Soil ecology

General objectives: Given the importance of soils in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems, soil sciences have their place in the expertise and management of natural areas. Indeed, they allow us to understand the fertility, productivity and dynamics of ecosystems, but also the composition and spatial structure of ecological communities. From a naturalistic point of view, soils are also the habitat of a great diversity of species, including remarkable taxa covered by protection directives and conventions.

Specific Objectives:

Understand the biological functioning of a soil and interpret a profile based on a field observation approach. Understand the living environment that soils represent for diverse groups of species that are essential to the functioning of ecosystems.

The teaching is presented in the form of 3 sequences, including TD. Each sequence is open to continuing education. The order of the sequences can be modified according to the availability of external speakers.

Sequence 1: Biological diversity and main characteristics of a soil What is a soil?

 Soil biodiversity: fauna and flora

 Principles and techniques for describing a soil profile

3 sessions of TD followed by a work in non face-to-face

Sequence 2: Main functions of a soil

 Diversity of biological and ecological functions of a soil

 Soil fauna and humus forms

 Multiple interactions in soils

2 sessions of TD followed by a work in non presential

Sequence 3 : Applied soil ecology

 Interactions / facilitations / dynamics / interfaces / place of the human being

Ecological soil restoration

Soils and agricultural production

2 sessions of TD followed by a work in non presential

Competencies covered by the EU:

- Understanding the biological functioning of a soil

- Be able to interpret a profile from a field observation approach

- Understand the operational scope of soil science in the fields of expertise and management.

- basic knowledge of organism biology

- basic knowledge of ecology

-Taste for the naturalist approach and the field

Contact details of the person(s) in charge (tel/mail): 04 67 61 32 62

franck.richard@umontpellier.fr

Module of the EDEN license