CSS 4660 - Soil Ecology

(crosslisted)
(also HORT 4660)

Spring. 4 credits.

Prerequisites: one year of biology or ecology and CSS 2600 or permission of instructor.

J. E. Thies.

Discover the wonder of life underground. In this course, students study the amazing diversity of soil organisms along with their multifaceted functions in terrestrial ecosystems. The fundamental principles and features of biologically mediated processes in the soil and the functions of soil biota in both managed and unmanaged ecosystems are highlighted. Special topics include beneficial symbioses, biological control of plant pathogens, biogeochemistry of unique habitats, bioremediation and composting of organic wastes, among others. Laboratory focuses on molecular activities and traditional methods for assessing the abundance, activity, and diversity of soil organisms.