Aim
To elucidate ecological structure and function of the soil fauna community, and examine ecophysiological and behavioural adaptations to the soil habitat.
Contents
Nowhere in nature are species so densely packed as in soil communities, a large number of animal phyla and a diverse microflora being represented, and many of the groups being very
old in evolutionary terms.
Biological processes in soil are fundamental for the functioning of natural and anthropogenic ecosystems. Decomposition and soil formation are key processes in nature and represent
"ecological servicing" for the rest of the ecosystem.
The course focuses on the soil system as a complex, dynamic and interactive system. Topics covered include: trophic relations; relation between key species and function, plus the concept
of "ecosystem engineers"; fauna-microflora interactions; ecophysiological adaptation to environmental factors. General ecological principles and current ideas will be considered,
with emphasis on biological communities and practical techniques.
Teaching
A high degree of independent work is expected from the students; this will include a smaller Web-based project (literature) and a larger practical/theoretical project.
2-hr lecture for 6 weeks; 3-hr practical/seminar for 5 weeks; 4-hr project class for 4 weeks; 1 day synthesis seminar.
Teacher
Ole - external-link "">Ole Mather-Christensen
Obligatory program: Hele kurset.
Text-books
Coleman D.C. & Crossley D.A. 1996: Fundamentals of soil ecology. Academic Press.
Articles and lecture notes.
Evaluation
Pass/fail on basis of satisfactory participation in the course (minimum 80% attendance), plus
an internal evaluation of the two project reports.
Participants
Maximum 24.
ECTS-credits
10
Semester
Fall (October - December).