About this course

Lectures: Soil as part of an ecosystem. The components of soil. Organic material in soil. Soil ecology. Water in soil. The occurrence and reaction of plant nutrients in soil. Soil formation. Exercises: Soil texture, soil structure, soil formation.etc.. Other information: Guidance of the student over the Internet using Canvas.

Learning outcome

The students shall be able to explain important terms and processes which are basic to understand the soil as a cropping medium and as a part of the landscape

The students shall be able identify important soil characteristics and conduct simple calculations about mass and volumetric conditions in the soil.

The students shall appreciate soil as an important resource for plant production, ecology and environment, and that correct use of the soil is fundamental for good landscape management

  • Learning activities

    Lectures are used to review the main types of soil characteristics and processes in soil. The exercises (field and computer) give a practical introduction/demonstration of the lecture topics. Canvas is used for hand-ins/answers to questions related to topics from lectures and exercises, i.e. as a conclusion of the days teaching.

  • Teaching support

    Continuous guidance takes place at the students' initiative, either in class, during office hours visits or via the internet.

  • Syllabus

    Notes in Norwegian. Recommended litterature: Robert F. Keefer. 2000. Handbook of Soils for Landscape Architects and some handouts.

  • Recommended prerequisites

    Basic knowledge in biology and chemistry.

  • Assessment method

    Written exam.

    One written exam: A - E / Not passed



    One written exam Karakterregel: Letter grades Hjelpemiddel: A1 No calculator, no other aids

  • About use of AI

    Written exam: K1 - No use of AI

    Mandatory activity: K3 - Full use of AI.

    The use of AI is permitted, but it must comply with the Guidelines for Use of Artificial Intelligens (AI) at NMBU.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    The examiner will be involved in the planning, conduction, revision and approval of the exam questions of the course.

  • Mandatory activity

    Assignment i Canvas of given exercises and self-tests.

  • Notes

    The course is especially aimed at study programmes for landscape architects, but can also be of interest for economists and others.

  • Teaching hours

    Lectures: 24 hours. Exercises: 14 hours.

  • Reduction of credits

    JORD160 reduced with 3 credits against JORD100 / JORD101.

  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)