 7. Soil consistence written lab Marker/Chalk
and management. 8. Soil tilth assignments; exercises,
3. Identify the role of 9. Soil temperature Answer d. field tours
water in plant growth, questions on e. problem solving
important terms, types study guides. activity
of SW, soil moisture Soil Water
constants, forces on 1. Types of Soil water
soil water and related 2. Soil moisture tension as
terms, water related to soil water types
movement and related 3. Moisture constants
terms, factors (saturation, field capacity, wilt
affecting the free point, hygroscopic coefficient)
energy of water, how 4. Soil moisture equations and
roots absorb water, calculations
measuring SW. 5. Availability of water to
4. Explain the plants
hydrologic cycle, 6. Factors affecting water
water conservation, holding capacity of soils -
irrigation and drainage (texture, consistence, structure,
and wetland soils organic matter)
7. Soil water movement
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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

Hydrologic Cycle and Water

Conservation, Irrigation and
Drainage, Wetlands
1. Definition of hydrologic
cycle
2. Infiltration and runoff
3. Water tables
4. Groundwater movement
5. Irrigation and drainage
6. Wetland soils

Soil chemical properties Lecture/ class Watch pre- Pen and paper Student reciting 7 hours
discussion/online recorded a. Lecture with LCD or smart led test; in the class;
1. Describe the soil 1. Soil colloids - organic versus and face to face; videos discussion, tv, laptop, lab Oral exam rubric; Passed the quiz
colloids and their inorganic, kind of clay, nature Multi-media submitted by b. laboratory manuals, lab Rubric and assignment
relationship to cation of clays (structure, negative presentation; the instructor, exposure and actual equipment assessment; given;
exchange charges, relationship to cation seatwork IM guides; performance of lab Course Syllabus Passed the
2. Explain how soil exchange Problem sets; exercises, White/Green exam given
chemical properties 2. Cation exchange Reading and c. group dynamics in board
and processes affect 3. Cation exchange capacity written laboratory exercises, Marker/Chalk
agricultural and non- (CEC) assignments; d. field tours
agricultural land use 4. Factors affecting CEC, Answer e. problem solving
and management. measurement of CEC, questions on activity
3. To explain how and applications of the CEC study guides.
why soils turn acid
and to explain ways to Soil Reaction, Acidity and
manage it. Liming
4.To identify other 1. Definition and expression of
problem soils (saline, soil acidity
sodic) and ways to 2. Chemistry and the sources of
manage them. soil acidity, why
3. soils turn acid
4. Types of Soil acidity (active
versus exchangeable)
5. Percent base saturation
concept
6. Soil acidity and Soil
management
7. Chemical reactions of lime in
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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

soil
8. Factors affecting lime
reaction in soil
9. Benefits of liming
10. Liming materials
11. Soil salinity and sodicity:
origin, measurement,
reclamation

1. Explain how soil Soil Organisms and Soil Lecture/ class Watch pre- Pen and paper Passed the oral 7 hours
biological properties, Organic Matter (SOM) discussion/online recorded a. Lecture with LCD or smart led test; recitation
organisms and 1. Soil Organisms (types, and face to face; videos discussion, tv, laptop, lab Oral exam rubric; Passed the
processes affect functions, processes such as Multi-media submitted by b. laboratory manuals, lab Rubric assessment exam;
agricultural and non- nitrification, ammonification, presentation; the instructor, exposure and actual equipment Passed the
agricultural land use N-fixation) seatwork IM guides; performance of lab Course Syllabus quizzes;
and management. 2. Organic matter (definition, Problem sets; exercises, White/Green Submitted &
2. Identify soil composition of plants, Reading and c. group dynamics in board passed the
organisms and decomposition), determination written laboratory exercises, Marker/Chalk assignment
describe their roles. of SOM assignments; d. field tours
3. Explain the roles of 3. C:N ratio vs. OM decay Answer e. problem solving
soil organic matter, 4. Compost questions on activity
C:N ratio and their study guides.
effects on plant
growth;
4. Explain the
importance of
maintaining proper
soil pH and levels of
essential nutrients for
optimum plant
growth.
5. Summarize the
ecological functions
of soil and explain the
role of soil
management in
maintaining and
improving
environmental quality.

