Stockbridge Sch of Agriculture 590M - MicrobeMineralOrgMatter/Soils

This course discusses fundamental biogeochemical interactions between microbes, minerals, and organic matter responsible for carbon cycling, mineral weathering, and nutrient dynamics in soils. Through a combination of lectures and in-class discussions, we will examine the importance of biogeochemical processes for soil development, carbon storage, and fertility. Biogeochemical concepts of soil organic matter dynamics and stress response will be reinforced through manipulation of actual data sets. In addition, it is discussed how biogeochemical mechanisms respond to global environmental change, and how this response impacts soil functioning.

STOCKSCH 105/CHEM 110 or 111 Environmental Soil Chemistry (STOCKSCH575), Organic Chemistry (CHEM 261) and General Microbiology (MICROBIO 310) are recommended prerequisites.