AP 310 - Farmland Evaluation

3 Credits
Outline Effective Date: Academic Year 2025/2026
Revised Date: Oct 8, 2025
Date Approved: Nov 24, 2025

Lecture Hours: 59 Lab Hours: 0

Course Description:
This course provides theory and practice in farmland assessment according to Alberta Municipal Affairs Assessment Standards Guidelines. It includes the evaluation of farmland in relation to soils, climate, and productivity factors. The course provides training in soil evaluation to a level that students can successfully use the Alberta Municipal Affairs farmland assessment manual. The preparation of assessment reports and interpretation of aerial photographs, soil surveys, and county maps will be considered.

Rationale:
This is a required course for the Real Estate Appraisal and Assessment students. A basic understanding of soils and landforms is necessary to apply the guidelines of the Alberta Municipal Affairs Assessment Standards Manual. As agricultural soil and climate conditions vary across the province, the assessment ratings for farmland values will also vary.

The soil types and climatic conditions are reviewed for the agricultural regions determined by the assessment manual. The course also provides practice using soil survey reports, the Canada Land Inventory soil capability for agriculture maps, and aerial photograph interpretation to further assist the assessment process.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

Course Learning Outcomes:
A student who successfully completes the course will have reliably demonstrated the ability to

1.describe the format of the Alberta Farmland Assessment manual.

2.explain the basic concepts involved in farmland assessment.

3.describe the agricultural regions of Alberta.

4.use the Dominion Land Survey System to determine legal land locations.

5.describe the characteristics of the major soil Great Groups for the Canadian System of Soil Classification in Alberta and their potential influence on the valuation of farmland.

6.recognize and describe factors that affect productivity and valuation of farmland.

7.describe soil conditions that influence farmland productivity.

8.use the farmland assessment manual to determine valuation.

9.complete standard arable and irrigated farmland assessment forms.

interpret aerial photographs to assist with the farmland assessment process.

Required Resource Materials:
Brady, N. C. & Weil, R. R. (1999). The nature and properties of soils. (12th ed.). New Jersey:

Prentice Hall.

Soil Classification Working Group (1998). The Canadian system of soil classifications. (3rd. ed.).

Ottawa, ON: Agriculture and Agrifood Canada.

Assessment Standards Branch (1984). Alberta municipal affairs farmland assessment

manual. Edmonton, AB.

Optional Resource Materials:
None

Conduct of Course:
The course consists of lectures, labs, and/or fieldwork. Classroom instruction is delivered in a lecture format supported by visual aids. Questions and discussions are encouraged throughout to ensure understanding of the material. Assessment activities are completed during class time and cannot be rescheduled, as some materials are only available during scheduled sessions.

Lab periods focus on examining the basic physical and chemical properties of soil and exploring soil profiles.

Regular attendance is essential for success in this course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility to complete coursework and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor. Poor attendance (more than 20%) may result in withdrawal from the course. The instructor will recommend that the Registrar withdraw any student who does not meet the established attendance requirements. A failing grade of RW (Required to Withdraw) will appear on the student’s transcript.

In cases of repeated absences due to illness, students may be required to submit a medical certificate. Instructors also have the authority to require students to attend classes.

Content of Course:
Major Topics

1. Introductory soils

soil horizons and profiles
soil formation
soil physical properties
soil chemical properties

2. Soil Classification

basis for the Canadian System of Soil Classification
introduction to the classification of the soils mainly used for farmland in Alberta

3. Basis of the farmland assessment manual

Using the farmland assessment manual to explain differences in agricultural regions and soil types
Using the farmland assessment manual for pasture lands

6. Use of aerial photos and Canada Land Inventory soil capability for agriculture maps to assist in farmland evaluation

7. Use of soil survey reports to assist in farmland evaluation

Practice using the farmland assessment manual to determine value with specific examples

9. Introduction to irrigated land assessment
Course Assessments:

Midterm exams (2 @ 20%)	40%
Labs/Assignments	20%
Comprehensive final exam	40%
Total	100%

The final exam will be cumulative and may include material covered in the laboratory or field sessions.

Official final grades will be available on My Lakeland. Grades posted in D2L should be considered interim grades.
“Lakeland College is committed to the highest academic standards. Students are expected to be familiar with Lakeland College policies and to abide by these policies. Violations of these policies are considered to be serious and may result in suspension or expulsion from the College.”

Course Pass Requirements:
A minimum grade of D (50%) (1.00) is required to pass this course.

Letter	F	D	D+	C-	C	C+	B-	B	B+	A-	A	A+
Percent Range	0-49	50-52	53-56	57-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85-89	90-94	95-100
Points	0.00	1.00	1.30	1.70	2.00	2.30	2.70	3.00	3.30	3.70	4.00	4.00

Students must maintain a cumulative grade of C (GPA - Grade Point Average of 2.00) in order to qualify to graduate.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this course outline is accurate at the time of publication. Lakeland College reserves the right to change courses if it becomes necessary so that course content remains relevant.

In such cases, the instructor will give students clear and timely notice of changes.

No part of this course outline may be reproduced in any form or resold without written permission from Lakeland College.

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