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OS13DEGR - Land degradation.

Course specification
Type of study Bachelor academic studies
Study programme
Course title Land degradation.
Acronym Status Semester Number of classes ECTS
OŠ13DEGR elective 7 2L + 2E 4.0
Lecturers
Lecturer
Lecturer/Associate (practicals)
Prerequisite Form of prerequisites
Forest lands. Passed exam.
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is for the student to become familiar with the basic types of land degradation (erosion, floods, excessive deforestation, pollution, desertification, etc.), and the factors that cause it. The goal is also getting to know and mastering modern methods of soil conservation, and the possibilities of prevention through different approaches and methods.
Learning outcomes
The student acquires basic knowledge for understanding the causes of global changes in the pedosphere, the consequences land degradation at the global and local level. They acquire the ability to recognize degraded habitats, and define the causes of degradation. Also, they acquire the ability to evaluate possible measures for bringing degraded lands to their intended use.
Content
The role of soil in ecosystem processes; Use and use of land; Drivers of global changes in the pedosphere. Global state of land cover, processes and trends: degradation, content of organic carbon, erosion, floods, soil contamination, soil acidification, salinization; Change in land use. Urbanization; Loss of land; Land as part of the global management of natural resources. Neutrality of land degradation. Management and protection policies land (global and regional agreements, national policies).
Teaching Methods
Lectures and exercises. Consultations. Seminary work.
Literature
  1. Đorović, M. (2005): Water and wind soil erosion, Union of Biological and Scientific States of Yugoslavia, JDPZ, Belgrade.
  2. Lambin, E. F., & Geist, H. (Eds.). (2006). Land-Use and Land-Cover Change ‒ Local Processes and Global Impacts (Global Change – The IGBP Series). Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. (Original title)
  3. Blanco, H., & Lal, R. (2010). Principles of Soil Conservation and Management. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. (Original title)
  4. Morgan, R. P. C. (2005). Soil Erosion and Conservation (3rd Edition). Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing (Original title)
  5. FAO and ITPS. (2015). Status of the World’s Soil Resources (SWSR) – Main Report. Rome, Italy: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Original title)
Evaluation and grading
Test 1. Test 2. Oral exam.