Soil Science

The objectives are:
- to understand the basics of the physical structure of the soil, the main biochemical balances and the ecological role,
- to understand the basis of the processes involved in the formation of the different soil types and their interactions with the other environmental factors, such as natural vegetation and agricultural uses, climate, lithologic substrate, geomorphic properties; with particular reference to the natural and anthropic processes typical of the Alpine and pre-Alpine territorial context.
- soil description and sampling techniques will be learnt in the field during excursions in different mountain habitats;
- to know the basics of soil mapping and land evaluation will be treated as well, taking into account the soil degradation processes such as erosion.

The learning outcomes include:
- a general view of the soil functions in the ecosystem;
- acquire a systemic view of the ecological role of the soil and the use of the concepts of homeostasis and resilience,
- ability to read a standard soil analysis and formulate a judgment.
- capacity of interpreting the different soil types and their relationships with other environmental factors (geomorphology, geology, climate, vegetation and agriculture), their specific limitations and their sustainable use
To know how:
- formulate a fertilisation plan and plan soil modification interventions
- describe and sample a soil profile in the field, interpret laboratory-soil analyses, evaluate production capacities and the ecosystemic role of soils.
- Interpret a soil and land capability map