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Lecturer(s)
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Kaštovská Eva, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
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Tahovská Karolina, RNDr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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1. introduction - definition of soil biology as an integral part of ecosystem ecology, soil as a complex (eco)system, ecosystem functions, ecosystem characteristics of the soil environment 2. the importance of climate, abiotic factors and the nature of water balance in the ecosystem for the functioning of soils 3. Relationships and interactions in the soil ecosystem, irreplaceable role of vegetation, soil biota, importance of soil biodiversity, main processes in the soil ecosystem 4. detailed importance of plant-soil relationship, function of plants in soil, organic matter, soil food chain, nutrient input 5. soil function in forest systems, evergreen vs. deciduous trees, importance of fungi and mycorrhizal relationships, special features of primaeval forests (tropics and mountains), importance of deadwood, disturbances 6. soils of commercial forests, importance of tree species composition for soil, logging, fertilisation 7. the specifics of how agricultural soils function, the consequences of ploughing, fertility and intensification, the importance of soil structure, organic matter loss, erosion, mineral and organic fertilization, the effect of pesticides, alternatives to traditional practises and soil protection technologies, agroforestry systems 8. meadows and pastures, interactions in the rhizosphere, the importance of symbioses (mycorrhizal relationships, N2 fixation) 9. climate and meadow communities, soil specifics of alpine systems (meadows vs. scree), anthropogenic influences 10. periodically flooded soils, wetlands (peat bogs, fens), importance for the hydrological cycle, processes in flooded soils, wetland plants and their adaptation, gas exchange, eutrophication, drainage and revitalization 11. arctic and subarctic regions, permafrost and climate change, arid regions, soil crusts 12. approaches to the study of ecosystem soil biology, interdisciplinarity, research methods 13. concluding discussion seminar, student presentation - soil functions and global change Content of tutorials/seminar: In the practical part we will look at the importance of relationships and interactions between plant and soil communities for understanding ecosystem responses to global change.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming), Work with text (with textbook, with book), Written action (comprehensive tests, clauses), Graphic and art activities, E-learning, Individual preparation for exam, Work with multi-media resources (texts, internet, IT technologies), Individual tutoring, Flipped classroom
- Class attendance
- 26 hours per semester
- Preparation for classes
- 7 hours per semester
- Semestral paper
- 6 hours per semester
- Preparation for exam
- 47 hours per semester
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Learning outcomes
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The course will provide a systematic overview of soils in different types of ecosystems and an up-to-date overview of the feedbacks and interactions between different plant and soil communities that are critical to ecosystem functions. In the lecture we will also define the factors that are crucial for the diversity and complexity of the soil environment at different spatial and temporal scales and learn how these factors influence soil processes and energy and nutrient cycling at the ecosystem level. In the practical part we will look at the importance of defined relationships and interactions for understanding ecosystem responses to global change.
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Prerequisites
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KBE521
KBE/521
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Assessment methods and criteria
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unspecified
In order to successfully master the course, the student is required to participate in a seminar in which he/she presents a 10-minute paper on a pre-determined topic based on published literature (functioning of soils in ecosystems and global change). At the same time, the student prepares the given topic in the form of an essay of 1200-1500 words and submits it (before the seminar) as a requirement for the award of the exam (20% of the grade). The exam is written, to pass you need to score 50% on the test. During the semester, various review tools (passes, quizzes, etc.) are incorporated into the class to check what the student has learned from the class. The student thus receives ongoing feedback and is encouraged to actively engage in self-study. The course requires the student's active participation and creative thinking.
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Recommended literature
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Bardgett, R. (2005). The Biology of Soil: A community and ecosystem approach. Oxford University Press. 242pp..
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Frouz J., Frouzová J., 2021. Aplikovaná ekologie, Karolinum, 432pp..
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Hillel, D. (2008). Soil in the environment. Crucible of Terrestrial life. Academic Press. 307pp..
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