Forest Soils

Basic knowledge of Geology and Biology

Theoretical concepts are transmitted and put into practice according to the respective protocols of practical classes, not infrequently being classes of more free observation, where several questions are asked, before starting the development of concepts.

The student is challenged to participate and experiment by doing, using whatever resources are deemed appropriate to promote a great dynamic in the class. Preference is given to practical work that is presented by the student, stimulating teamwork and promoting the more or less formal ease required in situations of greater personal exposure.

Attendance in class is encouraged, valuing all elements performed in practical classes so that the continuous assessment results positive at the end of the assessment period in frequency

The course unit will provide basic knowledge for soil management as a natural resource.
To this purpose, the course contents will transmit knowledge about the soil constituents and properties,
the importance and representativity of organic horizons in forest soils, the dynamics of mineral elements after
 organic matter mineralization in forest systems and the evaluation and recognition of the main soil types in Portugal.

1. Main concepts and nomenclature;
2. Soil sampling for analysis;
3. Constituents and properties of soils;
4. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of soil constituents;
5. Dynamics of organic matter and mineral elements;
6. Soil formation: factors and processes;
7. Soil classification: portuguese classification system;
8. Description of a soil profile

NAO

Costa, J.B. 2004 – Caracterização e Constituição do Solo. FCG. Lisboa.
Brady, N.C.; Weil, R.R. 2002 – The Nature and Properties of Soils. 13ªEd. Mac Millan Pearson Education Inc.
New Jersey
World Reference Base for Soil Resources. World Soil Resources Reports 103, FAO, Rome , IUSS Working
Group WRB, 2006.
Cardoso, J. C., Bessa, M. T. e Marado, M. B. – Carta de Solos de Portugal (1:1 000 000). Agronomia Lusitana
33 : 481 – 602, 1973.
Ricardo, R. P. – Génese e Evolução dos Solos. ISA, Lisboa, 1969.