Course Abbreviations

Agronomy (Agron)

Thomas E. Loynachan, Interim Chair of Department
Distinguished Professors: Fehr, Hallauer
Professors: I. Anderson, P. Anderson, Arritt, Barnhart, Blackmer, Campbell, Cianzio, Cruse, Evangelou, Fenton, Gutowski, Hartzler, Horton, Killorn, Lee, Loynachan, Miller, Moore, Mullen, Owen, Peterson, Sandor, Schnable, Tabatabai, Takle, Taylor, Whigham, Yarger
Professors (Collaborators): Hatfield, Jaynes, Karlen, Kaspar, Lamkey, Palmer, Shoemaker
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): Black, Bremner, Frey, Pesek, Russell, Shaw Professors (Emeritus): Anderson, Atkins, Benson, Burris, I. Carlson, R. Carlson, George, Green, Hodges, Imsande, Keeney, Larson, Pearce, Schafer, Schaller, A. Scott, Shibles, Shrader, Skrdla, Stritzel, H. Thompson, L. Thompson, Troeh, Voss, Wedin, Woolley
Associate Professors: Brummer, Dekker, Knapp, Liebman, Mallarino, Manu, Peterson, Salvador, Sawyer, M. Thompson, Westgate, Wiedenhoeft Associate Professors (Adjunct): Wang
Associate Professors (Collaborators): Cambardella, Grant, Kelling, Laird, Logsdon, Moorman, Olson, Pollak
Assistant Professors: Al-Kaisi, Becraft, Bhattacharyya, Burras, Delate, Farnham, Gibson, Goggi, Gu, Halverson, Henning, Jannink, Muenchrath, Polito
Assistant Professors (Adjunct): Borges, Heuchelin, Todey
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Gardner, Guan, Prueger, Sauer, M. Scott, Widrlechner
Instructors: Ziegler

You can get additional departmental information at our website: http://www.agron.iastate.edu

Undergraduate Study

For undergraduate curriculum in agronomy, see College of Agriculture, Curricula.

The Department of Agronomy provides a curriculum for students interested in crop science, soil science, agricultural meteorology and environmental science.

Students selecting agronomy as a major will elect an option in general agronomy, environmental science, or science.

Graduates have the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for efficient and sustainable production of food, feed, and fiber. They have a broad understanding of the role and diversity of plants, soils, and climates of the world. Graduates are skilled in communications, critical thinking, problem solving, and working effectively with others. Students develop these skills in our required courses. They understand the ethical, cultural, and environmental dimensions of issues facing professionals in agriculture and natural resources.

An agronomy major prepares students for employment in agricultural business and industry, agricultural service organizations, crop production and soil management, environmental and natural resource management, farm management, and governmental agencies. Graduates pursue careers in the seed, fertilizer, and agricultural chemical industries as field agronomists, crop and soil management specialists, research technicians, sales and marketing specialists, and production managers. State and federal agencies employ agronomists as extension specialists, county extension directors, environmental and natural resource specialists, research associates, soil surveyors, soil conservationists, and in regulatory agencies as plant, food, and grain inspectors. Additional areas of work open to agronomists include integrated pest management, land appraisal, agricultural finance, turfgrass management, and the home lawn care industry.

The department offers a minor in agronomy. Students are required to complete an approved minor program that includes Agron 114, 154, 212, 354, and 6 additional credits, of which a minimum of 3 credits must be at the 300+ level. A minimum of 15 credits in agronomy must be earned at Iowa State for both the minor and the major. Students work with an agronomy advisor to select courses in crops, soils, and meteorology that are appropriate to their career goals. A list of approved courses is available from an agronomy advisor.

Students can also design a strong basic science education in crop science, soil science, agricultural meteorology, or biotechnology to prepare themselves for science-based jobs, graduate study, or for research careers.

Graduate Study

The department offers the degrees master of science and doctor of philosophy, with majors in agricultural meteorology; crop production and physiology with optional specializations in seed science and weed science; plant breeding; and soil science with specialization in soil chemistry, soil fertility, soil management, soil microbiology and biochemistry, soil morphology and genesis, or soil physics. Minor work is offered for students with majors in other departments. A M.S. nonthesis option is available for students desiring a general degree program with additional coursework and a written creative component substituting for thesis research. The nonthesis option is not intended to prepare students for entering a Ph.D. program.

Graduates have a broad knowledge base germane to their area of study. They are trained to integrate and apply knowledge to different situations. Students develop skills in scientific reasoning, organization, and logical presentation of ideas.

A master of science degree in agronomy designed for the continuing education of professional agronomists is offered by the department. The program is taught at a distance using computer-based instructional media. It is a nonthesis degree requiring completion of a written creative component.

