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Apr 25, 2024
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PBIO 4380 - Soil Properties and Ecosystem Processes
This course covers the fundamental principles and concepts of soil and ecosystem ecology. The course will provide a foundation on the physical and chemical environment (i.e. soils) that mediates plant function. We then cover basic concepts in ecosystem ecology followed by the mechanisms (via biogeochemistry and ecological stoichiometry) that drive or limit ecosystem function, including temporal and spatial patterns. We will then integrate this information at several scales and discuss consequences of ecosystem function on human wellbeing. The lab portion will integrate concepts discussed in lecture, but emphasize analyzing soil and vegetation for metrics of ecosystem function. Data from the lab will be analyzed to investigate the influence of soil and plants on ecosystem-level processes.
Requisites: (CHEM 1220 or 1520) and (BIOS 3750 or GEOG 1100 or PBIO 2090)
Credit Hours: 4
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 2.0 lecture, 4.0 laboratory
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes: - Students will be able to describe soil profiles as a means to explain ecosystem properties.
- Students will have working knowledge in methods to harvest, process, and analyze soil samples to determine soil quality.
- Students will be able to interpret and evaluate data gathered in the field to assess how abiotic and biotic factors influence ecosystems.
- Students will be able to use knowledge of soil biogeochemical cycles to explain ecosystem function.
- Students will be able to explain how soils mediate plant community composition and ecosystem processes across multiple temporal and spatial scales.
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