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701-0501-AAL 3 Credits MSC D-USYS
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Pedosphere

Enrolment ONLY for MSc students with a decree declaring this course unit as an additional admission requirement. Any other students (e.g. incoming exchange students, doctoral students) CANNOT enrol for this course unit.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:08:09

Abstract

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.

Objective

Understanding of soils as integral parts of ecosystems, development and distribution of soils as a function of environmental factors, and processes leading to soil degradation.

Content

Definition of the pedosphere, soil functions, rocks as parent materials, minerals and weathering, soil organisms, soil organic matter, physical soil properties and functions, chemical soil properties and functions, soil formation, principles of soil classification, global soil regions, soil fertility, land use and soil degradation.

Resources

Literature

- Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Soil Science, Springer, Heidelberg, 2016. - Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 14th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Semesterly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
revision course / private study Pedosphere
Self-study course. No presence required. Please contact Prof. Sebastian Dötterl for further information.
No time listed 90 h semesterly

Offered In