701-1339-00L  Soil Solids Laboratory

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersM. Plötze
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 12.


AbstractThe main part of the course is the investigation of real samples of soils/sediments in the lab working in groups. A brief theoretical introduction into the overall principle and the meaning of physical, mineralogical and chemical parameters of soils and sediments and into each analytical method for their investigation will be given in advance.
ObjectiveUpon successful completion of this course students are able to:
- describe structural, mineralogical and chemical properties of the inorganic solid part of soils and sediments,
- propose and apply different advanced methods and techniques to measure these properties,
- critically assess the data and explain the relationships between them,
- communicate the results in a scientific la report.
ContentBasic introduction to mineralogy and texture of soils
Analytical techniques
Practical exercises in sample preparation
Measurement and evaluation of the data:
- physical parameters (grain size distribution, surface, densities, porosity, (micro)structur)
- mineralogical/geochemical parameters (quantitative mineralogical composition, thermal analysis, cation exchange etc.)
Lecture notesSelected handouts will be distributed during the course.
LiteratureJasmund, K. , Lagaly, G. 1993. Tonminerale und Tone. Steinkopff: Darmstadt.
Scheffer, F. 2002. Lehrbuch der Bodenkunde / Scheffer/Schachtschabel. Spektrum: Heidelberg. 15. Aufl.
Dixon, J.B., Weed, S.B. 1989. Minerals in Soil Environments. SSSA Book Series: 1, 2nd Edition.
Sparks, D.L. 1996: Chemical Methods. SSSA Book Series 5, Part 3.
Dane, J.H., Topp, G.C. 2002: Physical Methods. SSSA Book Series 5, Part 4.
Ulery, A.L. & Drees, L.R. 2008: Mineralogical Methods. SSSA Book Series 5, Part 5.
Prerequisites / NoticeIn order to allow for effective lab work not more than 12 students can join the course.

Useful preparatory courses are: "Soil Chemistry", "“Clay Mineralogy"”, and "“X-ray powder diffraction”".