AGRONOMY (AGRN)
J.L. Barrentine, Head of the Department, 15 Plant Sciences Building, 575-2354
DISTINGUISHED PROFESSORS EMERITI CAVINESS, FRANS, WADDLE; UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS LAVY, OLIVER, SCOTT, TALBERT, WOLF: PROFESSORS BACON, BEYROUTY, BOURLAND, DANIEL, GILMOUR, KEISLING, MOLDENHAUER, NORMAN, OOSTERHUIS, PHILLIPS, RUTLEDGE, SABBE, SCIFRES, STEWART, WEST; PROFESSORS EMERITI HINKLE, THOMPSON; ADJUNCT PROFESSORS , DILDAY, JOHNSTON, LEGG, MEYER, MILEY, PETERSON, RUTGER; ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS COUNCE, GBUR, LONGER, MAUROMOUSTAKOS, McCONNELL, MILLER, SNELLER; ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PURCELL; ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSORS AIKEN, SAUER; VISITING PROFESOR DAVID GEALY; VISITING ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR PHILIP MOORE; RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSORS BAKER, DAVIS, MATTICE, WIDICK, WILSON
Courses in the Department of Agronomy provide fundamental and applied studies in crop and soil sciences. Areas of specialization include plant breeding and genetics, crop physiology, crop production and management, weed science, pesticide residues, seed production technology, soil chemistry, soil genesis and classification, soil fertility, soil microbiology, soil physics, and environmental soil and water science. Supporting education in the biological and physical sciences provides the basis for specialized courses in crop and soil sciences.
Employment opportunities and post-graduate studies are numerous for the graduate in Crop Management or Environmental Soil and Water Science. Crop Management graduates find employment in public agenicies which provide support services for agriculture (e.g. Extension Service, State Plant Board, Natural Resources Conservation Service), as consultants serving production agriculture, in the fertilizer and lime industries, and in agricultural research programs. Environmental Soil and Water Science graduates find jobs with state and federal government (e.g. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pollution Control and Ecology, Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and Health Departments), cities (water and wastewater facilities), and a wide variety of private consulting firms. Many graduates continue on to graduate school in a variety of disciplines.
Requirements for a B.S.A. Degree with a Major in Crop Management: A minimum of 30 semester hours to be selected from the following categories. Prospective students must consult a departmental adviser for additional requirements.
Agronomy - including:
AGRN 2103 Crop Science
AGRN 2101L Crop Science Lab
AGRN 2203 Soil Science
AGRN 2201L Soil Science Lab
AGRN 3023 Agronomy Colloquium
AGRN 4013 Advanced Crop Science
AGRN 4133 Weed ID, Morphology and Ecology
AGRN 4143 Principles of Weed Control
AGRN 4224 Soil Fertility
Agronomy - 8 hours selected from the following:
(at least 2 courses from the first group)
AGRN 3113 Forage Management
AGRN 3312 Cotton Production
AGRN 3322 Soybean Production
AGRN 3332 Rice Production
AGRN 3342 Cereal Grain Crops
AGRN 462V Internship (1-6 hours)
AGRN 400V (Special Problems)(1 hour)
HORT 2303 Introduction to Turfgrass Management
AGRN 3214 Intermediate Soil Science
AGRN 4103 Plant Breeding
AGRN 4253 Soil Classification and Genesis
AGRN 355V Judging Team Activity (1-2 hrs)
AGRN 400V Special Problems (1-6 hrs)
Requirements for a B.S.A. Degree with a Major in Environmental Soil and Water Science: A minimum of 30 semester hours to be selected from the following categories. Prospective students must notify the program adviser for consultation and more detailed information.