The department cooperates in the interdepartmental program in professional agriculture; interdepartmental majors in ecology and evolutionary biology, genetics, MCDB (molecular, cellular, and developmental biology), plant physiology, sustainable agriculture, and water resources.

Prerequisite to major work in this department is completion of an undergraduate degree program with emphasis on agronomic, biological, and physical sciences. The foreign language requirement, if any, for the Ph.D. degree is established on an individual basis by the program of study committee appointed to guide the work of the student.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: 306, 334, 342, 351, 351L, 354, 356, 402, 402I, 404, 406, 421, 434, 473, 473I, 485, 493.

Courses Primarily for Undergraduate Students

Agron 105. Leadership Experience
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Staff. A participatory experience in activities or completion of a course that enhances the development of leadership and group-dynamic skills. See adviser for departmental requirements.

Agron 110. Professional Development in Agronomy: Orientation
(1-0) Cr. R. F. Pogranichniy. Orientation to college life, the profession of agronomy, and the agronomy curriculum.

Agron 114. Principles of Agronomy
(2-3 to 4 individualized study). Cr. 3. F.S. Mullen. A foundation course in crop production and soil management principles for the basic agronomic crops. Includes introductory concepts of plant, soil, tillage, pest, environmental, and sustainable aspects of crop production.

Agron 120. Introduction to Renewable Resources (Same as A Ecl 120, AST 120, Env S 120, For 120.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Overview of soil, water, plants, and animals as renewable natural resources in an ecosystem context. History and organization of resource management. Concepts of integrated resource management.

Agron 154. Fundamentals of Soil Science
(2-2 to 4 individualized study) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Chem 163. Manu. Introduction to physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, their formation, classification, and distribution. Use of soil survey and computer databank information in balancing agronomic, economic, and environmental concerns in soil management. Credit for only one of 154, 155, or 156 may be applied toward graduation, not both.

Agron 155. Soils for Horticultural Scientists
(2-2 to 4 individualized study) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Chem 163. Restricted to students in Horticulture. Manu. Physical, chemical and biological properties of natural and manufactured soils. Use of soil information when producing plants on natural and manufactured soils. Credit for only one of 154, 155, or 156 may be applied toward graduation.

Agron 156. Soils for Urban Use
(2-2 to 4 individualized study) Cr. 3. F.S. Restricted to students outside the College of Agriculture. Manu. Fundamental properties of soils and their application to urban settings. Development of a site plan for area of land using data from soil survey and computerized data bank information. Field trip. Credit for only one of 154, 155 or 156 may be applied toward graduation, not both.

Agron 206. Introduction to Meteorology (Same as Mteor 206.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. R. Taylor or Yarger. Basic concepts in meteorology, including atmospheric measurements, radiation, stability, precipitation, winds, fronts, forecasting, and severe weather. Applied topics include global warming, ozone depletion, El Nino, world climates, weather safety, and atmospheric optics. Self study section available to resident and distant education students all semesters.

Agron 210. Professional Development in Agronomy: Career Planning
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Sophomore classification. Pogranichniy, Sandor. Career planning, résumé and cover letter preparation, and interviewing techniques. Career orientation through invited speakers.

Agron 212. Grain and Forage Crop Management
(3-2) Cr. 4. F.S. Prereq: 114. Gibson. Production and management practices for corn, soybean, small grain, and forage crops common to Midwest agriculture. Emphasis on crop management, growth and development, quality, plant characteristics, and pest management.

Agron 230. Crop Structure-Function Relationships
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 202. Salvador. Basic principles concerning the growth, development, and production of crop communities in relation to their environment.

Agron 260. Soils and Environmental Quality
(2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 154. Burras. Role of soils in environmental quality and natural resources management. Emphasis on soil erosion and conservation, land reclamation, water quality, pollution management, and environmental planning.

Agron 283. Pesticide Application Certification (Same as Ent 283.)
See Entomology.

Agron 298. Cooperative Education
Cr. R each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator, sophomore classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

Agron 306. Use of Weather Data in Agriculture (Same as Mteor 306.)
(1-1) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 206. R. Carlson. Instrumentation, collection, and analyses of weather data relative to crop production in the Midwest. Weather parameters are described by using computer application examples and laboratory exercises. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 310. Professional Development in Agronomy: Internship
Cr. R. F.S.SS. Staff. Professional work experience in agronomy. See adviser for departmental requirements.

Agron 317. Principles of Weed Science (Same as P M 317, Pl HP 317.)
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 201. Gibson, Liebman. Principles and practices of modern weed management systems. Identification, biology, and ecology of weeds; competition of weeds with desirable plants; herbicide use; environmental considerations; and different types of weed control practices.

