An Innovative Approach towards Teaching Soil Science.

Emphasizing the importance of soil science is not often justified in introductory geology courses. It merits a cursory mention in textbooks which cover just a small portion in chapters that include weathering or sedimentary rocks. At best, the chapter(s) mentions the soil profile and the factors responsible for their formation. This paper discusses another approach to emphasize the importance of soils as a natural resource that impacts the quality of life. The discussion is based on several parameters: 1) Why is the productivity of the soils in the United States generally better than other countries (keeping all the technological advances, quality of fertilizers, pesticides, etc. aside) based on a) The duration of agricultural activities in the United States compared with other countries, b) The effect of winters (in other parts of the world the climate may permit year round agricultural practices), c) The effect of glaciers and their impact on agriculture? 2) Why are crops rotated? 3) Why are the stalks kept in place after the crops have been harvested? In some classes, the questions are used as a forum for class discussion, and in others the students have to complete a homework assignment worth ten points, which is subsequently discussed in class. In classes where students have to complete the homework assignment with responses to these questions, the average score was 8.55. This assignment involves students to think analytically and critically. This method of teaching and the exercise provides the students with a different perspective and helps them gain a better understanding regarding the importance of soil science.