Principles of Soil Processes

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.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• 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

Mandatory Knowledge:
ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety, ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety