Soil science 1300-OGLW-GES

The lecture aims at presenting the basic terms in the field of soil science. Presented is the definition of soil, and the subject and development of soil science. Analyzed are conditions of the formation of different soil types, including soil forming factors, pedogenesis, processes in the soil profile, time as a factor having influence on soil development, relationships between the properties of soils, climate, and flora. Described are the morphological features of soils and principles of their description (characteristics of the soil profile, soil horizons, thickness, colours, structure and texture, porosity, admixtures). Soil character as a three-phase system is emphasized. Presentation of the solid phase includes the characteristics of mineral soil components, discussion of the impact of grain-size composition on selected soil properties, characteristics of soil organic matter, origin and evolution of organic matter, mineral-organic complexes. Presentation of the fluid phase of soil includes discussion on the content of water in soils, the chemical composition of the soil solution, and water capacity. Presentation of the gaseous phase includes soil aeration, respiration capacity of soils, chemical composition of soil air, exchange of soil air with atmospheric air, and thermal relationships. The lecture discusses also the physical (density, cohesiveness, plasticity) as well as physical and chemical soil properties (characteristics of micro- and macroelements, sorption capacities, types of sorption, soil pH, buffering properties), and the resulting soil richness, fertility, and productivity. Particular attention is drawn on the presentation of soil organisms that play a key role in soil evolution. Phenomena of soil degradation and factors causing soil degradation are discussed. Finally, the genetic classification of Polish soils is presented. Its description contains criteria of applying appropriate systematic units, sub-division of Polish soils into systematic units, characteristics of particular classes and types, as well as spatial distribution of the distinguished soil types in Poland. The presented issues on genetic soil sub-divisions are supplemented with cycles of soil development. The evaluation classification of soils is also presented during the lectures as well as their sub-division into complexes of agricultural utility. Paleosols and their stratigraphic significance are discussed. Soils around the world are reviewed and their geographic distribution is presented. The European and FAO/WRB classification of soils is also discussed.