Course aims:

Knowing and deepening the notions regarding the formation, characteristics and spread of the soil cover of Romania
Knowledge of the main processes of pedogenesis
Acquiring the basics of mineralogy and petrography required for the soil science discipline. Knowledge of the main properties of soils
Study of the main properties of soils (morphological, physical, hydro-physical and chemical. Knowledge of the main soil classification systems both in Romania and in other countries.

Course Entry Requirements:

Phisical geography

Course contents:

Definitions. Historic Pedogenetic factors, Indicators of characterization of relief units, climate, vegetation Indicators of physical and chemical characterization of the soil Forming and forming the mineral part of the soil Forming and structures of the organic part of the soil. Types of humus The main macro elements needed for plant nutrition. Soil trophicity Physical and hydrophysical properties of the soil Notions of soil taxonomy. Soil classification in the country and abroad The main soil units in the territory of Romania Soil degradation processes (erosion, pollution, etc.) Elements of soil geography

Teaching methods:

LecturesField trip

Learning outcomes:

study of soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and these properties in relation to the use and management of soils

Learning outcomes verification and assessment criteria:

Exam at least 2 test subjects - oral examinationt (60% of the final grade)Test of the lab - practical (40% of the final grade)

Recommended reading:

Bunescu V., Gh. Blaga, M. Rusu,, Cartarea şi bonitarea terenurilor agricole, Curs, Cluj Napoca, Tipografia Agronomică,, Cluj Napoca, 2004,
IUSS Working Group WRB, World reference base for soil resources International soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps, WORLD SOIL RESOURCES REPORTS, Rome, 2015,
Dimen L, Soil science, Aeternitas, Alba Iulia, 2007,