11645 - Basic Soil Science Modulübersicht

Module Number: 11645
Module Title:Basic Soil Science
  Grundlagen der Bodenkunde
Department: Faculty 2 - Environment and Natural Sciences
Responsible Staff Member:
  • Prof. Dr. phil. Raab, Thomas
Language of Teaching / Examination:English
Duration:1 semester
Frequency of Offer: Every summer semester
Credits: 6
Learning Outcome:Student will be able to:
  • explain the factors and processes of soil development and taxonomic tools
  • understands the mutual relationship between biotic and abiotic factors of the environment
  • know the biological and mineral constituents of soils and related interactions
  • asses the various natural and anthropogenic impacts on soils
  • understands the role of the most relevant functions of soils in ecosystems
  • find and work with the scientific literature regarding soil science
  • get familiar with the laboratory methods concerning soil properties characteristics
  • present orally on chosen labartory and fiel methods and pedology
Contents:

Part 1 Lecture: 

  • Importance and functions of soils
  • Soil development: soil forming factors and processes
  • Soil classification, soil definition, soil distribution
  • Soil physical properties: colour, texture, structure
  • Soil Clay Minerals
  • Oxides and Hydroxides
  • Soil Organic Matter
  • Soil Acidity
  • Soil Water
  • Soil Contamination
  • Field Work

Part 2 Seminar:

  • Excursion: field trip focusing on soil development and classification
  • Introduction to lab work: overview of available soil analytical methods
  • Laboratory and Excursion presentations
  • Extended discussion on chosen topics presented during the lectures
Recommended Prerequisites:
  • Basic knowledge in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
  • 13110 Basic Natural Sciences 
  • 42201 Water and Waste
  • 42203 Geosciences and Natural Resources
  • 42205 Soil Protection and Management
Mandatory Prerequisites:None
Forms of Teaching and Proportion:
  • Lecture / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Seminar / 2 Hours per Week per Semester
  • Self organised studies / 120 Hours
Teaching Materials and Literature:
  • Blume, H.-P., G.W. Brümmer, Horn, R., Kandeler, E., Kögel-Knabner, I., Kretzschmar, R., Stahr, K. & B.-M. Wilke (2010): Lehrbuch der Bodenkunde. Spektrum Verlag.
  • Brady, N.C. & Weil, R. (2008): The Nature and Properties of Soils.
  • Brady, N. C. & Weil, R. (2010): Elements of the Nature and Properties of Soils.
  • Noorallah, Juma G. (2009): The pedosphere and its dynamics.
  • FAO (2006): Guidelines for soil descriptions.
  • Ad-hoc-AG Boden (2005): Bodenkundliche Kartieranleitung.
  • Zepp, R. G. & Sonntag (1995): The role of nonliving organic matter in the earths carbon cycle.
  • Lal, R., J. M. Kimble, R. F. Follet & B. A. Stewart (2001): Assessment Methods for Soil Carbon.
  • Frimmel, F. H. & R. F. Christman (1998): Humic substances and their role in the environment.
  • Dickinson, G. & Murphy, K. (1997): Ecosystems - A Functional Approach. Routledge Introductions to Environment.
  • Moore, D.M. & R.C. Reynolds, Jr. (1997): X-Ray Diffraction and the Analysis of Clay Minerals.
  • Birkeland, P.W. (1999): Soils and Geomorphology.
  • Brindley, G.W. & Brown, G. (1980): Crystal structures of clay minerals and their identification.
  • Schaetzl, R. & S. Anderson (2005): Soils. Genesis and Geomorphology.
  • Birkeland, P. (1999): Soils and Geomorphology.
  • Dixon, J.B. & Weed, S.B. (eds., 1989): Minerals in Soil Environments.
  • Cornell, R.M. & U. Schwertmann (1996): The Iron Oxides. Structures, Properties, Reactions, Occurrences and Uses.
  • Schwertmann, U. & R.M. Cornell (2000): Iron Oxides in the Laboratory.van Breemen, N., Mulder, J., Driscoll, C.T. (1983): Acidification and alkalization of soils.
Module Examination:Continuous Assessment (MCA)
Assessment Mode for Module Examination:
  • Mid term assesment (written or oral) on lecture Basic Soil Science, 40 min. (30 %)
  • Final assesment (written or oral) on lecture Basic Soil Science, 40 min. (30 %)
  • Protocol (written) on laboratory exercise (20 %)
  • Presentation (10 min. talk) on laboratory exercise (20 %)
Evaluation of Module Examination:Performance Verification – graded
Limited Number of Participants:None
Part of the Study Programme:
  • Abschluss im Ausland / Environmental and Resource Management / keine PO
  • Bachelor (research-oriented) / Environmental and Resource Management / PO 2015
  • Abschluss im Ausland / Euro Hydroinformatics and Water Management / keine PO
Remarks:Due to current situation assesments may be time adepted
Module Components:
  • 240422 Lecture Basic Soil Science
  • 240433 Seminar/Exercise Laborseminar
  • 240444 Excursion Basic Soil Science
Components to be offered in the Current Semester: