LAD-10806 Soil and Water I

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

The course provides an overview of the role of soil and water in the landscape. The diversity and coherence in space and time plays a pivotal role. Soil science focuses on the relation between soil properties and the growth and occurrence of plants in a spatial and ecological context together with its role in land use, and land use dynamics. Water is discussed in relation to driving factors behind human and natural water use.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:
- understand global geological processes resulting in the genesis of landscapes and sediments;
- understand chemical, physical and biological soil (forming) processes resulting in soil properties and soil classification;
- determine the suitability of soils for different types of land use;
- describe the role of ground- and surface water in the structure of the landscape;
- interpret and quantify basic issues of water flow in groundwater and urban water systems, and - explain basic functional mechanisms in aquatic ecology.

Activities:

Attend classes and participate in practicals and excursions, study reading materials and articles, carry out exercises.

Examination:

Written exam at the end of the course

Literature:

Part soil: lecture notes Inleiding bodem
Part water: lecture notes Inleiding water
Available at WUR shop
Internet:
- http://www.bodemenwater.nl