AP 310 - Farmland Evaluation

3 Credits

Outline Effective Date 2015 Fall
14

Lecture Hours: 56
Lab Hours: 8
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:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

describe the format of the Alberta Farmland Assessment manual.
explain the basic concepts involved in farmland assessment.
describe the agricultural regions of Alberta.
use the Dominion Land Survey System to determine legal land locations.
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.
recognize and describe factors that affect productivity and valuation of farmland.
describe soil conditions that influence farmland productivity.
use the farmland assessment manual to determine valuation.
complete standard arable and irrigated farmland assessment forms.
interpret aerial photographs to assist with the farmland assessment process.

Required Resource Materials:
None

Optional Resource Materials:
Reference Texts:

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. (3^rd. ed.).

Ottawa, ON: Agriculture and Agrifood Canada.

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

manual. Edmonton, AB.

Conduct of Course:
The course is approximately 56 hours of lecture and 8 hours of lab/field work. The classroom instruction is in a lecture style with the use of overheads. Questions and discussions occur during the classroom instruction to insure the material is understood. Assessment examples are completed in class that cannot be done at a later date due to availability of some materials. Lab periods concentrate on basic physical and chemical properties of soil and soil profiles.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for success in any course. Absence for any reason does not relieve a student of the responsibility of completing course work and assignments to the satisfaction of the instructor. Poor attendance may result in the termination of a student from a course(s).

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, the student may be requested to submit a medical certificate.

Instructors have the authority to require attendance at 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:
The final grade is an aggregate of the following components:

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.

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

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