An introduction to soil science: soil description, soil quality monitoring and assessment.

29th April – 3rd May 2019

Aimed at PhD students needing a grounding in soil science, this course is now in its 4^th year. Previously only available to students within the STARS Centre for Doctoral Training, it is now available to all PhD students.

The course starts at Lancaster University, with an introduction to research level issues in contemporary soil science by leading soil scientists.  Day 2 sees input from the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) soil profile experts, who will provide training in “Exposing and describing a soil profile”.  This is a fundamental foundation skill for all soil scientists. Training will take place in the laboratory and in the field at Myerscough College, a few miles south of the Lancaster University Campus. Day 3 sees a shift to Bangor University’s Henfaes Experimental Station. The station was chosen due to its classic altitudinal soil sequence (called a catena) which contains almost all the common soil types found in the UK. Transported by Landrover to just below 2000 feet you will descend through each dominant soil type carrying out basic soil quality field tests and collecting samples for later laboratory analysis. This work will continue on Day 4, followed by laboratory analysis. Day 5 will consist of collation of group results and a discussion about findings, in the context of ecosystem services as well as traditional soil science.

The course is open to all PhD students on a first come first served basis. The cost is £450, which includes all training, refreshments, lunches and transport around the field sites. It does not cover transport between Lancaster and Bangor, overnight accommodation or evening meals.

For further information and to book a place, please contact the STARS CDT office, stars@lancaster.ac.uk.