Forest soils (4cr)

Objective

After completing the course, the student  • understands the principles of soil properties, the role of soil in forest ecosystems and in the water, nutrient and carbon cycles and on human impacts on soils • is familiar with different forest soil management methods • is able to work in the soil laboratory in a safe manner and is familiar with the core methods of soil laboratory studies • is able to apply her/his learning to assess the impact of different management methods on soil processes and site fertility The course develops the following generic skills: sustainability and responsibility, identification and development of expertise, interaction and communication.

Content

• Soil composition and soil formation • Chemical, physical and biological properties and processes in upland and peatland soils • Soil pools and fluxes related to water, nutrient and carbon cycles • Interactions of site factors and forest vegetation • Forest soil management

Qualifications

Previous studies: Site factors or Ekologian perusteet (LY00CH16)

Materials

Mälkönen, E. (2003) Metsämaa ja sen hoito.  Päivänen, Juhani (2007) Suot ja suometsät järkevän käytön perusteet, p. 11-122 and 274-292.

Further information

Opetetaan vuosittain. Opintojakso on pakollinen metsätieteen tutkinto-opiskelijoille (kandi) sekä metsätieteen aineopintojen sivuainekokonaisuutta suorittaville.

Execution methods

• From 1.8.2023: Multi-modal teaching. Hybrid teaching of lectures. Laboratory practicals as blended learning (preliminary assignment online, face-to-face teaching on introduction to laboratory practices, write a report). • Course exam online (twice) and thereafter in electronic exam environment (EXAM).  • Online teaching consisting of lectures and assignment supervision (until 31.7.2023).

Accomplishment methods

Lectures (16 h), laboratory practicals (8 h), written report, literature, examination.