27562 - Soil Quality Indexes

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student acquires the knowledge and tools necessary for the analysis, evaluation and management of the chemical and biochemical quality of soils. In particular, the student is able to:

• choose the quality indicators most suitable to describe the quality of soils based on the intended use, ecosystem services and ecological functions;
• set up, execute and manage the soil sampling plan for the determination of quality indicators;
• judge and interpret the analyses relating to the chemical and biochemical quality of soils;
• evaluate the effect of anthropic and/or natural events on the chemical and biochemical quality of soils;
• propose interventions to preserve, improve and restore the chemical and biochemical quality of soils.

Course contents

Prerequisite

Students enrolling in this course are expected to have a solid background in the fundamentals of soil science. They should also possess basic knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry, and microbiology.

Programme

The course introduces the concept of soil quality as the expression of the soil system's capacity to perform its ecological and productive functions within agricultural and forest ecosystems. The theoretical and methodological principles underlying soil quality assessment and the main approaches used for the development of soil quality indices will be examined.

The teaching is integrated with the course of Management of pollutants in the soil-water-plant-system (Module held by Prof. Ilaria Braschi) and together they provide the knowledge and tools for a correct evaluation of the chemical and biochemical quality of the soil (Integrated Course).

The course will address the following topics:

• evolution of the soil quality concept and its relationship with the sustainability of agricultural and forest ecosystems;
• soil functions and their role in maintaining productivity, environmental quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services;
• criteria for the selection and use of soil quality indicators;
• physical indicators of soil quality, with particular reference to soil structure, porosity, water dynamics, and compaction;
• chemical indicators of soil quality, including soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, nutrient availability, cation exchange capacity, soil pH, and salinity;
• biological and biochemical indicators of soil quality, with particular reference to microbial biomass, soil respiration, enzyme activities, and carbon and nitrogen transformation processes;
• principles and methodologies for the development of soil quality indices, including the selection of a Minimum Data Set (MDS), data normalization procedures, and the integration of indicators into composite indices;
• application of soil quality indices to the assessment of soil functional status in agricultural and forest ecosystems;
• identification of the factors responsible for soil quality degradation;
• use of soil quality indicators and indices to support the development of management strategies aimed at the conservation, improvement, and restoration of soil functions;
• assessment of the effects of agricultural practices, forest management operations, soil conservation measures, and organic matter management strategies on soil quality and ecosystem services. 
  

Practical activities will guide students through the different stages of a soil quality assessment programme. The practical sessions will include the design of a soil sampling strategy, soil sampling in agricultural and forest ecosystems, the determination of selected indicators through laboratory analyses, statistical data processing, and the development of soil quality indices aimed at evaluating the functional status of the system under study and at identifying appropriate management interventions for the conservation, improvement, or restoration of soil quality.

Readings/Bibliography

No single compulsory textbook is required for this course.

Preparation for the examination is based on the teaching materials provided by the instructor, including lecture presentations, lecture notes, scientific papers, technical documents, and case studies discussed during the course and made available through the University of Bologna Virtuale platform.

At the end of each lecture, students will receive a selected bibliography including scientific papers, review articles, and technical documents aimed at deepening their understanding of the topics covered and fostering the ability to critically evaluate scientific literature.

Required material for examination preparation

• Teaching materials and lecture notes provided by the instructor.

• Scientific papers and technical documents assigned during the course and made available through the Virtuale platform.

Recommended references

Karlen D.L. et al. (eds.) (2021). Approaches to Soil Health Analysis. Wiley.

Paul E.A., Frey S.D. (eds.) (2023). Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry. 5th Edition. Academic Press.

Violante P. (2009). Suolo e qualità dell'ambiente. Edagricole.

Wall D.H. (ed.) (2012). Soil Ecology and Ecosystem Services. Oxford University Press.

Further reading and analytical methods

Karlen D.L. et al. (eds.) (2021). Laboratory Methods for Soil Health Analysis. Wiley.

Colombo C., Miano T.M. (eds.) (2015). Metodi di analisi chimica del suolo. 3rd Edition. Italian Society of Soil Science (SISS).

