ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 388 - Soils,Food Production,and Population:Global Perspective SM

Institution:

Hiram College

Subject:

Description:

As the world population continues to grow, as population centers shift increasingly from rural to urban, global agriculture systems are placed under increasing pressures to provide more food for those populations. At the very base of food production are soils; where, what kind, how much. Soil types, erosion/soil loss, conservation/cropping systems, management are some basic topics covered. Building on this we will then look at different methods of food production, associated environmental problems, changing economics of agriculture, quantity and quality of food produced, global implications of increased population of both modern and modernizing countries on actual food supply and demand. The historical development of agricultural systems, what happens when a population mis-uses or outgrows soil and food production capabilities, and possible solutions are explored. Soils, food production and population of the U.S., China, and Zambia will be compared/contrasted throughout the course. Exercises will include basic assessment of chemical, physical and biological properties of soils sampled from different environments during field trips. Results will then be discussed in relation to lecture topics and actual food production.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

WWW.HIRAM.EDU

Phone Number:

(330) 569-3211

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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