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102-1681-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC D-USYS , D-BAUG

Element Balancing and Soil Functions in Managed Ecosystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Armin Keller
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:34:45

Abstract

Applying element balances of agricultural soils and the assessment of soil functions for real applications in computer exercises to design preventive strategies against soil pollution and to support sustainable management of regional agroecosystems also in the context of spatial planning procedures.

Objective

The students learn to critical assess changes in land use management on element cycles in agro-ecosystems and to assess soil services (soil functions). You design solutions for chemical problems in soil protection at the regional scale and learn to assess soil functions using different methods.

Content

The students apply a regional balance model for Swiss regions in computer exercises and assess major soil functions of agricultural soils. You assess the sustainability of current land use and analyse management options improving nutrient and metal cycling in agro-ecosystems. The students will have the opportunity to calculate specific scenarios regarding land use management and environmental changes. Special focus we be paid on the soil services such as regulation-, production function and soil as habitat, and the assessment of these functions based on soil mapping data.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Literature and Exercises for a case study

Literature

Literature will be provided.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The final mark is 50% of the mark of a written exam and 50% of the average mark of the exercises

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Element Balancing and Soil Functions in Managed Ecosystems
Hinweis: vormals LV-Nr. 701-1681-00. Diese wird im HS20 zum letzten Mal unter der LV-Nr. 102-1681 angeboten. The lecturers will communicate the exact lesson times of ONLINE courses.
  • Fri 14:00-16:00 (ON LI NE)
  • 30.10 Date 13:45-15:30 (HIL E 6)
2 h weekly

Offered In