Additional references will be provided throughout the course according to the specific topics addressed during lectures and practical activities.

Teaching methods

The course is organized into two complementary components.

1. Lectures

Through classroom lectures, independent study, and guided discussion, students acquire the knowledge required to understand the theoretical foundations of soil quality and the main approaches used for its assessment in agricultural and forest ecosystems.

Knowledge acquisition and understanding will be continuously monitored and strengthened through active interaction between the instructor and the students. During the lectures, case studies and practical applications related to soil quality assessment and the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems will be discussed. These activities are intended to promote independent critical thinking, the ability to critically evaluate data and indicators, and the development of effective communication skills.

2. Practical Activities

The practical component is designed to guide students through the different stages of a soil quality assessment programme. Activities will include the design of a soil sampling strategy, soil sampling in agricultural and forest ecosystems, the determination of selected soil quality indicators through laboratory analyses, statistical data analysis, and the development of soil quality indices.

During the practical sessions, several application scenarios will be proposed. Working individually or in small groups, students will be required to define and develop a work plan that they will follow throughout the practical activities. At the end of the course, students will prepare a technical report presenting and discussing the results obtained.

This component of the course is intended to develop the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to the assessment of soil functional status and to the sustainable management of agricultural and forest ecosystems.

Due to the nature of the activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance of the practical component requires all students to complete Modules 1 and 2 of the University of Bologna online health and safety training programme (https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-places ) and to attend Module 3 on specific health and safety issues related to study activities. Information on dates and attendance procedures for Module 3 is available on the Degree Programme website.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning outcomes for the course Soil Quality Indices is carried out through a final oral examination lasting approximately 30 minutes.

During the examination, students are expected to demonstrate an adequate understanding of the theoretical principles underlying soil quality assessment, the functions performed by soils in agricultural and forest ecosystems, and the main physical, chemical, biological, and biochemical indicators used to evaluate soil quality. Students will also be required to demonstrate their ability to interpret experimental data, critically discuss results, and understand the methodological principles involved in the development of soil quality indices and management strategies aimed at the conservation, improvement, and restoration of soil quality.

The final grade results from the integration of the marks obtained in the two modules that constitute the integrated course Soil Chemical and Biochemical Quality. The assessment must be passed as a whole; therefore, students must obtain a minimum score of 18/30 in each of the two disciplinary areas characterizing the integrated course. The final grade will be calculated as the average of the marks obtained in the two disciplinary areas.

Assessment criteria:

• 18–22: basic knowledge of the course topics and limited ability to relate indicators, soil functions, and soil quality;

• 23–26: good knowledge of the course topics and ability to interpret data and indicators related to soil quality;

• 27–29: thorough knowledge of the course topics, critical analytical skills, and appropriate use of scientific terminology;

• 30–30 cum laude: comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the course topics, outstanding ability to integrate theoretical and applied aspects, full command of disciplinary terminology, and strong independent critical thinking skills.

The official examiner responsible for grade registration is Prof. Ilaria Braschi.

Students who wish may take the examination in English.

Students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ), which will evaluate possible accommodations in agreement with the instructor and in accordance with the learning outcomes of the course.

Students who anticipate specific needs related to field activities, laboratory sessions, or assessment procedures are also encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course in order to facilitate full participation in all teaching activities.

With regard to the assessment of learning outcomes, the use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools is not permitted during the examination. Students may use such tools to support their independent study activities; however, the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and competencies assessed during the oral examination must be entirely attributable to the student.

Teaching tools

Teaching activities are supported by lecture presentations, teaching materials prepared by the instructor, scientific papers, technical documents, and case studies drawn from the national and international literature.

All teaching materials are made available through the University of Bologna Virtuale platform.

Practical activities involve the use of soil sampling equipment, laboratory instruments and analytical methods for the determination of physical, chemical, biological, and biochemical soil quality indicators, as well as software tools for data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of experimental results.

Throughout the course, students will also work with real datasets derived from agricultural and forest ecosystems for the development and interpretation of soil quality indices.

Office hours

See the website of Luciano Cavani