GY211
Title
Soil and Vegetation Systems
Code
GY211
Level
5
Credit rating
10
Pre-requisites
none.
Type of module
Aims
Delivered over one semester
• To develop an understanding of nutrient cycling and
ecosystem change within terrestrial ecosystems
• To discuss the impacts of environmental changes on
soils and vegetation systems
Learning
outcomes/objectives
By the end of the module the students should be able to:
• develop an argument by means of appropriately
referenced written work
• interpret and combine different types of ecological
evidence
• understand the linkages within ecosystem components
• understand processes of succession in soil and
vegetation systems
• understand the consequences of human impacts on soil
and vegetation systems
Content
The module considers input-output and cycling processes
in a range of ecosystems. Attention is given to input output chemistry, weathering relationships and nutrient
cycling in small watersheds. The importance of vegetation
in the regulation and function of ecosystems is
investigated and processes of succession in both primary
and secondary situations are considered. The effects of
acid precipitation on terrestrial systems are examined. The
structure and function of tropical forest ecosystems and
mangrove systems is investigated with particular
emphasis on human impact and ecosystem change.
Plant - soil relationships at the community and species
level are discussed with reference to calcareous,
metalliferous and other atypical soils. Historical change in
vegetation communities is investigated with reference to
nutrient losses from British upland ecosystems, and the
impact of global warming on soil and vegetation systems
is evaluated.
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GY211
Teaching and learning
strategies
Normal contact time of 2 hours per week with an
additional four hours for directed study and assessment.
The presentation is largely lecture based with some data
analysis and class discussion activities.
Learning support
Indicative reading:
Bormann, F.H. and Likens, G.E. (1979) Pattern and
process in a forested ecosystem, Springer Verlag.
Hubbard Brook Ecosystem study http://www.hbrook.sr.unh.edu/
Reading, A.J., Thompson, R.D. and Millington, A.C.
(1995) Humid tropical environments, Blackwell, Oxford.
Roberts, B.A. and Proctor, J. (eds) (1992) The ecology of
areas with serpentinized rocks - a world view, Kluwer,
Dordrecht.
Solomon, A.M. and Shugart, H.H. (1993) Vegetation
dynamics and global change, Chapman and Hall, New
York, London.
Trudgill, S.T. (1988) Soil and vegetation systems, 2nd.
Ed., Clarendon, Oxford.
Assessment tasks
Graves, J. and Reavey, D. (1995) Global Environmental
Change. Plants, Animals and Communities, Longman,
Harlow.
Unseen examination (2 hours)
50%
Essay
50%
Pass requirement: 40% of total assessment (assuming all
thresholds have been met)’
Brief description of
module content and/or
aims
The module unites geographical, pedological and
ecological considerations of structure and function in soils
and vegetation systems. It aims to approach these
systems from a range of perspectives and to develop
students’ understanding of stability and the effects of
environmental change.
Area examination board
to which module relates
Module team/authors/
coordinator
Semester offered, where
appropriate
Date of first approval
GY
R F Smith
1
1991
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GY211
Date of last revision
Date of approval of this
version
Version number
Replacement for
previous module
Field for which module
is acceptable and status
in that field
Course(s) for which
module is acceptable
and status in course
2000
2000
3
207
Geography Optional
BA (Hons.) Geography; Optional
BSc (Hons.) Geography; Optional
BSc (Hons.) Environmental Sciences; Optional
BSc (Hons.) Joint Sciences; Optional
School home
External examiner
BSc (Hons.) Geography/Geology; Optional
Environment
Dr David Sear
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