Edaphology

G4091204 and G4071224 – SOIL SCIENCE- 2024/2025

GENERAL INFORMATION:
• ECTS credits: 4.50
• Lectures: 18.00 h
• Practical classes: 18.00 h
• Exam: 2.5 h
• Tutorial: 2.00 h
• Student work: 72 h
• Total: 112.5 h

COURSE OBJECTIVES

(common for the different possible scenarios in the current pandemic situation)

AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING

Students should achieve knowledge regarding basis and fundamentals of Soil Science to be applied in the field of Agricultural and Agro-alimentary Engineering.


FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING

Students should achieve knowledge regarding basis and fundamentals of Soil Science to be applied in the field of Forestry and environment.

AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING
FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING


The degree report for this subject includes the following contents:

General concepts of Edaphology (Soil Science).
Soil formation factors.
Soil components.
Soil structure.
Physical, chemical and biological properties of soils.
Soil classification according to the FAO methodology.
Capabilities and limitations of soils for production: agrological classes

These contents will be presented as follows:

LECTURES

PART I: 5 h

1.- CONCEPTS OF SOIL SCIENCE AND SOIL
Concept of Soil Science. Concept of soil. Vertical organization of soils: Profile and horizons. Classification and definition of the main horizons. Lateral organization. Concept of pedon and poly-pedon.

2.- SOIL FACTORS
Study of the action of soil formation factors and their influence on soil properties. Weather and climate. Parent material. Relief. Organisms. Time.

Lectures Part I: 5 h
Study time Part I: 10 h

PART II: 5 h

3.- THE SOIL AS A DISPERSE SYSTEM
Soil phases. Definition of solid phase. Soil texture. Representation and interpretation of results.

4.- SOIL MINERAL FRACTION: THE COARSE FRACTION
Origin and composition of the inorganic fraction. The coarse mineral fraction: origin, function and meaning.

5.- FINE MINERAL FRACTION
Origin, types and meaning of the fine mineral fraction. Crystalline and non-crystalline components of the fine fraction. Importance of the fine fraction. Ion exchange capacity. Characterization of exchange complex.

6.- SOIL ORGANIC FRACTION
Origin, content and composition of soil organic matter. Mineralization and humification. Types of humus. Functions of the organic matter in the soil. Ion exchange capacity.

7.- SOIL FLUIDE PHASES
Forms of water in the soil. Energy state. Dynamic aspects of water in the soil. The soil solution: origin, composition and variability. The soil atmosphere: origin and composition.

Lectures Part II: 5 h
Study time Part II: 15 h


PART III: 5 h

8.- SOIL ORGANIZATION
Soil structure. Mechanisms of aggregate formation. Structural stability. Degradation of the structure.

9.- SOIL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Soil particle density and bulk density. Porosity and pore types. Aeration capacity. Soil color.

10.- SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Soil acidity. Soil pH: concept, meaning and methods of determination. Natural and induced acidity. Soil buffer potential. Acidity correction. Salinity and alkalinity. Redox state of the soil: Main redox processes in soils. Eh concept. Eh-pH diagrams.

11.- SOIL AND PLANT NUTRITION
Main nutrients. Forms and dynamics of nutrients in soils. Relative importance of mineral and organic pools.

Lectures Part III: 5 h
Study time Part IiI: 10 h


PART IV: 3h

12.- SOIL CLASIFICATION
Importance of soil classification. The FAO-UNESCO system: Main Soil Units.

Lectures Part VI: 3 h
Study time Part IV: 6 h

LABORATORY AND FIELD PRACTICAL CLASSES, AND PROBLEM RESOLUTION SESSIONS

LABORATORY PRACTICES

Practice 1 .- Determination of texture and organic matter content. 2 h
Practice 2 .- Determination of pH and cation exchange capacity. 2 h

Laboratory practical classes: 4 h
Study time field practical classes: 3 h


FIELD PRACTICAL CLASSES

Practice 1 .- Detailed description of soil profiles in a catena over schist near the Campus of Lugo. 2 h

Practice 2 .- Field work describing soil profiles developed over different parent materials (granite, schist, slate, serpentinites, amphibolites, sedimentary materials). 4 h

Field practical classes:6 h
Study time field practical classes:2 h


PROBLEM RESOLUTION SESSIONS (SEMINARS)

Practice 1. Calculations related to soil physical properties. 2 h

Practice 2. Calculations related to soil chemical properties. 2 h

Practice 3. Classification of soil profiles. 4 h

Seminars:85 h
Study time Seminars: 11 h

BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY

BASE REFERENCIAL MUNDIAL DEL RECURSO SUELO 2014. Sistema internacional de clasificación de suelos para la nomenclatura de suelos y la creación de leyendas de mapas de suelos. Informes sobre recursos mundiales de suelos nº 106. Roma 2016.

