Learning objectives
Soil Biology and Ecology course covers different aspects of soil environments and soil webs. In particular, the different aspects treated provide to know the functional aspects that guarantee the soil health. The deepening of soil biota components helps the student to know the role of different functional groups that live and “work” in the soil. In this way, some aspects related to bioindication and biomonitoring are evaluated. <br />
Integrated approach to the subjects used in this course guarantee a whole vision of soil ecology. <br />
Prerequisites
Knowledge of chemical, physical and biological aspects
Course unit content
Introduction <br />
General aspects of soil <br />
The soil environment <br />
Methods to study chemical and physical aspects <br />
The soil biota <br />
Plant roots <br />
Soil microbes <br />
Microfauna <br />
Meso- and macrofauna <br />
Techniques for the collection of the soil biota <br />
The ecological interactions between the soil biota <br />
The biological soil production <br />
The ecology of soil nutrient cycling <br />
The “compost” <br />
The pollution of soil <br />
Bioindication of soil condition <br />
Soil protection <br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
Killham K., 1994. Soil Ecology. Cambridge University Press <br />
Cremaschi M., Rodolfi G. (a cura di), 1991. Il suolo. La Nuova Italia Scientifica, Roma. <br />
Giordano A., 1999. Pedologia. UTET. <br />
Parisi V., 1974. Biologia e ecologia del suolo. Boringhieri, Torino. <br />
Senesi G., 1993. Il Suolo in Marchetti R. (a cura di ) Ecologia Applicata. Città Studi Milano pp. 313 - 331. <br />
Vighi M., Bacci E. (a cura di), 1998. Ecotossicologia. UTET. <br />
Teaching methods
<p>Oral lesson and laboratory</p>
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<p>Oral exam</p>
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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