Course code LauZ2019
Credit points 2.25
Geology and Soil Science II
Total Hours in Course24
Number of hours for lectures8
Number of hours for laboratory classes16
Date of course confirmation11.11.2019
Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science
Course developer
Aldis Kārkliņš
Dr. habil. agr.
Course abstract
Soil forming processes and factors. Soil profile development. Soil morphological features. Mineral phase of soil. Soil organic matter. Formation, composition and properties of soil humus. Soil chemical composition. Soil colloids. Soil absorbing processes, soil reaction, buffer capacity of the soil. Soil solution. Soil physical properties. Water in soil. Soil gaseous phase. Soil temperature. Soil genesis and classification. Soils of Latvia. Soil mapping. Soil degradation and conservation.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
Knowledge and understanding about the basic soil formation processes, soil genesis, principal soils’ properties, about soil classification, geography, mapping, evaluation. To obtain skills in morphological, physical and chemical analytical methods, in critical analysis of obtained information, in data processing and interpretation methodology. Development of ability for decision making and advisory activities in the field of soil related issues.
Compulsory reading
1. Nikodemus O., Kārkliņš A., Kļaviņš M., Melecis V. Augsnes ilgtspējīga izmantošana un aizsardzība. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2008. 254 lpp.
2. Latvijas augšņu noteicējs. A. Kārkliņa red. Jelgava: LLU, 2009. 240 lpp.
3. Augsnes diagnostika un apraksts. Sast. A. Kārkliņš. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 336 lpp.
4. Ģeoloģija, augsne, agroķīmija: Metodiskie norādījumi mācību praksei / Prof. A. Kārkliņa red. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 88 lpp.
Further reading
1. Stinkule A., Kļaviņš M. Ģeoķīmijas pamati. Rīga: LU, 2000. 255 lpp.
2. Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment / Ed.-in-chief D. Hillel. Elsevier Academic Press, 2005. Vol. I 548 pp.; vol. II 542 pp., vol. III 570 pp., vol. IV 459 p.
3. Soil Atlas of Europe. – European Soil Bureau Network, European Commission. Luxembourg : Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 2005. 128 p.