Basics of Soil Ecology Short Course

Soil Ecology is the scientific study of how soil organisms interact with other organisms, and their environment. It studies how each component of this complex ecosystem influences and responds to processes and properties thus forming the basis for its ecological service or function. This short course will give an overview of Soil Ecology, its components, properties, processes, and ecological service.

Objectives:

1. Extend ecological knowledge to participants
2. Provide an avenue for continuing professional development
3. Promote awareness of ecological services

Learning Outcomes of the Short Course:

After completing this course, the participants should be able to:

1. Discuss the importance of soil, its ecology, and the ecosystem goods and services it provides;
2. Define some basic soil characteristics;
3. Describe the activities and roles that different soil organisms play; and
4. Integrate the connections between soil organic matter, diversity, functions, health, resilience, and sustainability.