BOHN, H. L., MCNEAL, B.L.,. O'CONNOR G.A. 1993. Química del suelo. 2nd ed., 1ª ed. en español. Limusa, México. 370pp.

CHESWORTH, W. 2008. Encyclopedia of soil Science. Springer, Dordrecht (The Netherlands). 902pp.

DRIESSEN, P. 2001. Lecture notes on the major soils of the world. Organización de LAS NACIONES UNIDAS PARA LA AGRICULTURA Y LA ALIMENTACIÓN. ROMA, 334PP.

FITZ PATRICK, E.A., 1984. Suelos: su formación, clasificación y distribución. CECSA, México. 430pp.

GUITIÁN, F., CARBALLAS, T., 1976. Técnicas de análisis de suelos. Editorial Pico Sacro, Santiago de Compostela.

PORTA CASANELLAS J., LOPEZ-ACEVEDO REGUERÍN M., ROQUERO DE LABURU C. 2003. Edafología para la agricultura y el medio ambiente. Ed. Mundi Prensa, Madrid.

VARGAS ROJAS, R. 2009. Guía para la descripción de suelos / traducido y adaptado al castellano por Ronald Vargas Rojas. 4ª ed. Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación. Roma, 99pp.


COMPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY


BRADY N. C., WEIL R. R. 1999. The Nature and properties of Soils. Ed. Prentice Hall. New Yersey

BREEMEN, N. van. 1991. Soil Acidification and Alkalinization. In Ulrico, B., M.E. Sumner (eds): Soil Acidity. Springer-Verlag.

DOMINGUEZ VIVANCOS, A. 1997. Tratado de Fertilización. Editorial Mundi –Prensa. Madrid.

DUCHAUFOUR Ph., SOUCHIER B. 1987. Edafología.2. Constituyentes y Propiedades del Suelo. Ed. Masson SA. Barcelona.

HUANG, P.M., LI, Y., SUMNER M.E. 2012.Handbook of soil sciences [Recurso electrónico]. Boca Raton : CRC Press

KATIE, P. 2017. Pedology : formation, morphology and classification of soil. Callisto Reference. New York . 249pp.

MUNSELL COLOR COMPANY. 1998. Munsell Soil Colour Charts. Macbeth Division of Kollomorgen Corporation. MaryLand, USA

PORTA CASANELLAS J., LOPEZ-ACEVEDO, M., POCH, R.M. 2008. Introducción a la Edafologia. Uso y Protección del suelo. Ed. Mundi-Prensa. Madrid. 451 pp.

WHITE, R. E. 2006. Principles and practice of soil science: the soil as a natural resource Blackwell Publishing, 4th ed. Malden (Massachusetts) 363 pp.

WILD, A. 1992. Condiciones del suelo y desarrollo de las plantas según Russell. Ed. Mundi-Prensa. Madrid.
Páginas web:
http://edafologia.ugr.es
http://www.unex.es/edafo/

AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING

GENERAL COMPETENCES:

CG1 - Knowledge in basic subjects in relation to science and technology to enable continuous learning, as well as adaptability to new situations or changing environments.
This competence is partly acquired in this subject, specifically in matters relating to soil.

CG2 - Ability to solve problems with creativity, initiative, methodology and critical thinking.This competence is partly acquired in this subject, specifically in matters relating to soil.

CG5 - Ability to develop their activities, assuming a social, ethical and environmental commitment, taking into account the reality of human and natural environments.This competence is partly acquired in this subject, specifically in matters relating to soil.


TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCES:

CT2 - Capacity for reasoning and argumentation
CT1 - Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
CT3 - Ability to work individually with self-criticism.
CT5 - Ability to obtain appropriate, diverse and updated information
CT8 - Commitment to accuracy regarding the information provided to other people.
CT9 - Ability to use information and communication technologies (ICT).
CT10- Ability to use of bibliographic information and the Internet.
CT11- Use information in a foreign language.
CT12- Ability to solve problems by means of the integrated application of their knowledge.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCES:

CR2 - Ability to recognize, understand and use the principles of plant production bases, as well as of the production, protection and exploitation systems.
This competence is partly acquired this subject, specifically in matters relating to soil as base and fundamental of plant production.


FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING

GENERAL COMPETENCES:

CG1 - Ability to understand the biological, chemical, physical, mathematical basis and systems of representation necessary for the development of professional activity as well as to identify the different biotic and physical elements of the forest environment and renewable natural resources susceptible to protection, conservation and forest use.
This competence is partly acquired in this subject, specifically in matters relating to soil.

-CG14- Ability to understand, interpret and adopt scientific advances in forestry, to develop and transfer technology and to work in a multilingual and multidisciplinary environment.
This competence is partly acquired in this subject, specifically in matters relating to soil.

