SeminarsHybrid Learning – 2021 Soils CE Seminar Agenda Friday, June 11, 2021 Thursday, June 17 or Friday, June 18, 2021 COST Class size is limited to 25 in each session. •$225 Members •$255 Non-Members Cancellation Policy: We ask that if you are feeling ill or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 that you stay home. Your field day registration will be applied to a future course and you will receive credit for the online portion of the event only. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This 6-hour hybrid workshop has been designed using online and in-person components (in response to the COVID-19 pandemic) to meet the requirements for soils specific training under MN Rules Chapter 7083.0160 Subp 1 A. Course topics were specifically chosen to reference 7080.1100, 7080.1710, 7080.1720, 7080.1730, 7080.2150, 7080.2270, 7082.0700 Subp 5.
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INTRODUCTION AND REGIONAL SOIL - 1 hour (via Zoom)
Stacey Feser, Explain the changes with our 2021 Soils CE schedules and agenda. During this time we review geology and soil formation as well as the regional landscape(s) and soil conditions in depth. We discuss proper identification and description of topsoil, red parent materials, soil structure, soil colors, soil texture including sand sizes, redox features, organic soils, and observable water tables. We also provide tools and resources to help practitioners make determinations.
Learning objectives: Soil characteristics details (including Mottles/redox, soil textures, soil structure, Munsell soil color, regional parent materials and their characteristics); Review tools available (including Web Soil Survey, MPCA/UMN staff, sand cards, rock analyses, soil observation logs, and locating regional specialists).
REDOX BASICS: - 1 hour (via Zoom)
Brandon Montgomery, We will review the basics of the soil redoximorphic feature formation process focusing on the conditions necessary for soil reduction to take place in the soil, especially with respect to iron and manganese reduction. We will also discuss the accumulation of organic matter in surface soils as another potential indicator of periodically saturated soil conditions.
Learning objectives: Understand the predictable and scientific nature of redoximorphic feature formation; relate observable soil properties to periodically saturated soil conditions; familiarize and apply terminology/definitions used in 7080.1100.
PROBLEM SOILS - 0.5 hours (via Zoom)
Dan Wheeler, The purpose of this talk is to build on the understanding of the redoximorphic feature formation process. By understanding the previous talk, we can now present many scenarios common in places in Minnesota soils where we might have a periodically saturated soil (7080.1100), but no observable redoximorphic features. This discussion takes the learner through several observable problem soil characteristics and then reiterates the redox formation process to identify the specific problem encountered. This talk also presents solutions for interpretation in these difficult conditions.
Learning objectives: Apply redox feature formation to specific soil characteristic(s) and 7080.1100 Periodically saturated soil; use web soil survey information related to proper periodically saturated soil identification; understand the importance of a complete soil observation log in interpreting soil suitability for an SSTS; basics of hydrologic monitoring.
SOIL SURVEY - 0.5 hours (via Zoom)
Dan Wheeler, This talk will demonstrate how to use the web soil survey to retrieve the required preliminary evaluation information for a specific site. This will include soil map unit description information and suitability ratings for SSTSs based on Minnesota-specific interpretations.
Learning objectives: Create a soil survey map for a parcel; access the soil map unit descriptions to identify important soil properties during a preliminary site evaluation; use the web soil survey to create suitability maps/tables for SSTS suitability based on Minnesota-specific interpretations.
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FIELD VISIT - 3 hours, Collinwood Regional Park.
We will review provided materials in the Resource and Reading materials packets. Included in the Resource packet are materials helpful to practitioners to use in the field and back in the office for documentation. The Reading packet includes a site-specific Web Soil Survey map and soil information. We will review this information and discuss the official soil series descriptions in the area. These materials preface the soil descriptions and interpretations which will be completed in the field. We visit the site and review the information from the remote session to conduct a complete soil description and interpretation and application according to MN Rule Chapter 7080’s relevant sections (dependent upon site). We also allow for any further question and answers on soil and site evaluation topics.
Learning objectives: Apply geological formation knowledge to site conditions; conduct a general site description (site evaluation, topography, landscape position, contours, slope shape); proper soil description techniques and tools, depth to periodic saturation and other required soil properties; appropriate soil sizing factor/loading rates for each pit including a review of the soil texture and perc test charts in MN Rules chapter 7080 Table IX and IXa; complete a UM Soil Observation Log exercise based on attendees participation; rock percent determination; understand how the suitability ratings and official soil series descriptions from the Web Soil Survey relate to soils and conditions observed and described during a field site evaluation.
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ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler is a Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota, where he conducts teaching, research, and outreach on interpreting landscape-scale hydrology and soil morphology to assess environmental issues such as septic system suitability, water quality, wetlands and soil erosion. He has a M.S. degree in Soil Science from the University of Minnesota.
Stacey Feser
U of MN Water Resources Center
Soil Science, M.S.
Environmental Science, B.S.
Stacey Feser is a member of the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP) team. She has been a trainer in the nationally recognized Minnesota Licensing program for the last 6 years teaching soils information to new and existing professionals in the Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) industry. Stacey grew up in the SSTS industry, which sparked her passion for soils and the environment. She brings relevant hands on experience and knowledge to the classroom. She has served many different roles in the SSTS industry (County Regulator, private contractor, educator) and is a licensed advanced designer and inspector, installer, and service provider in Minnesota. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association.
Brandon Montgomery, MPCA SSTS Program
Brandon is a Statewide SSTS Program staff member at the MPCA. He has a background in Soils.
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