Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Describe the diversity, ecology and functions of soil organisms.
- Explain ecological interactions in soil and between plants and soil.
- Identify appropriate research methods for ecological questions applied to soil and plant-soil interactions.
- Navigate key literature on the role of soils in terrestrial ecosystems.
- Understand the principles of soil management in multiple environmental contexts.
Indicative Module Content:
Topics include the following:
1, soil biodiversity from multiple points of view, including basic biology, ecology and functions of the microbes (bacteria, fungi, protists) and fauna (mostly microarthropods, nematodes and earthworms);
2, ecological interactions in soils, including plant-microbe interactions, above-belowground interactions, and food webs;
3, responses to perturbations such as extreme weather events (drought, flood);
4, the role of soil ecology in the biogeochemical cycling of C, N, and P;
5, research techniques in soil ecology including microbial diversity analysis, stable isotope techniques and quantification of trace gas emissions;
6, threats to and protection of soil biodiversity;
7, principles of soil management.
8, practical exercises include population assessment of soil faunal groups and an introduction to the identification of major taxa.