Second-year environmental biology and reclamation students Oliver Bell, Isaiah Hurlbut and Harmanpreet Kaur assess types of plants and soil in a grassy field.--SUPPLIED PHOTO
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Second-year environmental biology and reclamation students have been highlighted by Medicine Hat College for their studies assessing soil health and collecting data on plant species to determine ideal plots of land for agricultural use.
Ongoing studies and data collected by students will be assembled into a final report to be used to numerically evaluate the health of land as part of their agrology and agro-ecology for environmental technologists program.
In this program, students study the agriculture industry and learn to assess tame pasture, field crops and native grasslands. Students work in groups to review samples and collect data on plant species in specific areas.
“They need to understand soils, be able to read maps and use databases,” says instructor Brent Smith. “Once they’re on the ground, they’ll actually start to measure what kind of soil it is, how deep the topsoil layer is and be able to identify all of the plants that grow on the site.”
This research can help aid in returning disturbed lands to economically productive or natural habitats.
“I enjoy learning about the environment and working with animals. It’s useful for me and my family back home in India,” says student Harmanpreet Kaur. “These skills can help improve our practices there.”
“I am really appreciative of all of the hands-on opportunities we get in this program,” says Oliver Bell. “I think that without them, I would not have the amount of knowledge I do now.”
MHC says many graduates are able to enter the workforce with skills valued by employers following graduation, while other students choose to pursue their education further.
“This program gave me a broad introduction to environmental sciences,” says Isaiah. “Now I can explore specific areas and take advantage of transfer agreements.”
