Soil and Water Management

Manure Phosphorus and Surface Water Protection I: Basic Concepts of Soil and Water P

This lesson focuses on the process of eutrophication; the relationship between land application of manure and soil phosphorus (P) dynamics on P delivery to surface waters; and on the P dynamics in water bodies that result in increased P available to aquatic vegetation.

Manure Phosphorus and Surface Water Protection II: Field and Management Factors

This lesson describes how source factors, including soil characteristics and management practices, affect phosphorus (P) delivery to surface waters; and also discusses how crop producers can control these factors through their management practices.

Manure Phosphorus and Surface Water Protection III: Transport Factors

This lesson addresses transport factors that may contribute to phosphorus (P) delivery to surface waters. Erosion, runoff, subsurface flow, drainage, and distance to surface water are the main factors. In some places, wind erosion may also be important. The effects of management practices on P transport are discussed, and water-related P transport processes are described in detail.

Manure Phosphorus and Surface Water Protection IV: Assessment of the Risk of Agricultural P Delivery

Addresses the assessment of potential for P delivery to surface waters resulting from the interaction of the source and transport factors addressed in Lessons II and III. The basic concepts and applications of P indexes as risk assessment tools are explored.

Soils - Part 1: The Origin and Development of Soil (How Soil Gets a Life and a Name)

In this lesson, you will gain an understanding of the five soil forming factors and will be able to describe how each influences soil development. You will learn to identify common parent materials, determine the age of a soil, identify the types of native vegetation associated with different soils in Nebraska and define soil horizons. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]

Soils - Part 2: Physical Properties of Soil and Soil Water

This lesson will help you understand the major components of the physical properties of soil. You will learn such terms as texture, aggregation, soil structure, bulk density, and porosity as it relates to soils. You will learn how soil holds and transmits water and cultural practices that enhance or degrade physical properties of the soil. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]

Soils - Part 3: Soil Organic Matter

In this lesson, you will learn such terms as organic, soil organic matter, nutrient, decomposition, humus, compost, and soil structure. In addition, you will be able to predict the effect of land uses on soil organic matter including the effects of different types of vegetation. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]

Soils - Part 3: Soil Organic Matter

Soils - Part 6: Phosphorus and Potassium in the Soil

This lesson explains the importance of phosphorus fixation and describes methods for applying phosphorus and the advantages (and disadvantages) of each. It also describes the three forms of potassium and how form determines availability of potassium to plants. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]

Soils - Part 7: Soil and Plant Considerations for Calcium, Magnesium, Sulfur, Zinc, and other Micronutrients

The 16 essential elements for plant growth and the relative quantities of each needed by plants to grow normally will be discussed in this lesson. You will learn to identify the source of specific nutrients in the soil and how to identify specific fertilizer compounds needed in Nebraska. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]

Soils - Part 8: Characteristics of Fertilizer Materials

The various characteristics of fertilizer materials being sold on the market today will be discussed. You will learn to identify some of the consequences of using each type of fertilizer material and how that material was developed and manufactured. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]

Soils - Part 9: Fundamentals of Soil Testing

The major emphasis in this lesson is soil testing and understanding the procedures needed to take a representative soil sample. You will understand the term variability, how it affects soil tests, and how a soil test is developed. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]

Soils - Part 10: The Scientific Basis for Making Fertilizer Recommendations

The Scientific Basis for Making Fertilizer Recommendations: In this lesson, you will gain an understanding of the history of fertilizer use and the ideas behind fertilizer recommendations. Three major crop nutrition concepts will be discussed in terms of their benefits and disadvantages. [This lesson, as well as the other nine lessons in the Soils series, is taken from the "Soils Home Study Course," published in 1999 by the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension.]