C0202 - SOIL BIOLOGY AND GLOBAL CHANGES

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to: - Understand the chemical and biological composition of soils and their importance for ecosystem functioning. - Explain the role of microbial biodiversity in biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S) and soil health. - Analyze the interactions between soil microorganisms, soil fauna and plants. - Assess the effects of global changes on soil biological functioning. - Use scientific concepts and terminologies to describe soil biological and biochemical processes and their environmental implications. - Relate theoretical knowledge to case studies applied to sustainable management and climate change mitigation.

Course contents

Module 1: Soil Biochemistry and Functionality (3 Credits)
- Soil composition: organic and inorganic components.
- Chemical properties: pH, cation/anion exchange capacity, adsorption.
- Microbial enzyme activity and nutrient cycling (C, N, P).
- Role of organic matter in regulating ecosystem services.
- Strategies for soil management and climate resilience.




Module 2: Soil Biology and Global Changes (3 Credits).
- Microbial biodiversity and interactions with soil fauna.
- Microbial regulation of biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S).
- Impacts of climate change, land use and pollution on soil biology.
- Role of soil in greenhouse gas emissions and carbon storage.
- Soil-climate feedback mechanisms.

Readings/Bibliography

PDFs of texts and scientific articles on each of the topics covered in class will be provided by the instructor, as well as slides of each lecture once the topic is completed.


Reference texts for the course include:


- “Soil Microbiology, Ecology, and Biochemistry” - Ed. Eldor A. Paul
- “Principles of soil chemistry” - Ed. Kim H. Tan


Not all the contents of the recommended texts are actually to be considered for exam preparation, and the purchase of the volumes is not mandatory. The student should therefore select, from the topics covered in the texts, those to be considered for exam preparation, referring to what is detailed in the syllabus and slides.


Most of the texts are available for reference at the University Libraries.

Teaching methods

Lecture materials presented in class will be made available to students in electronic format via Virtual (https://virtuale.unibo.it/). In-depth materials will also be provided during the course to explore specific current topics in more detail and for discussion groups.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a final oral test designed to test understanding of the processes discussed in the two modules.

The evaluation takes into account the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the student in relation to the course content. Assessment of learning is by oral examination, which verifies the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills. The final evaluation is expressed in thirtieths.

Teaching tools

PC, video projector. Lecture materials presented in class will be made available to students in electronic format.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Canarini