Micropedology Laboratory
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The goal of this course is to provide students with the basic knowledge to describe and characterize the soil at the microscope, both for geopedological and interdisciplinary studies.
Expected learning outcomes
Capability to describe soil thin sections at the microscope and to provide their interpretation
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Soil thin sections micromorphology: history of micropedology; undisturbed sampling and thin sections preparation; review of the concepts of mineralogical optics.
Soil thin sections description: descriptive criteria; fabric and patterns; related distribution; aggregates, voids and microstructure; mineral and organic basic components; micromass; pedological figures.
Micromorphology of diagnostic materials: the dynamics of clays; the dynamics of water; the dynamics of soluble salts; the dynamics of the oxides; biogeochemical processes.
Micromorphology of archaeological deposits.
Micropedology and palaeoenviromnental reconstructions.
Soil thin sections description: descriptive criteria; fabric and patterns; related distribution; aggregates, voids and microstructure; mineral and organic basic components; micromass; pedological figures.
Micromorphology of diagnostic materials: the dynamics of clays; the dynamics of water; the dynamics of soluble salts; the dynamics of the oxides; biogeochemical processes.
Micromorphology of archaeological deposits.
Micropedology and palaeoenviromnental reconstructions.
Prerequisites for admission
To successfully attend this teaching course, the following are recommended (but not mandatory):
- knowledge of the basic concepts of Earth sciences;
- knowledge of the basics of geopedology.
- knowledge of the basic concepts of Earth sciences;
- knowledge of the basics of geopedology.
Teaching methods
Lectures - traditional dispensing.
Individual use of the microscope is envisaged.
Individual use of the microscope is envisaged.
Teaching Resources
- Verrecchia E.P. & Trombino L. (2021). A Visual Atlas for Soil Micromorphologists. Springer Nature Switzerland.
Free electronic version (open access): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-67806-7
- Bullock P., Fedoroff N., Jongerius A., Stoops G. & Tursina T. (1985). Handbook for Soil Thin Section Description. Waine Research Publications, Wolverhampton.
- Stoops G., Marcelino V. & Mees F. (2018). Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths. Elsevier, Oxford.
- Stoops G. (2021). Guidelines for analysis and description of soil and regolith thin sections. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA & Wiley, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA.
Free electronic version (open access): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-67806-7
- Bullock P., Fedoroff N., Jongerius A., Stoops G. & Tursina T. (1985). Handbook for Soil Thin Section Description. Waine Research Publications, Wolverhampton.
- Stoops G., Marcelino V. & Mees F. (2018). Interpretation of Micromorphological Features of Soils and Regoliths. Elsevier, Oxford.
- Stoops G. (2021). Guidelines for analysis and description of soil and regolith thin sections. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin, USA & Wiley, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of the observation under the microscope of one soil thin section, and an oral discussion with questions relating to the observations conducted, at the end of which a mark expressed out of thirty will be recorded. Honors will be given when the level of preparation is more than excellent. The final evaluation will consider the acquired knowledge (60%) and the ability to organize and illustrate the arguments (30%) and the expository skills (10%).
AGR/14 - PEDOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Trombino Luca
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Trombino LucaProfessor(s)
Reception:
On appointment
In my office, Via Mangiagalli 34, 2nd floor, room 77