701-1337-00L  Forest Soils - Functions and Responses to Environmental Changes

SemesterHerbstsemester 2016
DozierendeF. Hagedorn, P. F. Schleppi
Periodizitätjährlich wiederkehrende Veranstaltung
LehrspracheEnglisch


KurzbeschreibungThe students are measuring carbon and nutrient fluxes in forest soils under a changing climate and land-use. In laboratory and field experiments, they are manipulating climatic conditions (temperature, drought) and quantify the response of C and N fluxes in soils, and plant-soil interactions. The results will be interpreted and discussed in the context of changes in climate and land-use.
LernzielThe students get first-hand experience with field and laboratory methods to measure carbon and nutrient fluxes. They shall learn about physico-chemical properties of Swiss forest soils and how these properties determine the ecological functions of soils and their response to environmental changes. Finally the students shall interpret, discuss and present their experimental data.
Inhalt1. Introduction to the ecological functions of Swiss forest soils
2. Measurement of soil CO2 efflux, carbon and nutrient leaching in a forest soil
3. Sampling and preparation of litterand soil samples from selected soil profiles under different land-uses
4. Setting-up laboratory experiments in microcosms. Measurement of soil respiration and leaching of carbon, nutrients and/or contaminants in climate chambers under different environmental conditions.
5. Analyses of litter, soil, and soil water for selected physical and chemical properties
6. Interpretation and final presentation of data
SkriptA manual will be distributed during the course.
LiteraturSelected publications will be distributed during the course.