Universidad de Jaén

Soil concept. Genesis of olive grove soils. Components and properties of olive grove soils. Soil Science applied to olive grove soils.
BLOCK 1: Concept of Soil. Topic 1: Introduction.
BLOCK 2: Genesis of soils of olive grove. Topic 2: Morphology of the cultivation soils. Topic 3:  Edaphogenetic Processes in the Mediterranean area. Topic 4:  Soil forming factors in olive groves.
BLOCK 3. Components and Properties of olive  grove soils. Topic 5: Soil constituents of olive grove. Topic 6: Physical properties of the soil. Topic 7: Physical environment of the root of the olive tree. Topic 8: Physical-chemical and chemical properties of the soil. Topic 9: Chemical environment of the olive root. Topic 10: Influence of organic matter in the properties of olive groves. Topic 11. Chemical fertility of soils.
BLOCK 4. Applied soil science in the olive grove. Topic 12: Classification and cartography of soils: typologies of olive grove soils. Topic 13: Degradation of the soils in olive grove. Topic 14: Water conservation in olive grove soils. Topic 15: Recovery of the soils in olive grove. Topic 16: Soil evaluation in olive grove.
Laboratory Practices Practice 1: Granulometric analysis. Practice 2: pH and electrical conductivity. Practice 3: Soil organic matter. Practice 4: Calcium carbonate and active limestone. Field technical visit to an olive grove with a degraded soil.

During theory classes the content and scope of the subject will be explained in a reasoned way, exposing real examples of soil management practices in various situations (i.e., conventional and ecological olive groves), as well as the recommended bibliography will be commented critically. In the laboratory classes we will familiarize the students with basic determinations in the field about soil fertility, on material specific of olive grove soils. Work will be carried out in the resolution of exercises and the preparation of works (preferably from individual type) under the premise of teacher-student interactivity.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

The majority part of the evaluation will be carried out through a written exam, although the involvement of the student will be very important through questions in class, delivery of solved exercises and elaboration and exhibition of complementary works; In addition to the development of practical laboratory and field contents.