Agron 320. Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology (Same as Gen 320.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 201 and 202. Transmission genetics with an emphasis on applications in agriculture, the structure and expression of the gene, how genes behave in populations and how recombinant DNA technology can be used to improve agriculture. Credit for graduation will not be allowed for more than one of the following: Gen 260, 301, 320 and Biol 301 and 301L.

Agron 330. Crop and Seed Identification Laboratory
(0-4) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 114. Staff. Identification, agronomic and binomial classification of crops, weeds, and diseases. Analysis of crop seed samples for contaminants of weed and other crop seeds.

Agron 331. Intercollegiate Crop Identification, Seed Analysis and Grain Grading
(0-6) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 330, permission of instructor. Staff. Intensive training in crop, weed, and disease identification, seed analysis, and grain grading for intercollegiate competition in regional and national crops contests.

Agron 332. Crop Quality, Traits, and Utilization
(1-2) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 212, Chem 163. Characteristics, uses, and processing of agronomic crops. Factors affecting quality and utilization. Commercial grading and evaluation. One 1-day and one one-half day field trips are required.

Agron 334. Forage Crop Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 114. Wiedenhoeft. Management of forage crop legume and grass species as related to climate, soils, and utilization for harvested hay/silage, pasture, and soil conservation. Production and management concepts applied to yield, quality, stand persistence, and use of forage species. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 338. Seed Science and Technology (Same as Hort 338.)
(2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 114 or Hort 221, Biol 201. Knapp. Seed production, maturation, dormancy, vigor, deterioration, and related aspects of enhancement, conditioning, storage, and quality evaluation. Aspects of the seed industry and regulation of seed marketing.

Agron 342. World Food Issues: Past and Present (Same as FS HN 342, T SC 342, U St 342.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Salvador. World food problems in context of historical development of agriculture in major cradles of civilization. Emphasis on population trends and socioeconomic policies to understand disparities between potential agricultural production and present energy and nutritional deficiencies in key areas of the developing world. Team projects. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 351. Turfgrass Establishment and Management (Same as Hort 351.)
See Horticulture. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 351L. Turfgrass Establishment and Management Laboratory (Same as Hort 351L.)
See Horticulture. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 354. Soils and Plant Growth (Same as Pl HP 354.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 154 and Biol 109 or 202. Killorn or Loynachan. Effects of chemical, physical, and biological properties of soils on plant growth, with emphasis on nutritive elements, pH, organic matter maintenance, and rooting development. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 354L. Soils and Plant Growth Laboratory (Same as Pl HP 354L.)
(0-3) Cr. 1. F. S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 354. Henning. Laboratory exercises in soil testing that assess a soil’s ability to support nutritive requirements for plant growth.

Agron 356. Soil, Fertilizer, and Water Management
(3-2) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: 354; 114 recommended. Polito, Staff. Integration of crop, tillage, drainage, irrigation, erosion, fertility, and fertilizer information in management decisions. Economic and environmental implications of these decisions on long-term sustainability. Suitability and accuracy of soil evaluation methods. Handling characteristics and soil reactions of organic and mineral fertilizers. An in-depth farm plan will be developed for a client. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 360. Environmental Soil Science (Same as EnSci 360)
(2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Agron 260 or Geol 100 or 201. Burras and Killorn. Application of soil science to contemporary environmental problems; comparison of the impacts that different management strategies have on short- and long-term environmental quality and land development. Emphasis on participatory learning activities.

Agron 370. Field Experience in Soil Description and Interpretation
(0-3) Cr. 1. Can be taken four times. F.S. Prereq: 154 and permission of instructor. Sandor. Description and interpretation of soils in the field and laboratory, emphasizing hands-on experience. Evaluation of soil information for land use. Students may participate in intercollegiate judging contests.

Agron 392. Systems Analysis in Crop and Soil Management
(2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 230, 354. Wiedenhoeft. Management strategies at the level of the farm field. Emphasis will be on participatory learning activities.

Agron 398. Cooperative Education
Cr. R each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; junior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

Agron 402. Watershed Hydrology and Surficial Processes (Same as EnSci 402, For 402, Geol 402.)
(3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in EnSci 330 or Geol 100 or 201, Phys 111, 3 credits in biology and 6 credits in chemistry. Burras, Simpkins. Examination of watersheds as systems wherein biological and physical factors control hydrology, soil formation, and nutrient transport. Laboratory emphasizes field investigation of watershed-scale processes. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 402I. Watershed Hydrology and Surficial Processes (Same as Ia LL 402I.)
See Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 404. Global Change (Same as EnSci 404, Env S 404, Mteor 404.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering. Takle. Biogeochemical cycles, ozone chemistry, global energy balance, structure and circulation of the atmosphere and oceans, climate modeling, climate variability, implications for agriculture, water resources, energy use, sustainable development and public policy. Human dimensions and ethical issues of global environmental change. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 406. Climate of the Continents (Same as Mteor 406.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: Agron/Mteor 206. Arritt. The major climate controls and how they affect the world climate. Climate classification. Combining controls and classification to explain the pattern of climates of the different continents and the world. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 407. Mesoscale Meteorology (Dual-listed with 507; same as Mteor 407.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Math 166 and Mteor 454. Arritt, Gallus. The physical nature and practical consequences of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena. Mesoscale convective systems, fronts, terrain-forced circulations. Observation, analysis, and prediction of mesoscale atmospheric structure.

