300115 VO Soil science for Ecologists (2007W)

It is the scope of this lecture to get acquainted with the most important basic principle of soil science in terms of plant growth and with the prevailing soil types in the temperate humid climate. After having discussed the geological basics (minerals, rocks, weathering, soil formation) the most important pedogenetic substances, like soil organic matter and clay minerals are described. Main focal points of this lecture are chemical, physical and biological soil properties, like soil nutrient regime and soil moisture regime. A brief review of the most important soil types and of soil formation processes is given and some soil classification systems are explained. Some selected topics, like soil amelioration, complete this lecture.