OEKB301864 Soil microbiology

Type
Lecture
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Keiblinger, Katharina , Friedl, Johannes , Zechmeister-Boltenstern, Sophie
Organisation
Soil Research
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Deutsch
Content

Microorganisms shape soil fertility and health and connect plant growth with key environmental processes. This research-informed lecture course explores how bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms live in soils, interact with each other and with plants, and respond to changing environmental conditions. The emphasis is on understanding microbial diversity and processes and their relevance to sustainable crop production, agroecological systems, and environmental and bioresource management.

Starting with the conditions for microbial life in soil, the course examines how water availability, temperature, oxygen, pH and resource supply influence microbial community composition, activity and functions. It covers interactions within microbial communities and at the soil–plant interface, including rhizosphere processes, symbioses, and microbial nutrient release and immobilisation.

A major focus is the microbial decomposition, turnover and formation of soil organic matter and the associated carbon and nitrogen processes. Microorganisms are considered both as decomposers and as contributors to soil organic matter formation. Current concepts, including the microbial carbon pump, microbial residues and mineral-associated organic matter, help explain the conditions under which carbon is retained, recycled or released. Other nutrient cycles are considered within this functional context.

The course also examines the importance of microbial processes for greenhouse gas production and consumption, soil and water quality, and responses to climate change, management and contaminants. Emerging anthropogenic substances and materials (“novel entities”) are discussed in relation to their potential effects on soil microorganisms and soil functions.

Current methods in soil microbiology, including isotope-based approaches, are introduced through selected research examples. Students explore the questions these methods can address, how their results can be interpreted and where their limitations lie. Throughout the course, the emphasis is on mechanistic understanding, critical interpretation of scientific evidence and its relevance to the conservation of microbial biodiversity and the sustainable use of soils.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

• describe the conditions for microbial life in soil and explain how environmental conditions and resource supply influence microbial activity and functions;

• explain the functional importance of bacteria, fungi and their interactions with plants, and relate their contributions to nutrient supply, plant growth and soil functions;

• explain microbial processes involved in the decomposition, turnover and formation of soil organic matter, and connect current concepts of carbon storage and nutrient cycling;

• analyse the effects of microbial processes on plant growth, greenhouse gas fluxes, and soil and water quality using specific examples;

• explain potential responses of microbial processes to climate change, management and contaminants, and derive implications for sustainable crop production, agroecological systems and natural resource management;

• evaluate current methods in soil microbiology, including isotope-based approaches, in terms of their applicability, the information they provide and their limitations;

• critically interpret scientific findings and justify explanations of soil microbial processes using mechanistic understanding.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.