Second Semester

SSC 830: SOIL BIOLOGY

Course content

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of soil as a living system.

 It introduces students to the historical development of soil microbiology and the concept of soil as a complex habitat supporting diverse biological communities.

The course examines the major groups of soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae, protozoa, nematodes, mesofauna, and macrofauna, focusing on their classification, identification, abundance, and methods of quantification. Students are introduced to laboratory techniques such as microbial staining, culture-based and molecular methods used to analyze soil biodiversity.

A major component of the course explores microbial ecology, including interactions among soil organisms (competition, mutualism, parasitism, symbiosis), and their relationships with plants in the rhizosphere.

The course also covers microbial transformations of nutrients, with emphasis on the carbon cycle, soil organic matter formation, and decomposition processes. Detailed discussions of the nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and other elemental cycles.

Further, the course addresses biological control of plant pathogens and nematodes, the biodegradation and metabolism of xenobiotics, and the ecological importance of soil macrofauna and mesofauna in nutrient cycling and soil structure maintenance.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to;

1. Classify soil organisms by size, habitat and substrate source

2. Explain the role of soil organisms in nutrients cycling and ecosystem functioning

3. Demonstrate practical skills in sampling identifying and analyzing the diversity and abundance of soil microorganisms- soil micro, meso and macrofauna

4. Apply knowledge of soil organisms in the management of agricultural ecosystems for improved soil fertility and sustainable crop production.

5. Evaluate the use of soil organisms as indicators of soil health

Course Evaluation

·         Exam 60%.

·         CATS 40% (one term paper)

References

1. Sylvia, D.M., J.J. Fuhrmann, P. G. Hartel, and D. V. Zuberer. 2005. Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology. Prentice Hall International, NJ, USA.

2. Paul, E.A. (ed.). 2007. Soil Microbiology, Ecology and Biochemistry. 3rd Ed. Elsevier, Oxford, UK.

3. Brady N.C. and Weil, R.R. 2004. The Elements of the Nature and Properties of Soils. 2nd ed. Pearson education, Inc., New Jersey.