Posted: September 10, 2026
Use GIS, field assessments, and conservation planning to solve real-world soil and water resource challenges.
Interested in protecting natural resources while supporting productive agricultural systems? ABSM 326: Conservation and Management Practices in Agriculture and Natural Resources (3 credits) gives students hands-on experience solving real-world soil and water resource challenges.
Students use field assessments, GIS tools, aerial imagery, and other digital resources to examine how agricultural practices affect soil health and water quality. They also explore best management practices (BMPs), including cover crops, crop rotation, waterways, terraces, filter strips, and prescribed grazing.
A major component of the course is developing a site-specific conservation plan, giving students practical experience applying technical knowledge to real-world decisions. Through the course, students can build skills in:
- Soil and water resource assessment
- GIS and aerial imagery
- Best management practice selection
- Field-based conservation planning
- Sustainable agricultural and natural resource management
ABSM 326 may be especially valuable for students in Agricultural and Biorenewable Systems Management, Biological Engineering, Environmental Resource Management, Plant Sciences, and related environmental and natural resource disciplines.
Enroll in ABSM 326 for Spring 2027 and build practical skills for addressing conservation challenges in agricultural and natural resource systems.
For more information, visit the Penn State Bulletin or contact Dr. Weiyun Hua, assistant teaching professor of agricultural and biological engineering, at wvh5223@psu.edu.
