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701-0535-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-ERDW , D-MATH , D-BAUG

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Soil Physics

Bodenphysik

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Béatrice Kulli Honauer

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:24

Abstract

1. Understanding of basic concepts for describing the physical state and dynamics of soil, in particular of water-unsaturated soils.2. Grasping and correctly posing the problem and applying the formalisms to quantify important physical properties or processes.3. Developing a "system-feeling" and intuition for feedback mechanisms in the soil system.

Objective

1. Understanding of basic concepts for describing the physical state and dynamics of soil, in particular of water-unsaturated soils. 2. Grasping and correctly posing the problem and applying the formalisms to quantify important physical properties or processes. 3. Developing a "system-feeling" and intuition for feedback mechanisms in the soil system.

Content

1. Features and functions of the three-phase-system "soil". 2. Energy status of soil water and relationship between capillarity and water. saturation, availability of water for plants. 3. Energy balance, heat transport mechansims and heat regime in soils. 4. Aeration over profile distances and micro-niches. 5. Water transport in saturated and unsaturated soils, root water uptake. 6. Transport of solutes in homogeneous and natural soils.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Textbook (available at the beginning of the semester)

Literature

none

General Information

Language: German
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 60 minutes
Aids: Skript, schriftliche Unterlagen und Taschenrechner zugelassen.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Bodenphysik	Wed 15:15-17:00 (CHN E 46)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Earth Sciences Bachelor (Information about the Bachelor-studies: )
- 5. Semester Majors BSc
  - Major in Climate and Water: Electives
    - Major in Climate and Water: Electives (From the offered elective courses during autumn (5th semester) and spring semester (6th semester), 24 credits have to be acquired. The choice of other courses has to be granted by the advisor (Dr. Olivia Martius).)
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- 5. Semester
  - Specialization in an Environmental System
    - Terrestrial Systems
Environmental Engineering Master
- 1. Semester (Programme Regulations 2006)
  - Major Courses
    - Major in Soil Protection
Mathematics Master
- Application Area (only necessary for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics)
  - Environmental Science