Agron 410. Professional Development in Agronomy: Senior Forum
(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Senior classification. Staff. Development of an appropriate content for professionalism. Topics include professional certification, ethics, and maintaining an active network of information sources and professional contacts in support of lifelong learning. Student interpretation, writings, presentations, and discussions.

Agron 421. Introduction to Plant Breeding
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 320 or Biol 301. Campbell. Breeding methods used in the genetic improvement of self-pollinated, cross-pollinated and asexually reproducing agronomic crops. Applications of molecular techniques and biotechnological advancements as breeding tools in the development of improved cultivars and transgenic plants. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 434. Forage Utilization
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F. Prereq: 334. Barnhart. Systems of forage utilization including grazing, hay, and silage. Nutritional chemistry of forage plants and the genetic, environmental, and post-harvest factors that influence their use. Students enrolling for graduate credit will be expected to complete an additional class project. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 446. World Agronomic Systems
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 114, 154, 206. Muenchrath. Interdisciplinary study and comparison of agricultural systems around the world, including analysis of biophysical, social, economic, and political determinants of the systems. Emphasis on the interrelationships among system determinants. Analysis of system constraints and solution strategies. Evaluation of the productivity and sustainability of the systems. Team project and report.

Agron 450. Issues in Sustainable Agriculture (Same as Env S 450.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Salvador. Agricultural science as a human activity; contemporary agricultural issues from agroecological perspective. Comparative analysis of intended and actual consequences of development of industrial agricultural practices.

Agron 457. Agronomic Applications of Site-Specific Management
(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 212, 354; Stat 101 or 104 or 105. Staff. Introduction and exploration of agronomic applications of site-specific management for improved resource management and environmental quality. Emphasis on developing a better understanding of the evolving technologies that are applicable to production agriculture and how these technologies can contribute to an improved environment.

Agron 459. Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry (Dual-listed with 559; same as EnSci 459.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Agron 354 or EnSci 401, Chem 210 or 211. Evangelou. An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations occurring in the soils and their impact on the environment. Topics include composition of soils, acid-base equilibria, buffer systems, mineral dissolution and precipitation, speciation, ion exchange, redox reactions, adsorption phenomena, soil pollution and chemical-equilibria computer programs.

Agron 460. Agroforestry Systems (Dual-listed with 560; same as For 460.)
See Forestry.

Agron 473. Soil Genesis and Landscape Relationships (Same as EnSci 473.)
(2-3) Cr. 4. S. Prereq: 154 or 402 or EnSci 402. Sandor. Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Two weekend field trips. Nonmajor graduate credit. Credit for only 473 or 473I may be applied for graduation, not both.

Agron 473I. Soil Genesis and Landscape Relationships (Same as Ia LL 473I.)
Cr. 4. Alt. SS. offered 2002 at Lakeside Laboratory. Prereq: Agron 154 or 402. Burras. Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Credit for only 473 or 473I may be applied for graduation, not both. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 485. Soil Microbial Ecology (Same as EnSci 485, Micro 485.)
(2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 154, Micro 201 (Micro 203 recommended). Loynachan. The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil-plant-microbial relationships and environmental issues. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 490. Independent Study
Cr. 1 to 3 each time taken; 4 cr. maximum allowed toward the total of 128 credits required for graduation. F.S.SS. Prereq: Junior or senior classification with at least 8 credits in agronomy; permission of instructor in specialty area after consultation. Selected studies in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to the needs and interests of the student.

H. Honors

Agron 491. Seed Science Experience
Cr. 2 to 4. F.S.SS. Prereq: 338, advance approval and participation of employer and instructor. Staff. A professional work experience and creative project for seed science majors. The project requires the prior approval and participation of the employer and instructor and a written report.

Agron 492. Agronomic Issues: Science, Policy, and Resource Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.S. Prereq: Senior classification. Knapp. Objective investigation of current agricultural issues from multiple perspectives. Students will develop positions on or solutions to current agricultural issues by investigating the scientific, technical, economic, environmental, and social ramifications of agriculture and agricultural policy.

