Captura de ecrã 2026-03-23, às 14.17.43

Module 3 - Soil Threats and Solutions

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Imagine you walk outside, look at the leaves under your feet, or peek at plant roots in a garden. That seemingly ordinary material forms part of a hidden world beneath us — soil organic matter (SOM). This hidden world stores water, cycles nutrients, supports soil life, and even influences the climate. In this topic, you will explore why SOM matters, what causes its decline, and how human actions in forests and farmland can protect and rebuild it. A real-world case study from Austria will illustrate challenges and opportunities. 

3 modules 42 lessons
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3.1 - Soil Organic Matter Decline
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Learning objectives 

After completing this topic, you will be able to: 

  • Explain what soil organic matter (SOM) and soil organic carbon (SOC) are, how they relate to each other, and why they are important for soil functions. 
  • Describe how carbon enters, transforms, and leaves soils through plant growth, microbial activity, and environmental processes. 
  • Discuss how land management influences soil organic matter and explore strategies to maintain or rebuild it. 
3.2 - Soil Erosion
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Learning Objectives 

🧠 Knowledge  

  • After this lesson you will be able to describe the different forms of soil erosion, their causes, and consequences. 

❤️ Attitude 

  • You will be able to reflect on the consequences of soil erosion for society and the environment. 

🛠️ Behaviour 

  • You will be able to apply the topic insights into your academic, professional, and everyday life contexts.