ENVC 310 - Soil Ecology

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 22
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Overview of fundamental principles of soil science including soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and an in-depth exploration of soils as living systems including soil biodiversity, decomposition and organic matter dynamics, nutrient cycling, and soil food webs.

Prerequisite: Admission to BASEC or Department Chair permission.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Explain the basic physiochemical properties of soils and how and why they vary across space and time in relation to biological and ecological variables.
Identify common soil organisms and describe their function and significance in soil and ecosystem processes.
Quantify aspects of soil ecology including respiration, organic matter content, and biodiversity of microorganisms and invertebrates.
Communicate the importance of soil to human society and ecosystem functioning at various spatial and temporal scales.
Identify natural resource management agencies and organizations that contribute to knowledge of soil science, soil management, and soil conservation.

Course Contents

Physical and abiotic aspects of soils.
Soil habitat.
Primary production processes in soils: roots and rhizospheres.
Secondary production: Activities of hetrotroph organisms - microbes.
Secondary production: Activities of hetrotroph organisms - soil fauna.
Decomposition and nutrient cycling dynamics.
Soil food webs: detrivory and microbivory in soils.
Soil biodiversity and linkages to soil processes.
Soil biochemistry and biogeochemistry.
Anthropogenic landuse influences on soils ability to perform ecological processes.

Instructional Units: 5.5