Agron 493. Workshop in Agronomy
Cr. arr each time taken, maximum of 4. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Staff. Workshop experience in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 495. Agricultural Travel Course Preparation
(0-1) Cr. R. May be repeated. F.S. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Limited enrollment. Students enrolled in this course also register for An S 495 and intend to register for Agron 496 and An S 496 the following term. Topics will include the agricultural industries, climate, crops, culture, economics, geography, history, livestock, marketing, soils, and preparation for travel to locations to be visited. Information normally available 9 months before departure.

Agron 496. Agricultural Travel Course
Cr. arr. (approx. one-half credit per week traveled each An S 496 and Agron 496). May be repeated. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Limited enrollment. Students enroll in both An S 496 and Agron 496. Tour and study of production methods in major crop and livestock regions of the world. Influence of climate, economics, geography, soils, landscapes, markets, and other factors on crop and livestock production. Location and duration of tours will vary. Summer tour will usually visit a northern location and winter tour will usually visit a southern location. Information usually available 9 months before departure. Tour expenses paid by students.

A. International Tour

B. Domestic Tour

Agron 498. Cooperative Education
Cr. R each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; senior classification. Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.

Courses Primarily for Graduate Students, open to qualified undergraduate students

Agron 500. Orientation Seminar
(2-0). Cr. 1. F. Prereq: International agronomy graduate students only. Pesek and staff. An introduction to Iowa and U.S. agriculture for international scholars in agronomic majors. Field trips when possible. Departmental role in the functioning of research, teaching, and extension in fulfilling the charge given the land-grant university. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Agron 501. Crop Growth and Development
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 114, Math 140, Chem 163, Biol 109. Muenchrath. Physiological processes in crop growth, development and yield: photosynthesis, respiration, water relations, mineral nutrition, assimilate partioning, seedling vigor, light interception and canopy growth, root growth, reproduction and yield. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 502. Chemistry, Physics, and Biology of Soils
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 114, 154, Biol 109, Chem 163, and Math 140. Borges. Soil chemical, physical, and biological properties that control processes within the soil, their influence on plant/soil interactions, and soil classification. Basic concepts in soil science and their applications. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 503. Climate and Crop Growth
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 114 and Math 140. Todey, Taylor. Applied concepts in climate and agricultural meteorology with emphasis on the climate-agriculture relationship and the microclimate-agriculture interaction. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 504. Global Change (Dual-listed with 404; same as Mteor 504.)
See Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology.

Agron 505. Biometeorology (Same as Mteor 505.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Agron/Mteor 206. Arritt. The heat exchange near the ground. Radiation, turbulence, conductance and evaporation as components of the heat balance. Temperature, wind and humidity conditions in the microclimate. Modification of the microclimate. Computer modeling of biophysical processes. Semester project required.

Agron 507. Mesoscale Meteorology (Dual-listed with 407; same as Mteor 507.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Math 166 and Mteor 454. Arritt, Gallus. The physical nature and practical consequences of mesoscale atmospheric phenomena. Mesoscale convective systems, fronts, terrain-forced circulations. Observation, analysis, and prediction of mesoscale atmospheric structure.

Agron 508. Biophysical Crop Ecology
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 505. Taylor. Principles of resource capture (light and water) applied to growth and development. Ecological implications of radiation, temperature, moisture, and the biological properties of size, shape, resistance to water vapor loss, and absorptivity to solar and thermal radiation. Physiological stress in the soil, plant, atmosphere continuum.

Agron 509. Agroecosystem Analysis (Same as SusAg 509, Soc 509, Anthr 509.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: 6 credits in social sciences, 6 credits in natural, biological or engineering sciences and senior or above classification. Field study of commercial farming systems within the context of global energy flows and biogeochemical cycles, including ecological, agronomic, and social perspectives.

Agron 511. Crop Improvement
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 114, Math 140, Chem 163, Biol 109. Campbell. Basic principles in the genetic improvement of crop plants. Methods of cultivar development in self-pollinated and cross-pollinated crop species. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 512. Soil-Plant Environment
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 502. Borges. Soil properties and their impact on soil/plant relationships. Soil structure, aeration, moisture, and nutrients will be discussed in the context of soil fertility and environmental quality management. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 513. Quantitative Methods for Agronomy
(2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: Math 140, Stat 104. Todey. Quantitative methods for analyzing and interpreting agronomic information. Principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression, correlation, and graphical representation of data. Use of spreadsheets for manipulating, analyzing, and presenting data. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 514. Integrated Pest Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. SS. Prereq: 114, 501, Math 140, Chem 163, Biol 109. Recommended: 502, 503. Heuchelin. Principles and practices of weed science, entomology, and plant pathology applied to crop production systems. Biology, ecology, and introductory principles of crop pest management. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 515. Integrated Crop and Livestock Production Systems (Same as A E 515, SusAg 515, An S 515.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 509. Managing productivity and minimizing ecological impacts of agricultural systems by understanding nutrient cycles, crop residue and manure management, grazing systems, and multi-species interactions. Consideration of crop and livestock production within landscapes and watersheds.

