Biofunctioning of Tropical Soils

Credits: 4

Program: Soil: concept, constitution, notions of pedogenesis, and chemical, physical, water and morphological properties. General characteristics of the main types of Brazilian soils. Technical and natural soil classifications. Soil Organic Matter (SOM): general concepts; dynamics of SOM; influence of OM on soils and plant growth; Factors and practices that influence SOM levels. Soil organisms: diversity; microorganisms; soil invertebrate fauna; influence of organisms on soil properties. Relationship between SOM and properties of tropical soils. Role of SOM in nutrient cycling, water availability, soil conservation.