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Forest Soils in a Changing Environment
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:43
Abstract
The students are measuring carbon and nutrient fluxes in forest soils under a changing climate and land-use. In laboratory and field experiments, they are manipulating climatic conditions (temperature, drought) and quantify the response of C and N fluxes in soils, and plant-soil interactions. The results will be interpreted and discussed in the context of changes in climate and land-use.
Objective
The students get first-hand experience with field and laboratory methods to measure carbon and nutrient fluxes and the application of stable isotope techniques. They shall learn about physico-chemical properties of Swiss forest soils, how these properties determine the ecological functions of soils and how soils respond to changes in climate and land-use. Finally the students shall interpret, discuss and present their experimental data.
Content
1. Introduction to the ecological functions of Swiss forest soils 2. Measurement of soil CO2 efflux, carbon and nutrient leaching in forest and grassland soils 3. Sampling and preparation of litter and soil samples from selected soil profiles under different land-uses 4. Setting-up laboratory experiments in microcosms. Measurement of soil respiration and leaching of carbon, nutrients and/or contaminants in climate chambers under different environmental conditions. 5. Analyses of litter, soil, and soil water for selected physical and chemical properties. 6. Learning and applying stable isotope techniques for quantifying turnover of soil carbon and their microbial communities. 7. Interpretation and final presentation of data
Resources
Lecture Notes
A manual will be distributed during the course.
Literature
Selected publications will be distributed during the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| practical/laboratory course |
Forest Soils in a Changing Environment
Ort: WSL in Birmensdorf
|
|
4 h weekly |
Offered In
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Vertiefung in Wald- und Landschaftsmanagement (gültig ab HS25) (Studierende, die zum HS25 oder später die Vertiefung Wald- und Landschaftsmanagement beginnen, studieren nach dem Reglement 2013, Ausgabe 29.04.2025 – 8. Die neue Struktur dieser Vertiefung ist im aktuellen VVZ abgebildet. Studierende, die vor HS25 die Vertiefung Wald- und Landschaftsmanagement begonnen haben, können die Vertiefung gemäss Wegleitung 2024/25 abschliessen.)
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