Agron 516. Crop Physiology and Management
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Bot 320. Westgate. Physiological and biochemical processes and their relationships to crop growth, development, and yield.

Agron 517. Weed Biology and Ecology
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 317, Bot 484. Dekker. Weed evolution and biodiversity for exploitation of disturbed and managed habitats. Selection and adaptation of weeds in agronecosystems: soil weed seed banks, population shifts, and crop-weed interactions. The genetic basis of colonizing plant species.

Agron 519. Herbicide Physiology and Biochemistry
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 317; Bot 320. Owen. Herbicide mechanisms of action, selectivity, uptake, and translocation. Specific sites of herbicide action as they affect plant physiology. Herbicide resistance in weeds and crops. Implications of herbicides on weed management.

Agron 521. Principles of Cultivar Development
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 421; Stat 401. Fehr. Analysis of alternative breeding methods for improvement of crop plants. Strategies for maximizing genetic gain through recurrent selection and other breeding methods. Relationship of breeding methods to commercial seed production.

Agron 522. Field Methods in Plant Breeding
(0-6) Cr. 2. SS. Prereq: 521. Staff. Field experience in planning and conducting plant breeding research for cross-pollinated and self-pollinated crops. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Agron 523. Plant Genetic Resource Management
(2-2) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 320, permission of instructor. Staff. Principles and practices of in situ and ex situ plant genetic resource management. Contemporary approaches for plant genetic resource acquisition, maintenance, distribution, characterization, evaluation, enhancement, and utilization are explored in lectures, discussions, and laboratory exercises.

Agron 526. Field Plot Technique
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Stat 401. Moore. Planning experiments for agricultural research, analysis of data, and concepts in data interpretation.

Agron 527. Plant Genetics
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Gen 410. Brummer. Fundamental genetic and cytogenetic concepts from a plant perspective including recombination, linkage analysis, genetic mapping, chromosomal aberrations, polyploidy, incompatibility systems, and marker-assisted selection.

Agron 530. Ecologically Based Pest Management Strategies (Same as SusAg 530, Ent 530, Pl P 530.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: SusAg 509. Durable, least-toxic strategies for managing weeds, pathogens, and insect pests, with emphasis on underlying ecological processes.

Agron 531. Crop Ecology and Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 501, 502, 503. Muenchrath. Environmental factors affecting crop growth and yield. Climatic and edaphic adaptation of crop species. Management systems for crops with an emphasis on row and forage crops. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 532. Soil Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 502, 512. Borges. Evaluates the impact of various soil management practices on soil and water resources. Combines and applies basic information gained in Agron 502 and Agron 512. Emphasizes the agronomic, economic, and environmental effects of soil management strategies. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 533. Crop Protection
(2-0) Cr. 2. F. Prereq: 514. Heuchelin. Integrated management systems for important crop pests. Cultural, biological and chemical management strategies applicable to major crops grown in the Midwest. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 534. Forage Quality
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 334 or 434 or An S 319. Barnhart. Nutritional chemistry of forage plants and the genetic, environmental, and post-harvest factors that influence it. Systems of forage utilization including grazing, hay, and silage.

Agron 538. Seed Physiology
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt F., offered 2002. Prereq: 338; BBMB 301 or Chem 331. Physiological aspects of seed development, maturation, longevity, dormancy, and germination. Emphasis on current literature and advanced methodology.

Agron 541. Applied Agricultural Meteorology
(2-0) Cr. 2. F.S.SS. Available on and off campus. Prereq: 206 or upper division Biological Science. Taylor. Applied concepts in agricultural meteorology. Basic concepts of weather and of crop/climate relationships influencing production, protection, yield and associated production risk factors. Credit for only one of 503 or 541 may be applied toward graduation, not both. Self study sections are available to resident and to distant education students all semesters.

Agron 542. Advanced Crop Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus, offered as demand warrants. Prereq: 230. Staff. Basic concepts in plant-soil-climate relationships with emphasis on recent advances in crop culture and management. Designed for the master of agriculture program.

Agron 544. Soil Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. Off campus, offered as demand warrants. Prereq: 354. Blackmer, Cruse. Basic concepts of soil management with emphasis on how various tillage and fertilization practices influence plant growth. Designed for the master of agriculture program.

