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701-0501-00L 3 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-BAUG , D-BIOL , D-ERDW , D-USYS

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Pedosphere

Pedosphäre

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Ruben Kretzschmar

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:18

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 are explained and illustrated by numerous examples.

Objective

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

Lecture Notes

Lecture notes can be purchased during the first lecture (15.- SFr)

Literature

- Scheffer F. Scheffer/Schachtschabel - Lehrbuch der Bodenkunde, 15. Auflage, Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, 2002. - Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. The Nature and Properties of Soils. 13th ed. Prentice Hall, 2002.

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: Ein handgeschriebenes Merkblatt, A4, beidseitig.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Pedosphäre	Mon 08:15-10:00 (HG F 5)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Environmental Engineering Bachelor
- 5. Semester (Programme Regulations 2003)
  - Elective Blocks
    - Elective Block Soil Protection
Biology Bachelor
- 2. Year, 3. Semester (Programme Regulations 2006)
  - Biological Direction (Recommended for the Master Majors: Ecology and Evolution, Neurosciences, Microbiology and Immunology, Cell Biology, Plant Biology, Systems Biology)
    - Compulsory Courses, Biological Direction, 3. Semester
Earth Sciences Bachelor (Information on the Bachelor: )
- BSc 3. Semester
  - Examination Block 1
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- 3. Semester
  - Basic Courses II: Examination Block 2
Agricultural Science Bachelor
- 3. Semester BSc
  - Basic Courses II: Examination Block 1 (3. Sem.)
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Compulsory elective subjects (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)
- Biochemical-Physical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Biochemical-Physical Direction)
    - Compulsory elective subjects (Further combinations of Compulsory elective subjects arising upon specific written request by the students and permission by the Director of studies.)