Forest Soil Science

Total Hours in Course162

Number of hours for lectures24

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes24

Number of hours for laboratory classes16

Independent study hours98

Date of course confirmation08.11.2011

Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science

Course developer

Augsnes un augu zinātņu institūts

Aldis Kārkliņš

Dr. habil. agr.

Course abstract

Geophysical and geochemical parameters of Earth’s crust. Geological processes. Basics in geomorphology and hydrogeology. Geological structure of Latvia territory. General scheme of the soil forming processes and soil forming factors. Soil profile development. Soil organic matter. Soil chemical composition. Soil colloids, adsorbing processes, reaction, buffer capacity of the soil. Soil solution. Soil physical properties. Water in soil. Soil genesis and classification. Automorphic, Semihydromorphic and Hydromorphic soils. Soil mapping and land evaluation. Soil fertility management.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge and understanding about the basic geological processes, soil formation and 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. Bambergs K. Ģeoloģija un hidroģeoloģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1993. 327 lpp.
2. Nikodemus O., Kārkliņš A., Kļaviņš M, Melecis V. Augsnes ilgtspējīga izmantošana un aizsardzība. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2008. 256 lpp.
3. Latvijas augšņu noteicējs. A. Kārkliņa red. Jelgava: LLU, 2009. 240 lpp.
4. Kārkliņš A. Augsnes diagnostika un apraksts. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 336 lpp.

Atsauksmes