Soil Biogeochemistry

In the lecture, the cycling of elements and molecules and their fate in the soil-plant system is described and knowledge is applied in exercises. The focus is on water, carbon, main nutrients such as phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium, minor- and trace nutrients such as Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn and pollutants such as 'heavy metals' (e.g. Cd, As), (micro)plastic and organic pollutants (PAH, PCB, pesticides, pharmaceuticals). Beside the knowledge about the matter fluxes, also important methods for Biogeochemical research (e.g. isotope application, catchment studies and element budgeting) are discussed.