Soil systems: integrating chemical and biophysical interfaces in soils
Course description
Soil is the most complex and heterogeneous system on earth in terms of its physical structure, chemical constitution and inherent biodiversity. In recent decades, methodological developments in the study of chemical and biophysical interfaces at the micro-scale have provided new opportunities to soil scientists to promote interdisciplinary research and integrate process understanding into a holistic soil system view. In this approach, soil is seen as a complex, adaptive and structured system in which macroscopic properties and processes depend on interactions at smaller spatial scales. The exploration of these interactions in the minute soil universe has, in turn, profound implications for our understanding of soil functions at field, catchment and regional scales relevant to the sustainable use and protection of soils and water.
During this course, you will learn about various analytical methods and technologies that allow the study of intact soils including the visualization, quantification and spatial analysis of soil components and functions (e.g. X-ray tomography, microscopy and microanalysis) together with integrated measurements of biological activity through enzyme activities or energy flows (e.g. thermodynamics). You will discuss, within the group and together with leading international scientists, some opportunities and challenges of such approaches for your present and future research. The course includes three preliminary literature meetings, a one-week workshop and a final meeting with student presentations.
Course facts
P000134, Soil systems: integrating chemical and biophysical interfaces in soils, 3.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: FUN, 2025-03-26
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Soil Science
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
After completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- define the soil as an adaptive, complex, and structured system
- describe modern techniques for the visualization and quantification of chemical and biophysical interfaces in soil as well as their application to the study of soil functions and processes
- discuss some opportunities and challenges in using the micro-analytical methods presented in the course
Content
The course consists of two parts:
- Literature group meetings: selected research and review papers will be discussed as well as student oral or poster presentations (three meetings prior to, and one meeting after, the workshop).
- A workshop (see below) will be held at Ultuna with participation of international leading scientists in this research area.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Read the literature provided and attend the literature group meetings - Final literature group meeting: give an oral (10-15 minutes) or poster presentation on your own research assessing in what way(s) a soil system view is critical to your work - Active participation in group meetings and workshop discussion
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Soil and Environment
Supplementary information
Other Information
This course is organised jointly by the Focus on Soils and Water research school.