The course will introduce students to soil science to the principles and approaches of soil research. The course aims to provide knowledge on the genesis and evolution of soils and provide the basis for further specialized studies in the field of soil conservation as a non-renewable environmental resource.
The various types of soils in different environments will be treated, from natural to man impacted and degraded. Particular attention will be paid to the soils of grassland and forest ecosystems.
1) Knowledge and understanding
Acquisition of knowledge on the main pedogenetic processes, on the environmental factors associated with them and will be able to understand the terminology and symbolism used in the soil maps, as well as the basic knowledge necessary to be able to acquire the soil data.
2) Knowledge and applied understanding skills
At the end of the training activity the student will demonstrate to be able to carry out a soil survey aimed at specific objectives
3) Autonomy of judgment
Through the examples proposed during the lessons and during the exercises, the student must be able to evaluate the quality of the soil information acquired through cartographic and field surveys.
4) Communication skills
The student will have to acquire a basic technical language relating to the topics covered during the lessons and exercises, in order to be able to dialogue with professionals and experts engaged in analysis, management and planning in the environmental and territorial field. Communication skills will be tested during the ongoing tests and / or in the final exam.
5) Learning skills
The student must demonstrate not only that he is in possession of the essential knowledge to be able to carry out a soil survey, but also that he is able to acquire further knowledge necessary for a soil survey aimed at specific objectives.