Course Topics
The course covers the following topics: • Introduction to the soil environment including soil formation processes • Soil minerals and rocks • Weathering processes in soil (chemical, physical and biological weathering) • Soil air and water • Soil organic matter • Soil solution – chemical properties and processes within soils: Sorption, Ion exchange, cation exchange capacity, anion exchange capacity; soil pH, buffer systems, redox – potential. • Soil fertility – the soil as a plant nutrient medium • Fertilizers and soil amendments • Macronutrients • Micronutrients • Soil sampling and interpretation of soil tests • The Rhizosphere – properties and methods applied in rhizosphere research

Propaedeutic courses
no

Teaching format
lectures, laboratory and field activities

Educational objectives
Knowledge and understanding of chemical, physical and biochemical processes within the soil-plant system related to the development and maintenance of soil fertility. Capability in applying knowledge by developing practical laboratory skills and the ability to draw information out of practical laboratory activities in support/integration to the theoretical lessons Making judgments based on the choice of analytical protocols, writing a report Capability in presentation of the skills acquired with an appropriate language and use of technical and specific terms by preparing a short seminar on a selected topic Acquisition of learning strategies based on the use of technical information, knowledge updating and selection of scientific literature.

Assessment
The examination will be conducted as an oral individual exam. The focus will be on comprehension questions as well as the ability to explain key concepts and demonstrate connections between different topics.

Evaluation criteria
Subject knowledge: accurate and differentiated presentation of the content Understanding: ability to identify and explain interrelationships between topics Argumentation skills: clear and logically structured reasoning Language precision: appropriate use of technical terminology