Instrumentation for Soil Science Curriculum

该项目将改善学校的土壤科学课程， 明尼苏达大学瓦萨卡分校（UMW）通过使用 分析设备。 新设备将大大提高 土壤测试和植物分析领域的指导，土壤 肥力和基础土壤科学。 毕业后，几乎 农业各专业的所有学生， UMW的园艺必须制定土壤肥力计划 经济上可行，环境上无害。 学生 需要彻底了解用于评估 土壤和植物组织的肥力状况。 他们还需要 了解营养离子在土壤中的运动， 地表水和地下水可能受到污染。 这些概念的有效教学必须在一个 实验室设置与适当的仪器。 文书 在项目中使用的方法包括原子吸收 分光光度计分析土壤和植物提取物中的K，Ca， 镁和微量营养素;光纤色度计测量 磷;硝酸盐电极和pH/伊势计，以确定 土壤和水样本中的硝酸盐含量;以及微波系统 用于植物组织的消化和灰化。 这些设备将 普通班学生和高能力学生使用 进行本科生研究项目。 该大学将与同等数额的奖金相匹配， 资金

This project will improve the soil science curriculum at the University of Minnesota, Waseca (UMW) through the use of analytical equipment. The new equipment will greatly enhance instruction in the areas of soil testing and plant analysis, soil fertility, and basic soil science. Upon graduation, virtually all students in the various majors of agriculture and horticulture at UMW will have to develop soil fertility programs that are economically viable and environmentally sound. Students need a thorough understanding of the tests used to evaluate the fertility status of soils and plant tissue. They also need to understand the movement of nutrient ions through the soil and the potential for contamination of surface and groundwater. Effective teaching of these concepts must take place in a laboratory setting with appropriate instrumentation. Instruments to be utilized in the project include an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to analyze soil and plant extracts for K, Ca, Mg and micronutrients; a fiber-optic colorimeter to measure phosphorous; a nitrate electrode and pH/ISE meter to determine nitrate levels in soil and water samples; and a microwave system for digestion and ashing of plant tissue. The equipment will be used by students in regular classes and by high-ability students conducting undergraduate research projects. The University will match the award with an equal amount of funds.