Environmental Science (9 hours):
ENSC 1003 Environmental Science (required)
AGEC 3413 Principles of Environmental Economics
AGEC 4413 Econ of Environmental Management
BAST 3023 Agricultural Waste Management
BIOL 3864 General Ecology
BIOL 4503 Ecosystem Ecology
BIOL 485V Field Biology
ENSC 3253 Septic Systems
ENSC 400V Special Problems
GEOL 1113 General Geology
GEOL 1111L General Geology Laboratory
GEOG 3003 Conservation of Natural Resources
GEOG 4543 Geographic Information Systems
Soil Science (11 hours):
AGRN 2201L Soil Science Lab (required)
AGRN 2203 Soil Science (required)
AGRN 3214 Intermediate Soil Science
AGRN 355V Judging Team Activity
AGRN 4224 Soil Fertility
AGRN 4253 Soil Classification and Genesis
AGRN 4263 Environmental Soil Science
Requirements for a Minor in Crop Management: A
student planning a minor in agronomy must notify the Department and consult
a departmental adviser. 18 semester hours of courses above the freshman
level (1000) including:
AGRN 2103 Crop Science
AGRN 2203 Soil Science
Remaining 12 semester hours to be selected from:
(at least two courses must be selected from the first group)
AGRN 3113 Forage Management
AGRN 3312 Cotton Production
AGRN 3322 Soybean Production
AGRN 3332 Rice Production
AGRN 3342 Cereal Grain Crops
AGRN 2003 Introduction to Weed Science
AGRN 3214 Intermediate Soil Science
AGRN 4013 Advanced Crop Science
AGRN 4103 Plant Breeding
AGRN 4133 Weed ID, Morphology & Ecology
AGRN 4143 Principles of Weed Control
AGRN 4224 Soil Fertility
Requirements for a Minor in Environmental Soil and Water Science: 18 semester hours of courses to be selected from the following three categories. A student planning to minor in environmental soil and water science must notify the program adviser for consultation and more detailed information.
Environmental Science (6 hours):
ENSC 1003 Environmental Science AND SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING
AGEC 3413 Principles of Envirnmental Economics
AGEC 4413 Econ of Environmental Management
BAST 3023 Agricultural Waste Management
BIOL 3864 General Ecology
BIOL 4503 Ecosystem Ecology
BIOL 485V Field Biology
ENSC 3253 Septic Systems
ENSC 400V Special Problems
GEOL 1111L General Geology Laboratory
GEOL 1113 General Geology
GEOG 3003 Conservation of Natural Resources
GEOG 4543 Geographic Information Systems
Soil Science (6-7 hrs)
AGRN 2203 Soil Science AND SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING
AGRN 3214 Intermediate Soil Science
AGRN 4224 Soil Fertility
AGRN 4253 Soil Classification and Genesis
AGRN 4263 Environmental Soil Science
Water Science (6 hrs)
ENSC 4023 Water Quality AND SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING
AGME 4973 Irrigation
AGME 4983 Agricultural Meteorology
ENSC 4033 Water Quality Analysis
GEOL 4033 Hydrogeology
GEOL 4043 Water Resource Issues
GEOG 4353 Elements of Weather
ZOOL 4814 Limnology
Requirements for a Minor in Plant Protection/Pest Management: A student planning to minor in plant protection/pest management may be advised in the Departments of Agronomy, Entomology, or Plant Pathology. The student must notify the department they choose for consultation with an advisor and more detailed information.
19 semester hours of courses including:
PLPA 2004 Principles of Plant Pathology
AGRN 2003 Introduction to Weed Science
ENTO 3013 Introduction to Entomology
Plus two of the following:
ENTO 4124 Insect Pest Management I
AGRN 4143 Principles of Weed Control
or PLPA 4103 Plant Disease Control
Plus one of the following:
PLPA 400V Research (3 hours)
ENTO 4024 Insect Diversity & Taxonomy
PLPA 4043 Environ Impact & Fate of Pesticide
PLPA 4103 Plant Disease Control
ENTO 4124 Insect Pest Management I
ENTO 4134 Insect Pest Management II
AGRN 4133 Weed ID, Morphology & Ecology
AGRN 4143 Principles of Weed Control
Courses: Agronomy (AGRN)
AGRN1203 Introduction to Plant Sciences (FA, SP) An introduction to basics of agricultural crop plant structure, growth, and production. (Same as HORT 1203)
AGRN2000L Introduction to Weed Science Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: AGRN 2003.
AGRN2003 Introduction to Weed Science (FA) Fundamental, practical concepts of weed control and weed biology; equipment and techniques used in modern weed control practices; and basic recommendations and systems for specific agronomic and horticultural crops. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 2000L. Prerequisite: AGRI 1203 or AGRN 2103 or HORT 2003.
AGRN2013 Pest Management (FA, SP) Introduction to basic principles of pest management as they relate to vertebrate animals, insects, plant disease and weeds. Selected pests are studied with emphasis on current management approaches and alternative pest control. (Same as ANSC 2003, ENTO 2003, PLPA 2013) Prerequisite: ANSC 1003 (or POSC 1003) and AGRN 1203 (or HORT 1203).
AGRN2101L Crop Science Laboratory (SP) A series of laboratory experiments designed to reinforce principles of plant growth and development, reproduction, classification, and the utilization of plant products. Emphasis is placed on major crop plant species. Experiments are conducted by individuals or by teams. Laboratory consists of a single, 2-hour period each week. Required for agronomy majors. Corequisite: AGRN 2103.