TRANSVERSAL COMPETENCE:

CT1 - Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
CT2 - Capacity for reasoning and argumentation
CT3 - Ability to work individually with self-criticism.
CT5 - Ability to obtain appropriate, diverse and updated information
CT6: Ability to develop and present an organized and understandable text.
CT8 - Commitment to accuracy regarding the information provided to other people.
CT11- Use information in a foreign language.
CT12- Ability to solve problems by means of the integrated application of their knowledge.

SPECIFIC COMPETENCE:

CECF3 - Sciences of Physical Environment : Geology, Climatology and Soil Science.
This competence is partly acquired in this subject, specifically in matters relating to soil. The rest is acquired in Geology and Climatology.

AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING

The classroom activities will be structured in theoretical lectures, interactive classes (practices, problem resolution sessions –seminars-, elaboration of coursework, and tutorials). In support of the theoretical and practical activities, the students will be provided with appropriate educational material, either printed or through the Virtual Campus.

LECTURES:

The teacher will present the theoretical concepts that allow students to approach the study and understanding of the subject. Audiovisual media will be used as support. Reflective and critical participation will be promoted.
Competence: CG1, CR2

INTERACTIVE CLASSES:

The interactive classes are a complement to the contents presented in the lectures. It will be as follows:

1. Lab and field practices: Determination of some physical and chemical parameters of soils in the labs. In the field, description of soil profiles developed over different parent materials, discussing their properties, capabilities, limitations and classification.
Competence: CG2, CG5, CT2, CT8, CT12, CR2

2. Problem resolution sessions (seminars): calculations related to physical and chemical properties will be conducted, as well as exercises related to soil classification.
Competence: CT2, CT3, CT8, CT12, CR2

3. The tutorials in small groups will be used to track the knowledge gained by the students and, if necessary, to resolve questions that are formulated. Also, each student could solve any dub in relation to the subject by means of individualized tutorials.
Competence: CG1, CT2, CT12, CR2

4. Preparation of field work: The students will carry out an individual coursework consistent in performing a soil survey corresponding to a particular area. For the discussion, the student will use the recommended basic and complementary bibliography, both in Spanish and English.
Competence: CT1, CT3, CT5, CT8, CT9, CT10, CT11

FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING

The classroom activities will be structured in theoretical lectures, interactive classes (practices, problem resolution sessions –seminars-, elaboration of coursework, and tutorials). In support of the theoretical and practical activities, the students will be provided with appropriate educational material, either printed or through the Virtual Campus.

Lectures:
The teacher will present the theoretical concepts that allow students to approach the study and understanding of the subject. Audiovisual media will be used as support. Reflective and critical participation will be promoted.
Competences: CG1, CG14, CECF3

Interactive classes:
The interactive classes are a complement to the contents presented in the lectures. It will be as follows:

1.Lab and field practices: Determination of some physical and chemical parameters of soils in the labs. In the field, description of soil profiles developed over different parent materials, discussing their properties, capabilities, limitations and classification.
Competences: CG1, CG14, CT2, CT8, CT12, CECF3

2. Problem resolution sessions (seminars): calculations related to physical and chemical properties will be conducted, as well as exercises related to soil classification.
Competences traballadas: CT1, CT2, CT3, CT8, CT12, CECF3

3. The tutorials in small groups will be used to track the knowledge gained by the students and, if necessary, to resolve questions that are formulated. Also, each student could solve any dub in relation to the subject by means of individualized tutorials.
Competences: CG14, CT2, CT12, CECF3

4. Preparation of fieldwork: The students will carry out an individual fieldwork consistent in performing a soil survey corresponding to a particular area.For the discussion, the student will use the recommended basic and complementary bibliography, both in Spanish and English.
Competences: CT1, CT3, CT5, CT8, CT11, CT12

AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING

The evaluation of learning will be performed by means of theoretical tests, practical tests, individual work, practical reports and assistance and involvement in different activities planned, with percentage values that follows:

1. Theoretical tests (including all contents explained in lectures and interactive classes): 65%. These tests will assess competence CG1, CG2, CG5, CT1, CT2 and CR2.

2. Laboratory practices: 10%. This activity will be used to assess the following competences: CG2, CG5, CT1, CT2, CT12 y CR2.

3. Field work: 25%. This work will be used to assess competence CG2, CG5, CT2, CT1, CT3, CT5, CT8, CT9, CT11, CT12 and CR2.
Completing the field and laboratory practices is mandatory.

During the course, just one partial test will be carried out, liberating the evaluated contents when a score of at least 5 was reached. Only those students that have assisted to a minimum of 75% of theoretical classes and practices could be admitted to this partial test. For repeaters, this percentage would 50%.

