Instrumentation for Soil Science Curriculum

该项目将通过使用分析设备来改进明尼苏达大学瓦萨卡分校（UMW）的土壤科学课程。新设备将极大地加强土壤测试和植物分析、土壤肥力和基础土壤科学等领域的教学。毕业后，几乎所有UMW农业和园艺专业的学生都必须开发经济上可行且对环境无害的土壤肥力项目。学生需要全面了解用于评估土壤和植物组织肥力状况的测试。他们还需要了解养分离子在土壤中的运动，以及地表水和地下水受到污染的可能性。这些概念的有效教学必须在具有适当仪器的实验室环境中进行。该项目将使用的仪器包括原子吸收分光光度计，用于分析土壤和植物提取物中的钾、钙、镁和微量营养素；测量磷的光纤色度计；硝酸盐电极和pH/ISE计，以确定土壤和水样中的硝酸盐水平；还有一个用于消化和灰化植物组织的微波系统。该设备将用于常规课程的学生和进行本科研究项目的高能力学生。该大学将提供等额的资助。

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.