OEKB301875 Biogeochemistry of soils

Type
Lecture and exercise
Semester hours
3
Lecturer (assistant)
Watzinger, Andrea , Schindlbacher, Andreas , Staudinger, Christiana , Zehetner, Franz , Rosinger, Christoph , Oburger, Eva
Organisation
Soil Research
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Theory I (lecture) - Introduction
Theory II (lecture) - Principles of biogeochemical cycling
Theory III (lecture) - Biogeochemical processes and cycling in terrestrial ecosystems
Theory IV (lecture) - Biogeochemical processes and reactions in soil
Theory V (lecture) - Linking soil processes to biogeochemical cycles
Theory VI (lecture) - Linking biogeochemical cycles to each other
Soil data / biogeochemical modeling workshops
Previous knowledge expected

Fundamental knowledge of the main features of soil composition (phases and their constituents such as elemental composition, main compounds and mineralogy), soil (forming) processes, soil classification (international system - World Reference Base), basics of soil chemistry, soil physics and soil biology (bachelor level).
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Objective: Expanding and deepening the knowledge and comprehension of biogeochemical cycles and related soil processes with emphasis on major soil elemental constituents and plant nutrients.

Learning Outcomes:
• Recall and understand the principles of biogeochemical cycling of elenments
• Know the main components (flows, reservoirs) and interactions of the biogeochemical cycles of important elements at global and ecosystem scale;
• Appreciate the relevance of the soil processes and soil reactions for biogeochemical cycling of elements and their exchange between soils and other major ecosystem compartments such as water and atmosphere;
• Appreciate the links between biogeochemical cycling and soil weathering / soil formation
• Appreciate links and interactions between biogeochemical cycles of diffferent elements
• Know about the relevance of natural versus anthropogenic components of biogeochemical cycles
• Discuss effects of landuse / land management on biogeochemical cycles
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.