CSA-20306 Soil-Plant Relations

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

Note: This course has a maximum number of participants. The deadline for registration is one week earlier than usual. See Academic Year.(http://www.wur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/Current-Students/Agenda-Calendar-Academic-Year.htm) -> Registration for Courses.

Plant roots absorb water and nutrients from the root medium. The bio-availability of these growth factors is determined by a variety of biological, physical and chemical processes and properties. The plant itself affects these processes and soil properties in its rhizosphere. The interactions between the plant and its root environment represent the core of theory and practicals. Basic soil science is taught to be able to understand soil-plant interactions. In addition, practical consequences for maintenance of soil fertility are addressed.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course the student is expected to be able to:
- define and characterize the three phase soil system, the properties of the soil constituents and the role of soil life;
- explain the processes and factors determining bioavailability of nutrients in the soil, processes and factors determining uptake of water and nutrients and of losses of nutrients from the soil;
- understand root growth, root distribution and root functioning in relation to abiotic factors in the biosphere;
- use a model predicting nitrogen mineralization;
- explain the basic principles of the ecology of the rhizosphere;
- compose and evaluate nutrient balances and evaluate the principles of the current nutrient policy;
- execute some basic lab methods frequently used in soil-plant interactions research.

Activities:

- attending lectures;
- participation in practicals and tutorials;
- preparing written reports on practicals and tutorials, poster presentation.

Examination:

Written exam and assessment of the written and oral reports on practicals.

Literature:

A syllabus can be purchased at the WUR-shop.