Agron 546. Organizational Strategies for Diversified Farming Systems (Same as Soc 546, Hort 546, SusAg 546.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 509. The day-to-day operation and social relations of the complex, diversified farm. Alternative organizational strategies for the diversified and sustainable farm. Farm family dynamics and goal setting. Cooperation between farmers. The social relations of alternative marketing, including green labeling, community supported agriculture, farmers’ markets, and relationship marketing.

Agron 550. Advanced Issues in Sustainable Agriculture
(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Salvador. Prereq: Two of 114, 154, 212, 516, and permission of instructor. Agricultural science as a human activity; contemporary agricultural issues for agroecological perspective. Comparative analysis of intended and actual consequences of development of industrial agricultural practices. Individual study and group analysis of environmental literature and scientific reports.

Agron 551. Growth and Development of Perennial Grasses (Same as Hort 551.)
See Horticulture.

Agron 553. Soil-Plant Relationships
(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 354. Blackmer. Composition and properties of soils in relation to the nutrition and growth of plants.

Agron 554. Advanced Soil Management
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 354; Math 165. Cruse. Implications of soil management on the soil environment and root activity. Effect of soil physical properties on soil erosion.

Agron 555. Soil Clay Mineralogy (Same as Geol 555.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 473, Chem 164; Geol 311 recommended. Thompson. Structure and behavior of clay minerals in soil environments, with emphasis on layer silicates and on Fe, Mn, and Al oxides.

Agron 555L. Soil Clay Mineralogy Laboratory (Same as Geol 555L.)
(0-3) Cr. 1. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in 555. Thompson. Application of X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and chemical analyses to identification and behavior of clay minerals in soils.

Agron 558. Laboratory Methods in Soil Chemistry
(2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 354 and Chem 210 or 211. Tabatabai. Experimental and descriptive inorganic and organic analyses. Operational theory and principles of applicable instruments, including spectrophotometry, atomic and molecular absorption and emission spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, gas and ion chromatography, and ion-selective electrodes.

Agron 559. Environmental Soil and Water Chemistry (Dual-listed with 459.)
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2001. Prereq: 354, Chem 210. Evangelou. An introduction to the chemical properties of soils, chemical reactions and transformations occurring in the soils and their impact on the environment. Topics include composition of soils, acid-base equilibria, buffer systems, mineral dissolution and precipitation, speciation, ion exchange, redox reactions, adsorption phenomena, soil pollution and chemical-equilibria computer programs.

Agron 560. Agroforestry Systems (Dual-listed with 460; same as For 560.)
See Forestry.

Agron 561. Population and Quantitative Genetics for Breeding (Same as An S 561.)
(4-0) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Stat 401. Population and quantitative genetics for plant and animal breeding. Topics include: forces that change gene frequency, covariance between relatives, response to artificial selection, inbreeding depression, heterosis, cross-breeding, genotype-by-environment interaction, linkage analysis, mapping of quantitative trait loci, and marker assisted selection.

Agron 575. Soil Morphology, Genesis, and Classification
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 459, 473; Geol 100. M. Thompson. Synthesis of how landscapes, water, organisms, and chemical reactions determine the morphology, mineralogy and spatial distribution of soils.

Agron 577. Soil Physics
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 354; Math 166 recommended. Horton. The physical soil system: the soil components and their physical interactions; transport processes involving water, air, and heat.

Agron 578. Laboratory Methods in Soil Physics
(0-3) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: 577 concurrent. Horton. Methods of measuring soil physical properties such as texture, density, and water content, and transport of heat, water, and gases.

Agron 585. Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry (Same as Micro 585.)
(2-0 or 2-3) Cr. 2 or 3. S. Prereq: 485, one course in biochemistry. Loynachan. Ecological and environmental considerations of soil microorganisms, organic matter, enzymes, carbon, and other nutrient cycles. Laboratory emphasizes creative component.

Agron 590. Special Topics
Cr. arr. Prereq: 15 credits in agronomy. Literature reviews and conferences on selected topics in crops, soils, or agricultural meteorology according to needs and interest of student.

Agron 591. Agronomic Systems Analysis
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 511, 513, 531, 532, 533. Wiedenhoeft. Analysis of cropping systems from a problem-solving perspective. Case studies will be used to develop the students’ ability to solve agronomic problems. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 592. Current Issues in Agronomy
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 501, 503, 511, 512, 514. Knapp. Study and discussion of topics of current interest to the field of agronomy. While Agron 591 deals with agronomics at the farm and landscape level, Agron 592 seeks to address issues on a broader scale including off-farm agricultural impacts. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 593. Workshop in Agronomy
Cr. arr each time taken. Prereq: Graduate classification.

