Soil Ecosystem

1. Explain the concept, structure, and function of the soil ecosystem.
2. Describe the sources of energy and nutrients for soil organisms.
3. Explain how soil ecosystems develop and evolve.
4. Describe the processes of nutrient cycling, particularly carbon and nitrogen.
5. Explain the contributions of rhizobia and mycorrhizae to nutrient cycling and energy flow.
6. Describe the interrelationships between soil and vegetation in the landscape.

13 weeks, about 27.5 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

   • Unit 1: The Concept of Ecosystem · 1.5 hours

     Read the introduction to the concept of an ecosystem.. Identify the different categories of organisms within an ecosystem.. Explain the functions of each organism in maintaining the ecosystem.. Describe the factors that contribute to ecosystem productivity..

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

   • Unit 2: The Soil Ecosystem · 1.5 hours

     Differentiate the soil ecosystem from other types of ecosystems.. Identify and describe the roles of soil ecosystem engineers.. Explain the factors that affect the functions of the soil ecosystem, such as decomposition rates and soil texture.. Discuss the importance of soil structure in gas exchange and water movement..

3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

   • Unit 3: Structure and Function of Organisms in the Soil Ecosystem · 2 hours

     Describe the diversity of organisms found in the soil ecosystem.. Classify soil organisms based on size and function.. Explain the functions of different organisms in maintaining soil health and fertility.. Understand the roles of microbiota, mesobiota, and macrobiota in soil processes..

4. Week 4Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

   • Unit 4: Development of the Soil Ecosystem · 2 hours

     Describe the process of ecological succession in soil ecosystems.. Distinguish between autotrophic and heterotrophic succession.. Explain the meristic approach to soil ecosystem development.. Understand the role of biotic components in the development of soil ecosystems..

5. Week 5Module 1: Introduction to Soil Ecosystem

   • Unit 5: Microbial Ecology · 1.5 hours

     Define and explain the meaning of microbial ecology.. State the scope of organisms involved in microbial ecology.. Explain the importance of microbial ecology in environmental restoration and food production.. Discuss the interactions between microbes and their environment..

6. Week 6Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

   • Unit 1: Organic Matter Decompositions and Energy · 2 hours

     State the role of microorganisms in organic matter decomposition.. Describe the products of organic matter decomposition, including energy and nutrients.. Explain the process of organic matter decomposition and the formation of humus.. Understand the carbon cycling process in the soil..

7. Week 7Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

   • Unit 2: Role of Different Components of Organic Matter · 2 hours

     Describe the decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, chitin, lignin, lipids, and proteins.. State the products of decomposition for each component.. Identify the contribution of each component to nutrient and energy supply.. Understand the role of enzymes in breaking down complex organic molecules..

8. Week 8Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

   • Unit 3: The Soil Food Web · 1.5 hours

     State the organisms that constitute the soil food web.. Explain the factors affecting the composition of the soil food web.. Describe the number and activities of organisms in the soil food web.. Understand the role of soil life in nutrient and water availability..

9. Week 9Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

   • Unit 4: Biogeochemistry and Nutrient Cycling, C and N Cycling · 2 hours

     Explain the basis of biogeochemical cycles.. Describe the carbon cycle in soils, including photosynthesis and respiration.. Explain the nitrogen cycle in soils, including gains and losses.. Understand the roles of mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification..

10. Week 10Module 2: Organic Matter and Nutrient Cycling

    • Unit 5: Aerobic and Anaerobic Processes · 1.5 hours

      Explain soil factors leading to aerobic and anaerobic conditions.. Explain the variation among organisms in their oxygen requirements.. Compare and contrast aerobic and anaerobic processes such as respiration.. Understand the role of oxygen in microbial metabolism..

11. Week 11Module 3: Soil-Vegetation Interrelationships

    • Unit 1: Contributions of Rhizobia to Nutrient Cycling and Energy Flow · 2 hours

      Explain the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the ecosystem.. Explain the nature of the symbiosis between rhizobia and legumes.. Describe the diversity of organisms involved in nitrogen fixation.. Understand the process of biological nitrogen fixation..

    • Unit 2: Contributions of Mycorrhizae to Nutrient Cycling and Energy Flow · 2 hours

      Explain the different types of mycorrhiza associations with plants.. Describe the contribution of mycorrhiza to nutrient cycling in soils.. Understand the symbiotic relationships between mycorrhizae and plants.. Discuss the role of mycorrhizae in phosphorus uptake..

12. Week 12Module 3: Soil-Vegetation Interrelationships

    • Unit 3: Inter Relationship Between Soil and Vegetation · 2 hours

      Explain how plants are the main sources of carbon and energy for the soil ecosystem.. Discuss the contribution of dead plant energy and nutrients in agricultural systems.. Describe the relationship between plants and soil microorganisms.. Understand the role of plants in the rhizosphere..

    • Unit 4: The Role of Plant Roots · 2 hours

      State the importance of plant roots in soil-plant relationships.. Explain the nature and function of plant roots in relation to the soil biota.. Describe the parts of plant roots and their contribution to soil development.. Understand the role of root hairs and root caps..

13. Week 13Module 3: Soil-Vegetation Interrelationships

    • Unit 5: The Concept of Rhizosphere · 2 hours

      Understand that the rhizosphere is the biologically, chemically, and energetically active area of soil.. Explain the extent of the rhizosphere and its characteristics.. Describe the activities of microorganisms in the rhizosphere.. Discuss the manipulation of rhizosphere microorganisms for increased crop productivity..