At the first opportunity (June session), students will carry out tests corresponding to the whole subject (when the partial test was not successfully passed), or will be examined of just the second part of the contents of the subject (if the previous partial test was successfully passed). Not successfully passed parties of the whole subject could be compensated only when a minimum score of 4.5 is reached in each test (theory, laboratory practices and field work).

Regarding the second time tests, students must carry out examination of each of the unsurpassed parts (theory, laboratory practices and/or field work). To calculate the final score, the same criteria used in the first opportunity will be maintained (i.e., reaching a minimum score of 4.5 in each part is needed). The validity of successfully passed practices and field work will be maintained for two years. The realization of the practices will also be kept for two years; but it will be necessary to take a practical exam if they have been done in a previous year.

Since in this matter there is a final test, it should be known that on the one hand, it is complementary to the continuous evaluation of the previous phases (since in the final test aspects that were not evaluated before are evaluated), but it can also be seen as an alternative to continuous assessment, for the cases of students who have not passed the assessment tests of the previous phases. In addition, it should be clear that the final test is mandatory for all students (whether or not they passed the previous continuous assessment), since (as already indicated) some aspects that were not previously assessed will be assessed in it. What will vary will be the contents of which the different students will be evaluated, since the students who have already passed some in previous phases of the continuous evaluation (according to the criteria indicated previously) will not have to be examined in the final test of those contents that they had already passed.

Students with dispensation from class attendance will be evaluated by examining each of the parts (theory, practices and seminars) in addition to the field work. They can do partial tests.They are recommended to follow out field and laboratory practices.

In cases where fraudulent conduct is detected in the performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of “Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión das cualificacións” will apply.


FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING

The evaluation of learning will be performed by means of theoretical tests, practical tests, individual work, practical reports and assistance and involvement in different activities planned, with percentage values that follows:

1.Theoretical tests (including all contents explained in lectures and interactive classes): 65%. These tests will assess competence: CG1, CG14, CECF3, CT1, CT2.

2. Laboratory practices: 10%. This activity will be used to assess the following competences:CG1, CG14, CECF3, CT1, CT2, CT12.

3. Field work: 25%. This work will be used to assess competence: CG1, CG14, CECF3, CT1, CT2, CT3, CT5, CT6, CT8, CT11 y CT12.
Completing the field and laboratory practices is mandatory.

During the course, just one partial test will be carried out, liberating the evaluated contents when a score of at least 5 was reached. Only those students that have assisted to a minimum of 75% of theoretical classes and practices could be admitted to this partial test. For repeaters, this percentage would 50%.

At the first opportunity (June session), students will carry out tests corresponding to the whole subject (when the partial test was not successfully passed), or will be examined of just the second part of the contents of the subject (if the previous partial test was successfully passed). Not successfully passed parties of the whole subject could be compensated only when a minimum score of 4.5 is reached in each test (theory, laboratory practices and field work).

Regarding the second time tests, students must carry out examination of each of the unsurpassed parts (theory, laboratory practices and/or field work). To calculate the final score, the same criteria used in the first opportunity will be maintained (i.e., reaching a minimum score of 4.5 in each part is needed). The validity of successfully passed practices and field work will be maintained for two years.The realization of the practices will also be kept for two years; but it will be necessary to take a practical exam if they have been done in a previous year.

Since in this matter there is a final test, it should be known that on the one hand, it is complementary to the continuous evaluation of the previous phases (since in the final test aspects that were not evaluated before are evaluated), but it can also be seen as an alternative to continuous assessment, for the cases of students who have not passed the assessment tests of the previous phases. In addition, it should be clear that the final test is mandatory for all students (whether or not they passed the previous continuous assessment), since (as already indicated) some aspects that were not previously assessed will be assessed in it. What will vary will be the contents of which the different students will be evaluated, since the students who have already passed some in previous phases of the continuous evaluation (according to the criteria indicated previously) will not have to be examined in the final test of those contents that they had already passed.
Students with dispensation from class attendance will be evaluated by examining each of the parts (theory, practices and seminars) in addition to the field work. They can do partial tests. They are recommended to follow out field and laboratory practices.

In cases where fraudulent conduct is detected in the performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of “Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión das cualificacións” will apply.

AGRICULTURAL AND AGROALIMENTARY ENGINEERING
FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING

Field work: 15 h
Study time to prepare lectures and practices: 57 h
TOTAL: 72 h

Students should follow up lectures in an applied manner (working and reflecting on the daily contents presented). Realization of field and laboratory practices. Students should resolve the theoretical and practical issues proposed by teachers. Students can formulate doubts to be resolved in the tutorials. Finally, it is hardly recommended an ongoing study of the subject.