AGRN2103 Crop Science (SP) Principles of crop growth, development, and utilization and how these principles relate to production. Emphasis on major agronomic crop species. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 1203 or HORT 1203.
AGRN2200D Soil Science Discussion Drill (FA, SP) Corequisite: AGRN 2203.
AGRN2201L Soil Science Laboratory (SP) Field and laboratory exercises related to the study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Laboratory mandatory for all agronomy majors and optional for others. Laboratory 2 hours per week. Co- or Prerequisite: AGRN 2203.
AGRN2203 Soil Science (FA, SP) Origin, classification, and physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Lecture 3 hours, discussion 1 hour per week. (Same as ENSC 2203) Corequisite: AGRN 2200D. Prerequisite: CHEM 1103.
AGRN3023 Agronomy Colloquium (SP) A communication-intensive course covering topics in agronomy and environmental, soil, and water science with particular emphasis on spoken communication but also including written communication, group activities, professionalism, ethics, problem solving, and information retrieval. A student- oriented class with collaborative participation. Colloquium workshop: 3 hours per week.
AGRN3113 Forage Management (FA) Forage crops for pasture, hay, and silage with reference to growth and development, production, nutritional quality, and grazing systems. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 1203.
AGRN3210D Intermediate Soil Science Discussion Drill (FA) Discussion will be used to enhance student comprehension of basic concepts. Discussion 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 3214.
AGRN3214 Intermediate Soil Science (FA) Integration of the fundamental concepts of the biological, chemical, and physical properties of soil systems and their roles in managing soil resources. Lecture 3 hours, discussion 1 hour per week. Corequisite: AGRN 3210D. Prerequisite: AGRN 2203.
AGRN3312 Cotton Production (FA, Even years) Principles and techniques associatred with production of cotton. Recitation 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 1203.
AGRN3322 Soybean Production (SP, Odd years) An overview of the history and utilization of soybean as well as the physiological and environmental basis for the development of economical soybean production practices. Recitation 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 1203.
AGRN3332 Rice Production (FA, Odd years) A study of the principles and practices involved in rice culture world wide with major emphasis on the United States. Recitation 2 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 1203.
AGRN3342 Cereal Grain Production (SP, Even years) An overview of the botany, production, cultural practices, soil & climatic adaptation and utilization of the major cereal grain crops. Prerequisite: AGRN 1203.
AGRN355V Judging Team Activity (1-2) (FA) Training for membership of judging teams.
AGRN400V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Work on special problems in agronomy or related field.
AGRN4013 Advanced Crop Science (SP) Fundamental concepts of crop physiology, crop improvement, seed science, and crop production systems. Recitation 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 2103.
AGRN4030L Turfgrass and Landscape Management Laboratory (Odd years) Corequisite: AGRN 4033.
AGRN4043 Environmental Impact and Fate of Pesticides (FA) Environmental issues associated with pesticide use, including fate of pesticides in the environment, ecological impact of pesticides, and exposure risks to humans. Course recommended for students who have 12 hours of biological and /or physical sciences or consent. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Same as ENSC 4043, PLPA 4043)
AGRN4100L Plant Breeding Laboratory (FA, Even years) Corequisite: AGRN 4103.
AGRN4103 Plant Breeding (FA, Even years) Basic principles involved in plant breeding programs to improve crop plants and seed programs. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 4100L. Prerequisite: ANSC 3123.
AGRN4130L Weed Identification, Morphology, and Ecology Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: AGRN 4133.
AGRN4133 Weed Identification, Morphology, and Ecology (FA) Study of weeds as economic pests occurring in both agricultural and nonagricultural situations and including poisonous plants and other specific weed problems. Gross morphological plant family characteristics which aid identification, habitat of growth and distribution, ecology, competition, and allelopathy are discussed. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours a week. Corequisite: AGRN 4130L. Prerequisite: AGRN 2103 (or HORT 2003) and AGRN 2003.
AGRN4140L Principles of Weed Control Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: AGRN 4143.
AGRN4143 Principles of Weed Control (SP) Advanced concepts and technology used in modern weed control practices and study of the chemistry and specific activity of herbicides in current usage. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 4140L. Prerequisite: CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L and AGRN 2003.
AGRN4220L Soil Fertility Laboratory (FA) Corequisite: AGRN 4224.
AGRN4224 Soil Fertility (FA) Study of the soil's chemical, biological and physical properties, and human modification of these properties, as they influence the uptake and utilization of the essential nutrients by plants. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 4220L. Prerequisite: AGRN 2201L and AGRN 2203.
