Soil Biology

In this course students will cover the definition of soil biology and its relevance of other disciplines and its importance in sustainable agriculture and environment. Emphasis in this course will on soil organisms. Soil as a habitat for soil organisms. Diversity of soil organisms and their interactions. Socio-economic benefits of soil organisms. Classification of soil organisms. Methods, types and taxonomy. Methods, techniques and advances of studying soil macroorganisms. Trophic groups of soil macro organisms and their interactions. Ecology of soil macro flora and fauna. Activities and roles of soil macroorganisms and their effects of ecosystem functions. Copping strategies for soil organisms against biotic and abiotic stress. Effects of management practices on soil macroorganisms. Conservation and management of the soil macro organisms.