Course code LauZ6113
Credit points 7.50
Soil Morphology and Genesis
Total Hours in Course200
Number of hours for lectures24
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes56
Date of course confirmation22.03.2011
Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science
Course developer
Aldis Kārkliņš
Dr. habil. agr.
Course abstract
Morphology of soil as indicator of soil genesis and processes going on in soil. Soil micro- and macromorphological features. Characteristics of soil microstructure - skeleton grains, plasma, voids, peds, organic matter, etc. Soil sampling and treatment for morphological research. Elementary soil forming processes.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
Students will get an extended knowledge about soil morphology in relation to other soil science disciplines. Students will obtain skills to identify, describe and interpret soil morphological features. As a result students will be competent independently work in the sphere of soil investigations and survey as well as to analyze and prepare professional and scientific publications.
Compulsory reading
1. Kārkliņš A. Augsnes diagnostika un apraksts. Jelgava: LLU. 2008. - 335 lpp.
2. Fanning D. S., Fanning M. C. B. Soil Morphology, Genesis, and Classification. – New Yoil chemistry. 3rd ed. – New York, Basel, Hong Kong: Marcel Dekker, 1998. – 521 p.
3. ANikodemus O., Kārkliņš A., Kļaviņš M., Melecis V. Augsnes ilgtspējīga izmantošana un aizsardzība. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds. 2008. - 254 lpp.
Further reading
1. Guidelines for Soil Description. 4th edition. Rome: FAO. 2006. - 97 p.
2. Lecture notes on the major soils of the world // Ed. by P. Driessen, J. Deckers, O. Spaargaren, F. Nachtergaele / World Soil Resources Reports No. 94. 2001. Rome. 334 lpp.
3. Soil Taxonomy: A basic system of soil classification for making and interpreting soil surveys / 2nd edition., 1999. – 869 p.