Applied Soil Landscape Research: From Field over Lab to Communication

Abstract

Investigate soil features and processes related to soil development, pedoclimatic conditions and land use in forested and agricultural landscapes. Students complete the full research cycle—from hypothesis formulation to field surveys, laboratory analyses, data analysis and reporting. The course emphasizes method integration, project management, collaboration, and research communication.

Objective

The students are able to • Integrate soil systems knowledge to formulate testable research questions and hypotheses for the investigation of a specific soil landscape and related ecosystems. • Design, plan, and conduct a soil survey to address a specific research question. • Select and apply appropriate field, laboratory and data analysis methods to measure, interpret and evaluate soil properties and functions. • Synthesize and communicate findings based on collaboratively generated data in a scientific format.

Content

Students work in project teams to carry out a field-based research focused on soil systems across diverse landscapes, including forest and grasslands and agriculturally managed croplands and grasslands. Preparation Phase (9 days including self-study in class): Students are introduced to (I) theory of the dynamics of the different ecosystems as part of a mini lecture series (2x4h), (ii) potential study areas (3 half days), (ii) field sampling & assessment methods as well as laboratory techniques (4 half days). Each group is tasked with designing a mini-research project by formulating research questions and testable hypotheses for the relevant ecosystems. This integrates groups’ interests and builds on the soil science knowledge and characteristics of the studied soil landscape. The groups will be split into a focus on agricultural corp/grasslands (S. Dötterl/M. Schiedung) and forest/grassland (K. Meusburger/P. Joshi) ecosystems. Study questions for the project will vary between the fields of soil development (S. Doetterl), soil ecohydrology (K. Meusburger), soil biogeochemistry (P. Joshi) and soil management (M. Schiedung). Students are guided in developing a field and/or experimental design and a laboratory analysis plan considering the available timeframe and analytical feasibility. Study sites will cover both managed agricultural (crop and grassland) and forested sites as well as near natural sites (peatland). Block Course (Two Weeks): • Week 1: Student groups implement their research plans, conducting fieldwork including sampling planning and conduct, field data acquisition and description and laboratory analyses according to their designs. • Week 2: Students continue laboratory measurements and data assessment, evaluate and interpret their findings by integrating field observations, laboratory results, and existing site data. They are supported in critically addressing their research questions and apply adequate analysis and statistics. In addition, they will be advised to present their findings in the format of a research presentation, which should resemble the elements of a skeleton draft for a scientific publication. The course emphasizes collaborative project work, method integration, scientific reasoning, time and resource management, and research communication.

Resources