Land degradation.

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.

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.

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).

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)

3. Blanco, H., & Lal, R. (2010). Principles of Soil Conservation and Management. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer.

   (Original)

4. Morgan, R. P. C. (2005). Soil Erosion and Conservation (3rd Edition). Oxford, UK: Blackwell Publishing

   (Original)

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)

Test 1.
Test 2.
Oral exam.

Lectures and exercises. Consultations. Seminary work.