AGRN4250L Soil Classification and Genesis Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: AGRN 4253.
AGRN4253 Soil Classification and Genesis (SP) Lecture and field evaluation of soil properties and their relation to soil genesis and soil classification with emphasis on soils of Arkansas. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 4250L. Prerequisite: AGRN 2203.
AGRN4263 Environmental Soil Science (SP) Study of the behavior of pesticides, toxic organic compounds, metals, nutrients, and pathogenic microorganisms in the soil/plant/water continuum. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Same as ENSC 4263) Prerequisite: AGRN 3214.
AGRN462V Internship (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Supervised practical work experience in agronomy to develop and demonstrate professional competence. Faculty approval of project proposal prior to enrollment and written and oral reports after the project is complete are required. May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing.
AGRN5001 Weed Science Practicum (SU) Training for membership on weed team, through participation. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGRN5013 Crop Physiology (FA, Odd years) Understanding and quantitative measurement of physiological processes, plant responses, and environmental parameters in relation to the production of crops. Prerequisite: BOTY 4304.
AGRN502V Special Problems Research (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Original investigations on assigned problems in agronomy. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGRN5033 Plant Nutrition (FA, Even years) Study of water uptake, ion absorption, translocation and metabolism in higher plants. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: BOTY 4304 and CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L.
AGRN504V Special Topics (1-4) (FA, SP, SU, IR) Topics not covered in other courses or a more intensive study of specific topics in agronomy. May be repeated. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGRN5053 Scientific Writing (FA) Open to graduate student, especially those in agricultural and life sciences. The course will cover searching the scientific literature, writing these, proposals, journal articles, and other scientific documents. Emphasis on style and techniques used in scientific publication. Lecture and workshop 3 hours per week.
AGRN5103 Scientific Presentations (SP) Experience in procedures required for professional presentations of scientific papers, seminars, posters; and research findings at meetings in conferences, and with discussion groups. Instruction in organization of materials, visual aids, and good speaking habits. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGRN5120D Crop Molecular and Physiological Genetics Discussion Drill (SP, Even years) Corequisite: AGRN 5124.
AGRN5124 Crop Molecular and Physiological Genetics (SP, Even years) Study of genome organization and expression in agronomic and horticultural plants, with emphasis on genes regulating physiological processes. Lecture 3 hours, discussion 1 hour per week. (AGRN 5013 and CHEM 5813 and CHEM 5843 are recommended but not required). (Same as HORT 5124) Corequisite: AGRN 5120D. Prerequisite: BOTY 4304 and ANSC 3123 (or BIOL 3321L and BIOL 3323).
AGRN5200L Applied Math Methods in the Life Sciences Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Laboratory computer experience designed to reinforce material taught in AGRN 5204. Laboratory consists of a single 2-hour period each week. (Same as AGST 5200L) Corequisite: AGRN 5204.
AGRN5204 Applied Math Methods in Life Sciences (FA, Odd years) Methods of data presentation and mathematical descriptions of research data in the life sciences including graphical presentations, linear regression, growth equations, kinetics, transport equations, and compartmentalization. Analytical, numerical, and statistical approaches to the solution of research problems in life sciences will be emphasized. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. (Same as AGST 5204) Corequisite: AGRN 5200L. Prerequisite: MATH 2564 and AGST 4023.
AGRN5210L Analytical Research Techniques in Agronomy Laboratory (FA) Laboratory experiments designed to reinforce principles of research techniques taught in AGRN 5214. Experiments are conducted by individuals or by teams. Laboratory consists of a single 4-hour period each week. Corequisite: AGRN 5214.
AGRN5214 Analytical Research Techniques in Agronomy (FA) Preparation and analysis of plant and soil samples utilizing spectrophotometry, isotopes, and chromatographic separation methods. Additionally, measurements are made of photosyntheses, respiration, water relationships, light, and temperatures in whole plants. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 5210L. Prerequisite: BOTY 4304 and CHEM 2613 and CHEM 2611L.
AGRN5220L Soil Physics Laboratory (SP)
AGRN5224 Soil Physics (SP) Physical properties of soils and their relation to other soil properties, growth of plants and transport of water, oxygen, heat, and solutes such as pesticides and plant nutrients. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 5220L. Prerequisite: AGRN 2203 and MATH 1203.
AGRN5233 Soil Genesis and Morphology (FA, IR) Fundamental principles of soil genesis and morphology. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 4253.
AGRN5243 Advanced Soil Fertility (SP, Even years) An advanced consideration of the chemical, physical, and biological phenomena which influence the nutrient-supplying power of the soil. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGRN 4224.
