Ecology and Soil Science

Abstract

The lecture teaches the basics of ecology and soil science with a focus on engineering and spatial planning approaches. Students learn about soil properties, soil ecosystems, water, gas and material cycles as well as soil degradation, analyze and assess human interventions on soils and deal with concepts for soil protection and sustainable soil management.

Objective

By the end of the course, students will be able to: - describe and contextualize key concepts in soil science and ecology. - explain and illustrate soil properties, ecosystems, and material cycles using practical examples. - quantify, analyze and assess the effects of human activities on soils and their ecological functions. - apply and evaluate engineering and spatial planning approaches for soil protection and sustainable soil management.

Content

Fundamentals of soil science & ecology: basic terms, definition of soil, soil functions, soil formation, soil composition, soil types and key parameters, connection between soil and ecology Soil use & hazards: Soil compaction, nutrient cycle & fertilization, water balance Change & disturbance Soil protection & management: soil recultivation and pedological construction monitoring, soil in the city, soil and spatial planning, soil monitoring and the role of the federal government.

Resources