The course aims to provide the basic knowledge necessary for understanding the "soil system", both because it represents the result of the actions and interactions of natural and anthropogenic factors on the rocks of the earth's surface, and as such constitutes an important indicator of the conditions both current and historical and geological past, both for the importance it has for the ecosystem and for the environment in which human activities develop. Especially in this second aspect, the soil is an indispensable element, but it is also extremely vulnerable and, moreover, difficult to renew. It is therefore an important economic and environmental resource, whose proper protection and conservation cannot be separated from an adequate knowledge of the mechanisms that determine its natural dynamic equilibrium.

The training course is therefore articulated through the analysis of the factors and processes of formation and evolution of the soil, the definition of the capacities and limitations of use and the problems of vulnerability, protection and conservation.

Principles of pedology: definition of soil, soil formation and evolution, soil components, soil functions, factors and processes of pedogenesis.

Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic in the soil: water and water balance in the soil, water supplies, infiltration, evapotranspiration and surface and underground runoff.

The soil system: interaction between natural and anthropic processes and vulnerability of the soil system, the dynamics of the slopes, equilibrium in morphodynamic systems, morphoclimatic equilibrium.

Soil degradation: water and wind erosion, runoff and runoff, estimation of the intensity of water erosion, mass movements, salinization, compaction, over-exploitation, land consumption (urbanization).

Soil defense.

Not required.

The student will have to achieve a sufficient mastery in the knowledge of the main processes of formation and evolution of the soil and will have to demonstrate that he is able to independently address and solve problems related to its defense in the context of complex interdisciplinary contexts.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Lectures

Field excursions.

Innovative teaching methods

Taught class will be completed by field exercises to observe and directly experiment some of characteristics and properties of soils described in the classroom.

Attendance

No obligations.

Course books

S. Stuart, G. McRae Pedologia pratica. Zanichelli.

G. Vianello, R. Zecchi, Pedologia, Zanichelli.

C. Giovagnotti, Tassonomia del suolo. Ed. Italiana della Soil Taxonomy USDA. Edagricole.

G. Gisotti, Principi di geopedologia, Calderini

Assessment

The assesment of learning consists in an oral exam that involves an evaluation which is expressed as a grade of out of 30.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Attendance

No obligations.

Course books

S. Stuart, G. McRae Pedologia pratica. Zanichelli.

G. Vianello, R. Zecchi, Pedologia, Zanichelli.

C. Giovagnotti, Tassonomia del suolo. Ed. Italiana della Soil Taxonomy USDA. Edagricole.

G. Gisotti, Principi di geopedologia, Calderini

Assessment

The assesment of learning consists in an oral exam that involves an evaluation which is expressed as a grade of out of 30.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.