Introduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.

Introduction to the formation and properties of soils as a function of parent rock, landscape position, climate, and soil organisms. Complex relationships between soil forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biota, and ecological soil properties are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.

Current research topics are presented and discussed based on scientific literature. The students prepare a presentation with the support of an expert. Subsequently, the topics are discussed jointly by students and experts in student-moderated discussion rounds. Presentation and moderation techniques are introduced and trained in the seminar, supported by instructions for constructive feedback.

Soil organisms play a key role on the functioning of natural soil ecosystems. This course provides a detailed overview of the diversity and functions of the soil organisms and focuses on above-belowground relationships, global change impacts on the soil functioning and diversity and methodological ways to assess and mitigate them.

This course covers chemical and biogeochemical processes in soils and water and their influence on the behavior and cycling of nutrients and pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Approaches for quantitative modeling of the processes are introduced and applied in selected examples.

Project work in plant ecology, soil chemistry, soil protection, and soil microbiology with the aim of learning and applying field and laboratory methods for the investigation and description of terrestrial ecosystems.