Agronomy

200 | 300 | 400 | Graduate Courses

Steven L. Fales, Chair of Department
Distinguished Professors: Fehr
Distinguished Professors (Emeritus): Bremner, Frey, Hallauer, Pesek, Russell, Shaw
Professors: Anderson, Arritt, Barnhart, Blackmer, Campbell, Chen, Cianzio, Cruse, Fales, Gutowski, Hartzler, Horton, Killorn, Lamkey, Lee, Liebman, Loynachan, Mallarino, Miller, Moore, Mullen, Owen, Peterson P, Peterson T, Sandor, Schnable, Tabatabai, Takle, Taylor,
Westgate, Wolt
Professors (Emeritus): Anderson I, Anderson M, Benson, Burris, Carlson I,
Carlson R, Fenton, George, Green, Hodges, Imsande, Keeney, Larson, Pearce, Schafer, Schaller, Scott, Shibles, Shrader, Skrdla, Stritzel, Thompson H, Thompson L, Troeh, Voss, Wedin, Whigham, Woolley, Yarger
Professors (Collaborators): Hatfield, Jaynes, Karlen, Kaspar, Laird,
Masters, Palmer, Shoemaker
Associate Professors: Becraft, Bhattacharyya, Brummer, Burras,
Dekker, Delate, Gallus, Gibson, Knapp, Manu, Salvador, Sawyer, Thompson, Wang, Wiedenhoeft
Associate Professors (Collaborators): Cambardella, Grant, Kovar, Logsdon, Moorman, Olson, Pollak, Scott
Assistant Professors: Al-Kaisi, Goggi, Henning, Hornbuckle, Jannink, Muenchrath, Pedersen,
Polito
Assistant Professors (Collaborators): Andrews, Blanco, Edwards, Gardner, Guan, Sauer, Singer, Widrlechner

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 agronomy management and business, agroecology, soil and environmental science, plant breeding and biotechnology, or research and development.

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. A minimum of 15 credits of agronomy courses must be earned at Iowa State for students transferring from other institutions.

The department offers work for 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. 9 credits for the agronomy minor must be earned at Iowa State. 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 programs that lead to 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 environmental science.

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, 452, 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. 0.5. 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. Off-campus version offered through internet by interactive computer courseware.

Agron 120. Introduction to Renewable Resources. (Same as AST 120, Env S 120, NREM 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. Off-campus version offered in Spring semester. 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. Staff. 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 laboratory assignments utilize interactive computerized exercises, worksheets and computerized real-time forecasting. Self-study section available to distant education students all semesters.

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

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

Agron 230. Crop Structure-Function Relationships. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 212. Salvador. Basic principles concerning the growth, development, and production of crop communities in relation to their environment.

Agron 260. Soils and Environmental Quality. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 154. Burras. Role of soils in environmental quality and natural resources management. Emphasis on soil erosion and conservation, water quality, and environmental planning. Saturday field trip.

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, 101 or 104 or 105. Arritt. Instrumentation, collection, and analyses of weather data relevant to crop production in the Midwest. Weather parameters are analyzed using computer applications. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 310. Professional Development in Agronomy: Work Experience. 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.) (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 211 and 202. Gibson, Hartzler. Identification, biology, and ecology of weeds. Principles and practices of integrated weed management systems. Herbicide mechanisms, classification, and fate in plants and soils.

Agron 320. Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology. (Same as Gen 320.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Biol 211 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 313 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 Crops Team. (0-6) Cr. 2. F. S. Permission of instructor. Intensive training in preparation for intercollegiate competition in national crops contests.

Agron 332. Crop Quality, Traits, and Utilization. (1-2) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: 212, Chem 163. Mullen. 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. S.F. Prereq: 114. Barnhart, Wiedenhoeft. Production and management of forage crops; concepts applied to yield, quality, and stand persistence; systems of forage utilization including grazing, hay, and silage. Students enrolling for graduate credit will be expected to complete an additional class project. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 338. Seed Science and Technology. (Same as Hort 338.) (2-2) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 114 or Hort 221, Biol 211. 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 Env S 342, FS HN 342, T SC 342, U St 342.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. S. Prereq: Junior classification. Salvador. World hunger and malnutrition in social, ethical, historical, and environmental context. Emphasis on the origins and effects of global inequity on population trends, socioeconomic policies, and food systems in the developing world. Exploration of directions and improvements for the future. Team projects. Nonmajor graduate credit. H. Honors Section. (For students in the University Honors Program only.)

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. (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: 154 and Biol 101 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. (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. Recommended: 114. Polito. Integration of crop, tillage, drainage, 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, NREM 402, Geol 402.) (3-3) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in EnSci 381 or Geol 100 or 201, Math 165 or 181. 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. (Dual-listed with 504, Same as EnSci 404, Env S 404, Mteor 404.). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Four courses in physical or biological sciences or engineering; junior standing. Takle. Recent changes in global biogeochemical cycles and climate; models of future changes in climate system; impacts of global change on agriculture, water resources and human health; ethical issues of global environmental change. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 406. Climate of the Continents. (Same as EnSci 406, Mteor 406.) (3-0) Cr. 3. 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. Semester project and in-class presentation required. 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. Prereq: 320 or Biol 313. Staff. 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 446. World Agronomic Systems. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 114, 154, 206. Mullen, Muenchrath. Interdisciplinary study and comparison of systems around the world, including analysis of biophysical, social, economic, and political determinants of the systems. 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.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Zdorkowski. 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 452. GIS for Geoscientists. (Dual-listed with 552, same as Geol 452, EnSci 452.) (2-4) Cr. 4. F. Prereq: Geol 100, Geol 201 or equivalent. Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) with particular emphasis on geoscientific data. Uses ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop Software and extension modules. Emphasizes typical GIS operations and analyses in the geosciences to prepare students for advanced GIS courses. Nonmajor graduate credit.

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 Chemistry. (Dual-listed with 559; same as EnSci 459.) (2-3) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Agron 354 or EnSci 483, Chem 178 or 211. Thompson. 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. Sandor. Relationships between soil formation, geomorphology, and environment. Soil description, classification, geography, mapping, and interpretation for land use. Two weekend field trips. Credit for only 473 or 473I may be applied for graduation, not both. Nonmajor graduate credit.

Agron 473I. Soil Genesis and Landscape Relationships. (Same as EnSci 473I, Ia LL 473I.) Cr. 4. Alt. SS. offered 2006 at Lakeside Laboratory. Prereq: Agron 154 or 402 or 402I. 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. (Dual-listed with 585, Same as EnSci 485, Micro 485.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 154 or 402, Micro 201 (Micro 203 recommended). Loynachan. The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, 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 Internship Experience. (Same as AST 491, Hort 491.) Cr. 1 to 2. May be repeated once. F.S.SS. Prereq: 338, advanced approval and participation of employer and instructor. Staff. A professional work experience and creative project for seed science secondary majors. The project requires the prior approval and participation of the employer and instructor. The student must submit a written report.

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 intend to register for Agron 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.

Agron 496. Agricultural Travel Course. Cr. arr. May be repeated. Prereq: Permission of instructor. Limited enrollment. 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. Tour expenses paid by students. Check with department for current offerings.
A. International Tour
B. Domestic Tour

Agron 497. Agroecology Field Course. Cr. 3. F. Prereq: Jr. or Sr. classification with at least 8 credits in Agronomy. A one-week intensive class, offered off-campus. Student will visit farms within the Midwest and analyze the sustainability of each farm.

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. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 114, Math 140, Chem 163, Biol 101. Muenchrath. Physiological processes in crop growth, development and yield: photosynthesis, respiration, water relations, mineral nutrition, assimilate partitioning, 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 114, 154, Biol 101, Chem 163, and Math 140. Staff. 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 114 and Math 140. Taylor. Applied concepts in climate and agricultural meteorology with emphasis on the climate-agriculture relationship and the microclimate-agriculture interaction. Basic meteorological principles are also presented to support these applied concepts. 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 EnSci 505, Mteor 505.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2005. Prereq: Agron/Mteor 206. Hornbuckle. Energy, mass and momentum 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. Semester project and in-class presentation required.

Agron 508. Biophysical Crop Ecology. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. 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 Anthr 509, Soc 509, SusAg 509.) (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 6 credits in social sciences, 6 credits in natural, biological or engineering sciences and senior or above classification. Salvador, Butler. 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 114, Math 140, Chem 163, Biol 101. 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 502. Recommended 501. Loynachan. 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Math 140, Stat 104. Staff. 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 JMP for organization, 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. SS. Prereq: 114, 501, Math 140, Chem 163, Biol 101. Recommended: 502, 503. Staff. 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 2005. Prereq: 509. Richard, Russell, Wiedenhoeft. Managing productivity and minimizing ecological impacts of agricultural systems by understanding nutrient cycles, crop residue and manure management, and multi-species interactions. Consideration of crop and livestock production within landscapes and watersheds. The course includes a significant off- campus component with teams analyzing Iowa farms.

Agron 516. Crop Physiology. (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Biol 330. Westgate. Molecular, whole plant, and canopy processes essential to biomass production and seed formation and the limitations imposed on these processes by the environment. Students gain practical experience evaluating crop physiology research and communicating that evaluation to scientific peers.

Agron 517. Weed Biology and Ecology. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2006. Prereq: 317, Biol 474. Dekker. Invasive plant species and weed evolution and biodiversity for exploitation of distributed and managed habitats. Selection and adaptation of weeds in agro-ecosystems: soil weed seed banks, population shifts, and crop-weed interactions. Life history and trait basis for colonizing plant species.

Agron 519. Herbicide Physiology and Biochemistry. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 317; Biol 330. 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. Brummer. Theoretical and practical analysis of alternative breeding methods to improve crop plants. Strategies to incorporate germplasm resources, develop populations, maximize genetic gain, and use marker-assisted selection. 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 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. Bhattacharyya. Fundamental genetic and cytogenetic concepts from plant perspective including recombination, linkage analysis, genetic and molecular mapping, male sterility, self incompatibility, apomixis, and polyploid evolution.

Agron 529. Publishing in Biological Science Journals. (Same as Hort 529, NREM 529.) See Horticulture.

Agron 530. Ecologically Based Pest Management Strategies. (Same as SusAg 530, Ent 530, Pl P 530.) (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. Prereq: SusAg 509. Liebman, O'Neal, Gleason. Durable, least- toxic strategies for managing weeds, pathogens, and insect pests, with emphasis on underlying ecological processes.

Agron 531. Crop Ecology and Management. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 501, 502, 503. Recommended: 512, 514. Muenchrath. Environmental factors affecting crop growth and yield. Ecological principles underlying crop production systems. Crop production in the context of management approaches, system resources and constraints, and interactions. Emphasis on the ecology row and forage crops common 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 532. Soil Management. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 501, 503, 512. Recommended 513. Cruse. 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. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 514. Staff. 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 537. Plant Stress Biology. (Same as Hort 537.) See Horticulture.

Agron 538. Seed Physiology. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt F., offered 2006. Prereq: 338; Chem 231 or Chem 331. Goggi. 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 2006. Prereq: 509. Hinrichs, Liebman. Examination of the organization and operation of complex, diversified farming systems using tools and perspectives drawn from ecology, agronomy, and sociology. The course contains a significant component of fieldwork focused on an Iowa farm.

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

Agron 552. GIS for Geoscientists. (Dual-listed with 452; same as Geol 552.) (2-4) Cr. 4. Prereq: Geol 100, Geol 201 or equivalent. Introduction to geographic information systems (GIS) with particular emphasis on geoscience data. Uses ESRI's ArcGIS Desktop Software and extension modules. Emphasizes typical GIS operations and analyses in the geosciences to prepare students for advanced GIS courses.

Agron 553. Soil-Plant Relationships. (Same as EnSci 553.) (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. F., offered 2005. 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 2005. Prereq: 473, Chem 164. Recommend: Geol 311. 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 2005. 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. (Same as EnSci 558.) (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2005. Prereq: 354 and Chem 178 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 Chemistry. (Dual-listed with 459; same as EnSci 559.) (2-3) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered 2005. Prereq: EnSci 483, 354, Chem 178 or 211. Thompson. 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 and soil pollution.

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. Jannink. 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 565. Professional Practice in the Life Sciences. (Same as PL P 565.) See Plant Pathology.

Agron 575. Soil Morphology, Genesis, and Classification. (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered 2006. 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. (Same as EnSci 577.) (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 354. Recommended: Math 166. 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. (Same as EnSci 578) (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 Microbial Ecology. (Dual-listed with 485; Same as EnSci 585, Micro 585.) (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: 154 or 402, Micro 201 (Micro 203 recommended). Loynachan. The living organisms in the soil and what they do. Emphasis on soil biota composition, the carbon cycle and bioremediation, soil- plant-microbial relationships, and environmental issues. Nonmajor graduate credit.

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, 513, 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

Agron 594. Workshop in Agronomy. (0-1) Cr. 1. SS. Prereq: 501, 502, 503, 514 (or current enrollment). Recommended: 511, 512, 513. Westgate. Practical field and laboratory experience integrating coursework in climatology, crops, and soils. Workshop includes lectures, labs and local agri-business tours. 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 2006. Prereq: 516; GDCB 513; BBMB 404; permission of instructor. Westgate. An in-depth treatment of physiological, biochemical and molecular processes and regulating plant 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. Lamkey. 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 2007. Prereq: 521, Gen 410. 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 634. Forage Research Methodology. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. F., offered 2006. 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 655. Advanced Soil Fertility. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2007. Prereq: 553. Blackmer. Evaluation of soil fertility and fertilizers; theory and applications.

Agron 675. Advanced Soil Genesis and Classification. (2-0) Cr. 2. Alt. S., offered 2007. 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 2006. Prereq: 577; Math 266, 267. Recommended: Com S 207. 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 2006. Prereq: 585. Tabatabai. Chemistry of soil organic matter and biochemical transformations brought about by microorganisms and enzymes in soils.

Agron 696P. Seminar in Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology. (Same as GDCB 696P.) See Genetics, Development and Cell Biology.

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.
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
J. Plant Physiology
K. Seed Science
L. Weed Science