About this course
This course focuses on soil chemical, physical and biological processes. The soil is characterized as a buffering system with water and reactive soil particles affecting mobility and bioavailability of nutrients and contaminants. This affects soil organisms, plants and groundwater and thus soil quality. Processes like water flow, leaching, adsorption, precipitation and biodegradation are introduced. Also, the role of the soil system within biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nutrients is discussed. Tutorials support the lectures with assignments. Students collect their own soil samples and use these for various laboratory experiments. Practical sessions improve relevant practical skills and illustrate important topics.
Learning outcomes
Identify and explain the basic physical, chemical and biological processes in soils
Describe and apply basic approaches in soil quality and the role of soil systems in biogeochemical cycles
Describe and quantify (analyse) important soil characteristics and soil processes
Assessment method
- Written test with open and closed questions (100%) Participation in field and laboratory practical sessions is mandatory and is part of the examination (fail / pass).
- Performance (0%) Participation in field and laboratory practical sessions is mandatory and is part of the examination (fail/pass).
Prior knowledge
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety, ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety
Resources
- Reader
Additional information
- Contact a coordinator
- Levelbachelor
- Mode of instructionon campus