A. Crops

B. Soils

C. Agricultural Meteorology

D. Microcomputers in Agronomy

E. Seed Science

F. Weed Science

G. Agronomy Field Laboratory

Agron 594. Workshop in Agronomy
(0-1) Cr. 1. SS. Prereq: 4 credits completed in the M.S. in Agronomy Distance Education Program. Todey. Hands-on field and laboratory experience including integrated pest management, climatology, soils, crops, and statistics. Required course for the Master of Science in Agronomy degree program. Restricted to graduate students enrolled in degree programs at Iowa State University.

Agron 599. Creative Component
Cr. arr. Prereq: Nonthesis M.S. option only. A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student’s area of specialization and approved by the student’s advisory committee.

A. Agricultural Meteorology

B. Crop Production and Physiology

C. Plant Breeding

D. Soil Chemistry

E. Soil Fertility

F. Soil Management

G. Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry

H. Soil Morphology and Genesis

I. Soil Physics

K. Seed Science

L. Weed Science

M. Agronomy

Courses for Graduate Students

Agron 600. Seminar
(1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. Reports and discussion of recent literature and research.

A. Plant Breeding. M. Lee (F); K. Lamkey (S).

B. Soils. F.S. Staff.

C. Crop Production and Physiology. F.S. Staff. 600C offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Agron 609. Agricultural Meteorology Conference
(1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Staff. Literature reviews and conferences with instructor on special problems relating to agricultural meteorology, beyond the scope of current courses offered.

Agron 616. Advanced Topics in Crop Physiology and Biochemistry
(4-0) Cr. 4. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 516; Bot 511, 513; BBMB 404; permission of instructor. Westgate. An in-depth treatment of physiological and biochemical processes and their relationships to crop growth and development. Emphasis on individual study followed by in-class presentations and discussion.

Agron 621. Advanced Plant Breeding
(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 521, 526, 561; Gen 410. Hallauer. Estimation and interpretation of genetic effects and variances of plant populations, analysis of mating designs, heritability estimation, intra- and interpopulation selection methods, prediction of genetic gain, inbreeding and heterosis, classification and development of parental materials, selection indices, and combining ability analysis.

Agron 625. Genetic Strategies in Plant Breeding
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 521, Gen 410, Bot 545. Lee. Evaluation of genetic, molecular, and cellular approaches to crop improvement; gene transfer methods. Application and role of basic plant biology in breeding programs and processes; genome structure and function, gene isolation, expression, regulation, and modification. Integration of molecular and cellular methods in breeding strategies; analysis of alternative breeding methods, regulatory and ethical issues.

Agron 629. Colloquium in Plant Breeding and Cytogenetics
(1-0) Cr. 1 each time taken. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: Gen 410 and permission of instructor. Peterson. Presentation of papers and informal discussion of related literature in plant breeding and cytogenetics.

Agron 634. Forage Research Methodology
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 434, Stat 402 or equivalent. Staff. Research methodology used to evaluate forage production and quality. Advanced concepts in the design and analysis of forage experiments.

Agron 650. Agronomic Systems Simulation
(2-1) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: Com S 107, 205; Math 166. Salvador, Arritt, Horton. Development and use of mathematical, mechanistic, single process, and systems models for simulation of agronomic processes. Emphasis on mass and energy transfer in soil-crop-atmosphere continuum. Survey of current agronomic simulations, expert systems and decision support systems.

Agron 655. Advanced Soil Fertility
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 553. Blackmer. Evaluation of soil fertility and fertilizers; theory and applications.

Agron 658. Environmental Surface Chemistry
(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 559 or 555, Chem 321, and 322. Evangelou. Principles of surface and colloidal chemistry applied to minerals and organic matter in soils, sediments and aquifers. Emphasis on understanding, control and mathematical description of interactions at the solid/liquid interface relevant to movement of agrochemicals, heavy metals and organic pollutant chemicals in the environment.

Agron 675. Advanced Soil Genesis and Classification
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2003. Prereq: 575. Fenton. Processes, reactions, and theories in soil formation; landscape evolution; principles of soil classification.

Agron 677. Advanced Soil Physics
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2002. Prereq: 577; Math 266, 267; Com S 205 recommended. Horton. The flow and distribution of water, chemicals, and heat in soils. Physical principles and applications.

Agron 685. Advanced Soil Biochemistry (Same as Micro 685.)
(2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2002. Prereq: 585. Tabatabai. Chemistry of soil organic matter and biochemical transformations brought about by microorganisms and enzymes in soils.

Agron 696. Seminar in Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology (Same as Bot 696.)
See Botany.

Agron 698. Agronomy Teaching Practicum
Cr. 1 to 2 each time taken. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate classification in agronomy and permission of instructor. Staff. Graduate student experience in the agronomy teaching program. Offered on a satisfactory-fail grading basis only.

Agron 699. Research