University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2010-2011Last update : 11/04/2011
GEOP0002-1  Pedology
Duration :  42h Th, 6h FT
Credits/ECTS :  
Bachelor in bioengineering, 3rd yearFirst semester4
One-year preliminary programme leading to the Master in BioengineeringFirst semester4
Required preliminary complements to register in the Advanced master in bio-engineering: sanitary engineeringFirst semester4
Holder(s) :  Laurent Bock
Language :  French language
Course contents :  Soil as an environmental factor - general concepts introducing the profile definition.
The notion of parental material in comparison with forms and formations-supports (origin, nature, deposition).
Elements of identification :
- criteria of differenciation and horizon symbols;
- presentation of the Belgian soil map;
- main soil types of the world.
Field identification (2x 1/2 day early in the programme).
Solid components :
- mineral (granulometry, composition);
- organic - living and dead (morphology, determination, evolution).
Particles organization or (micro) structure
(genesis, morphology, porous resultant, sensitivity, appropriated characterizations).
Liquid and gaseous phases :
- water in the soil (characteristics, behaviour, incidences);
- soil air, oxydo-reduction potential and soil temperature.
Colloïdal properties and soil solution.
Acidity and alkalinity.
(Bio)availability in (micro)nutrients.
Outline for soil fertility assessment.
Course objective :  To portray soil as an organized, living and dynamic system (soil as a reactor); the comprehension of which (or pedological synthesis) being essential for all uses aiming at sustainability, reversibility and respect for the environment.
After completing the course the student is expected to
- grasp the causes-effects relationships between soil compounds, properties and behaviours
- draw the main criteria of the pedological diagnosis,
- deduce the main practical incidences for soil management,
- descrypt/encrypt soil profiles and soil types according to horizon codification and the legend of the Belgian soil map,
- treat of main world soil types in a structured way.
Prerequisites :  -- GP205 - Earth sciences
Organization :  Lectures : 42h
Field-study trip and visits : 6h
Written notes :  Nyle C. Brady & Ray R. Weil (2002), The nature and properties of soils, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 13th ed., 960 p.
Duchaufour Ph. (1997), Abrégé de pédologie, Masson, Paris, 291 p.
Soltner D. (1996), Les bases de la production végétale, tome 1 : le sol et son amélioration, éd. Sciences et techniques agricoles, Angers, France, 464 p.
Assessment :  Oral examination (100%)
Contacts :  Bock, Laurent (Professeur - Gestionnaire)
Science du Sol
081 62 25 38
laurent.bock@ulg.ac.be


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