Information Package / Course Catalogue
Soil Organic Matter
Course Code: ZTO526
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: 
Theory: 2
Prt.: 2
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 8
Objectives of the Course

The importance and function of soil organic matter for soil microorganisms. The role and importance of soil microorganisms for decomposition of soil organic matter. Emphasizing the relationship between global warming and organic matter.

Course Content

Sources, formation, chemical structure, classification and importance respect of soil fertility of soil organic matter. The importance of soil organic matter for sustainable soil management and soil organisms.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Lec. Selçuk GÖÇMEZ
Learning Outcomes
1.To be able to define importance of soil organic matter.
2.To be able to comprehend and explain the soil quality and soil organic matter.
3.To be able to comprehend the relation between soil quality and soil organic matter
4.To be able to define the role of soil organic matter in soil-plant relations
5.To be able to apply soil organic matter analyses and evaluate the results.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Soil organic matter dynamics and crop residue management. 1993. JL Smith, RI Papendick, DF Bezdicek, JM Lynch, FB - Marcel Dekker, Inc: New York.
2.Soil organic matter and its role in crop production. Allison, F.E. 1973. Elsevier Science Publishing, New York.
3.Soil organic matter and its dynamics. Jenkinson, D.S. 1988. pp. 564-707. In A.Wild (ed.) Russell's soil conditions and plant growth. 11th ed. John Wiley and Sons,New York.
4.Soil organic matter. Biological and ecological effects. Tate, R.L. 1987. John Wiley and Sons,New York.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Definition and importance of organic matter
Week 1 - Practice
Literature research
Week 2 - Theoretical
Sources of soil organic matter and classification of organic substances
Week 2 - Practice
Literature research
Week 3 - Theoretical
Formation of soil organic matter
Week 3 - Practice
Literature research
Week 4 - Theoretical
Humic substances, Fulvo acids, Himatomelan acid, Humic acids
Week 4 - Practice
Literature research
Week 5 - Theoretical
Properties of soil organic matter
Week 5 - Practice
Literature research
Week 6 - Theoretical
Create shapes of humic substance; Biological huminification, Abiological huminification
Week 6 - Practice
Literature research
Week 7 - Theoretical
Function in terms of hummus; Nutritious hummus, Permanent humus substances
Week 7 - Practice
Literature research
Week 8 - Theoretical
Function in terms of hummus; Nutritious hummus, Permanent humus substances
Week 8 - Practice
Literature research
Week 9 - Theoretical
Decomposition of soil organic matter
Week 9 - Practice
Literature research
Week 10 - Theoretical
Decomposition activity of soil microorganisms
Week 10 - Practice
Literature research
Week 11 - Theoretical
Progression of decay in satges: Microbial succession
Week 11 - Practice
Literature research
Week 12 - Theoretical
Humification, Mineralization
Week 12 - Practice
Literature research
Week 13 - Theoretical
Determining decomposition rates
Week 13 - Practice
Literature research
Week 14 - Theoretical
Importance of soil organic matter respect of soil quality
Week 14 - Practice
Literature research
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%70
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory142256
Lecture - Practice142256
Assignment130030
Reading315045
Midterm Examination1516
Final Examination1617
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)200
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
OÇ-1
OÇ-2
OÇ-3
5
OÇ-4
OÇ-5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026