AGRN5260L Soil Microbiology Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Laboratory exercises related to the study of microorganisms in the soil and the biochemical processes for which they are responsible. Laboratory 3 hours per week. (Same as MBIO 5260L) Corequisite: AGRN 5264.
AGRN5264 Soil Microbiology (FA, Odd years) A study of the microorganisms in soil and the biochemical processes for which they are responsible. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. (Same as MBIO 5264) Corequisite: AGRN 5260L. Prerequisite: MBIO 2013 and MBIO 2011L.
AGRN5453 Soil Chemistry (FA, Even years) Application of the principles of chemistry to processes of agronomic and environmental importance in soils. Soil clay mineralogy, soil solution thermodynamics, structure and reactivity of humus, surface complexation and ion exchange, electro-chemical phenomena, and colloidal stability. Prerequisite: AGRN 2203 and CHEM 1123 and CHEM 1121L.
AGRN600V Master's Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGRN6110L Herbicide Behavior Laboratory (FA, Even years) Corequisite: AGRN 6113.
AGRN6113 Herbicide Behavior (FA, Even years) Biochemistry, physiology and behavior of herbicides in plants, soils, and the environment. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGRN 6110L. Prerequisite: AGRN 4143 and BOTY 4304 and CHEM 3813.
AGRN622V Advanced Topics in Soil Science (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Topics include doctoral-level concepts in soil physics, soil chemistry, and soil microbiology/biochemistry not considered in other soil science courses. May be repeated. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGRN6253 Forage-Ruminant Relations (SP, Even years) Advanced chemical, physical, and botanical characteristics of forage plants, the dynamics of grazing, intake and digestion, and techniques of measuring forage utilization and systems analysis at the plant-animal interface. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Same as ANSC 6253) Prerequisite: ANSC 3143 and AGRN 3113.
AGRN700V Doctoral Dissertation (1-18) (FA, SP, SU) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
Courses: Agricultural Statistics (AGST)
AGST400V Special Problems (1-6) (FA, SP) Work on special problems of agricultural statistics or related areas.
AGST4011 SAS Programming for Agricultural Sciences (FA, SP) An introduction to the SAS programming language with an emphasis on the reading and restructuring of data files, and the displaying of data in tabular and graphic forms. The course is taught using a hands-on approach.
AGST4023 Principles of Experimentation (FA, SP) Fundamental concepts of experimental and statistical methods as applied to agricultural research. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: MATH 1203 or higher level.
AGST5010L Experimental Design Laboratory (SP) Corequisite: AGST 5014.
AGST5014 Experimental Design (SP) Types of experimental designs, their analysis and application to agricultural research. Lecture 3 hours and laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: AGST 5010L. Prerequisite: AGST 4011 and (AGST 4023 or STAT 4003).
AGST504V Special Topics (1-4) (IR) Topics not covered in other courses or a broader-based study of specific topics in statistics and related areas. May be repeated. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
AGST5200L Applied Math Methods in the Life Sciences Laboratory (FA, Odd years) Laboratory computer experience designed to reinforce material taught in AGST 5204. Laboratory consists of a single 2-hour period each week. (Same as AGRN 5200L) Corequisite: AGST 5204.
AGST5204 Applied Math Methods in the Life Sciences (FA, Odd years) Methods of data presentation and mathematical descriptions of research data in the life sciences including graphical presentations, linear regression, growth equations, kinetics, transport equations, and compartmentalization. Analytical, numerical, and statistical approaches to the solution of research problems in life sciences will be emphasized. Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. (Same as AGRN 5204) Corequisite: AGST 5200L. Prerequisite: MATH 2564 and AGST 4023.
AGST5713 Applied Regression Analysis for Agricultural Sciences (FA) Analysis of agricultural experiments which contain quantitative factors through regression procedures. Lecture 3 hours per week. Prerequisite: AGST 4011 and (AGST 4023 or STAT 4003).
AGST5803 Case Studies in Biometry (SP) Non-standard statistical problems arising in the agricultural, food, environmental, and life sciences. Prerequisite: STAT 5113 and STAT 5313 and either (AGST 5014 and AGST 5010L) or STAT 4373.
AGST5901 Statistical Consulting Process (SP) Examines the components of statistical consulting with emphasis on the interpersonal aspects.
AGST5913 Statistical Consulting Practicum (FA) Supervised statistical consulting. Corequisite: STAT 5313. Prerequisite: (AGST 5014 and AGST 5010L) or (STAT 4373 and AGST 5901).
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