Learning Goals

1. Soil ecology: A deeper understanding of the natural and anthropogenically usable functions of soils should be developed and knowledge of the relevant soil properties and processes at near-natural, agriculturally used and urban sites should be acquired.
2. Vegetation ecology: Existing basic knowledge of the role and importance of flora and vegetation in ecosystems should be expanded and deepened. In particular, this involves understanding the different functions of vegetation in semi-natural, agricultural and urban ecosystems.

Contents

1. Soil ecology: focus of the lecture is the presentation of the most important natural soil functions:

• Soils as the basis of life
• Soils as a component of the natural balance (water and nutrient cycles)
• Soils as a filter, buffer and degradation medium for pollutants.

Each of the functions is described in detail, including the properties and processes relevant to the fulfillment of the function. Furthermore, factors are considered that can lead to the impairment of soil functions and how these disturbances can be prevented or reversed in terms of soil protection. For this purpose, the functions of near-natural sites are repeatedly compared with those of more anthropogenically influenced sites. During the excursions, individual topics will be deepened in the field and in exhibitions.

2. Vegetation ecology: The main focus of the lecture is the elaboration of the essential functions of flora and vegetation in ecosystems:

• Flora and vegetation as indicators of environmental conditions.
• Function and vegetation as habitat and livelihood for humans and animals
• Importance of flora and vegetation in securing and developing resources worthy of protection
• Social function ("welfare effects") of vegetation.

Each of these functions is described in detail and the relevant characteristics and processes that influence them are explained. Since it is mainly human activity that affects the above functions, the thematic focus is on the nature and mode of action of anthropogenic influences (e.g. hemeroby stages, flora and vegetation in settlements, urban-urban comparison of biotic parameters, neophytes in Central European habitats).

Teaching methods

Lecture

Mode of assessment

Written exam and oral exam

Additional Information

Conditions for granting credit points

Successful completion in the sum of the partial achievements.

Composition of the module grade:

a) written exam 50%

b) oral examination 50%

Usage of the module
Compulsory module

Stellenwert der Note für die Endnote
The module grade is CP-weighted and is included in the final M.Sc. grade.