Soil Fauna (281955)
Course coordinator
Course description
The aim of this course is to introduce students to different biological groups of invertebrates that live in the soil or on the soil surface, which are important in maintaining soil fertility and structure. Each of these groups plays a very important role in the soil, such as regulating decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil organic matter dynamics and improvement of soil physical properties. Their most important morphological, biological and ecological characteristics will be discussed, as well as their main role as different functional groups within soil food webs. Special attention will be pointed out on environmental factors and management practices that influence fauna populations in agroecosystems. Through exercises, students will learn about different methods used in soil fauna sampling and extraction, as well as identifying and classifying them to a specific soil fauna group.
Type of course
- Graduate studies / MS Courses taught in English (Elective course, 1 semester, 1 year)
ECTS: 3.00
Teaching hours: 15
Lectures: 8
Auditory exercises: 7
Grading
Sufficient (2):
Good (3):
Very good (4):
Excellent (5):