Course description

“Soil science” is a normative discipline for the students of speciality 103 “Earth Sciences”, educational program “Soil science and expert estimation of soils”, bachelor’s degree. It is taught in 2 semesters in the volume of 4 credits (according to the European Credit-Transfer System ECTS).

The syllabus of the course envisages consideration of basic theoretical and practical problems of soil science. Special attention is attached to the study of influence of the soil building factors on formation of soils, their genesis and conformities with their geographical distribution on Earth. Students get acquainted with classification and diagnostic characteristics and parameters of soils in accordance with international and home classifications, study morphological, chemical, physical properties of different types of soils, their composition and make estimation of fertility level. The best way of preservation of soils properties and getting higher yields comes as a result of their rational use. At practical classes students study soil monoliths and parameters.