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BI1322

Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles

A large part of the global elemental cycles takes place in the soil. Here, energy, carbon and nutrients circulate between plants, dead organic matter, minerals, water and air. These fluxes are mediated by soil organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, animals and plant roots. These organisms and their activities are of crucial importance in agriculture and forestry, as well as for water quality and biodiversity. Ultimately, biological processes in soils have a major feed-back on the global climate. In this course we will learn about global biogeochemical cycles, and about soil organisms and their roles in these processes. We will not only provide theoretical concepts via course literature and lectures, but will provide hands-on experience in laboratory exercises, field excursions, interactive discussions and in projects on self-chosen topics. Furthermore, we will use our obtained knowledge to discuss how human practises may affect potential feedbacks between soils and biogeochemical cycles with an emphasis on land use, environmental problems and global change.

Course evaluation

Additional course evaluations for BI1322

Academic year 2023/2024

Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles (BI1322-30391)

2024-01-15 - 2024-03-19

Academic year 2022/2023

Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles (BI1322-30072)

2023-01-16 - 2023-03-21

Academic year 2021/2022

Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles (BI1322-30159)

2022-01-17 - 2022-03-23

Academic year 2020/2021

Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles (BI1322-30243)

2021-01-18 - 2021-03-23

Academic year 2019/2020

Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles (BI1322-30124)

2020-01-20 - 2020-03-24

Academic year 2018/2019

Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles (BI1322-30106)

2019-01-21 - 2019-03-25

Syllabus and other information

Litterature list

**Biogeochemistry, **3rd edition, W.H. Schlesinger and Emily Berhardt

Selected Chapters

  • Chapter 11 - The Global Carbon Cycle
  • Chapter 12 - The Global Cycles of Nitrogen and Phosphorus
  • Chapter 13 - The Global Cycles of Sulfur and Mercury

Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry, 4th Edition, Eldor Paul

Selected Chapters

  • Chapter 2 – The Soil Habitat
  • Chapter 3 – The Bacteria and Archea
  • Chapter 4 – The Soil Fungi: Occurrence Phylogeny and Ecology
  • Chapter 5 - Soil Fauna: Occurrence, Biodiversity, and Roles in Ecosystem Function
  • Chapter 6 - Molecular Approaches to Studying the Soil Biota
  • Chapter 7 - Physiological and Biochemical Methods for Studying Soil Biota and Their Functions
  • Chapter 9 - The Metabolic Physiology of Soil Microorganisms
  • Chapter 10 - The Ecology of the Soil Biota and their Function
  • Chapter 11 - Plant-Soil Biota Interactions
  • Chapter 12 - Carbon Cycling: The Dynamics and Formation of Organic Matter
  • Chapter 13 - Methods for Studying Soil Organic Matter: Nature, Dynamics, Spatial Accessibility, and Interactions with Minerals
  • Chapter 14 - Nitrogen Transformations
  • Chapter 15 - Biological N Inputs
  • Chapter 18 - Management of Soil Biota and Their Processes

Aboveground-Belowground Likages. Biotic Interactions, Ecosystem Processes, and Global Change. Bardgett and Wardle:

Selected Chapter

  • Biotic Interactions in Soil as Drivers of Ecosystem Properties.

Course facts

The course is offered as an independent course: Yes The course is offered as a programme course: EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science Soil, Water and Environment - Master's Programme Agriculture and Plant/Soil Sciences Agriculture Programme - Soil/Plant Tuition fee: Tuition fee only for non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens: 38060 SEK Cycle: Master’s level (A1N)
Subject: Soil Science Biology Biology Soil science
Course code: BI1322 Application code: SLU-30239 Location: Uppsala Distance course: No Language: English Responsible department: Department of Soil and Environment Pace: 100%