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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

Soil Classification and Soil Lecture/ class Watch pre- Pen and paper Passed the 7 hour
1. Describe the Survey discussion/online recorded a. Lecture with LCD or smart led test; exam;
internationally 1. Soil Classification defined and face to face; videos discussion, tv, laptop, lab Oral exam rubric; Passed the
accepted Soil 2. Internationally accepted Soil multi-media submitted by b. laboratory manuals, lab Rubric assessment quizzes;
Classification Systems Classification System: The presentation; the instructor, exposure and actual equipment Submitted &
and identify the USDA, FAO of the UN seatwork IM guides; performance of lab Course Syllabus passes the
different diagnostic 3. Soil Survey (SS), definition, Problem sets; exercises, White/Green assignments;
properties necessary types, related terms, major parts Reading and c. group dynamics in board
to classify soils; of a SS report, uses written laboratory exercises, Marker/Chalk
2. Identify the 4. Interpretation of maps, map assignments; d. field tours
different soil orders essentials Answer e. problem-solving
and describe how soils 5. Main types of features used questions on activity
are classified; to build up a soil mapping study guides.
3. Explain how soil legend
surveys are prepared 6. Field Mapping
and used; 7. Land capability classes
8. Soil use maps
Laboratory Exercises
Soil Formation: Weathering of Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 3 hrs
Rocks and Minerals laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
A Study of Soil Profile Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 6 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Soil Texture Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 6 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Soil Structure, Densities and Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 6 hrs
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Pore Spaces laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports

Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Soil Moisture Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 3 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Soil Colloids Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 3 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Cation Exchange Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 3 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Soil Reaction and Liming Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 6 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Soil Testing Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 6 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

Online sources, IMs

Reading and Interpreting Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 6 hrs
Topographic and Soil Maps laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
Soil Classification Actual Online sources Textbooks; Performed Comply with lab Submitted Lab 6 hrs
laboratory works Reference books; Laboratory requirements reports
Handouts; exercises
LCD projector
(PowerPoint
Presentation)
Online sources, IMs
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Projects: Short-term research
Exams: 3 Major exams
Quizzes, assignments and seatworks
Laboratory Exercise: 10 Laboratory exercises
Field visit and field laboratory work
GRADING/MARKING SYSTEM
Grading system
• Exams (Lec and Lab) – 70 %
• Attendance – 10 %
• Lab requirements including class participation – 20 %

Note: Passing score is 70%.

CLASSROOM POLICIES:
Classroom. 1. Attendance is a must. Incurring three (3) consecutive unexcused absences and
The instructor will uphold the University's 6 nonconsecutive absences shall mean automatic dropping from the roll.
policies on Academic Integrity. He expects that 2. Cheating in any form means an automatic grade of 5.0.
students have read and understand the "Code", 3. Always Prepare; a handout, /manual/textbook, notebook, paper, pen, etc.
particularly the definitions and examples of 4. Listen and follow instructions.
cheating, plagiarizing, and aiding and abetting 5. Be courteous, raise your hand before speaking inside the room.
others to cheat or plagiarize. Students caught 6. Use of mobile phones during classes and exams is strictly prohibited.
cheating on exams or plagiarizing will receive a 7. Respect the opinions, rights, and properties of others.
zero for that portion of the course. University 8. Activities that are not related to classroom activities must be avoided.

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 SYLLABUS IN SSC001 PRINCIPLES OF SOIL SCIENCE SSC001

procedures for reporting cheating will be 9. Maintain cleanliness inside and outside the room.
followed. 10. Observe proper school attire.
11. The reporter must be physically presentable and knowledgeable enough to
Laboratory. answer questions
Performance of laboratory exercises will be 12. Remain in your seat until dismissed by the teacher.
guided strictly following laboratory rules and
procedures. Students are required to sign out
materials and equipment necessary and are
accountable for each. Safety is a priority.
Required Textbooks: Soil Science and Management by Edward J. Plaster
References:
1. The Nature and Properties of Soils by NC Brady & RR Will
2. Intro to the Principles and Practices of Soil Science by RE White
3. Soils and Their Environment by Hassett and Banwart
4. Soils and Soil Management by Sopher and Baird
5. Textbook of Soil Science by Biswas and Mukherjee
6. Introductory Soil Science: Lab Manual by Palmer and Thoeh
7. Primer on Soil Science by W. C. Cosico
8. Lab. Manual in Soil Science by UP Los Banos
9. Internet materials / Online sources or any recent references related to the topics

Prepared by: Checked and Verified by: Approved by:

EDGEL O. ESCOMEN / JULIET C. BANGI, Ph.D PROF. MOBARAK D. HADJI AMIN, RA SULTAN PANGANDAG M. MAGOLAMA, Ph.D.
Faculty Member Department Chairperson College Dean

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