NSCPHD1194 Isotope methods for studying carbon and nutrient dynamics

Volume 2013/2014
Content

The course is jointly offered by staff from University of Copenhagen, Århus University and Danish Technical University, with expertise within use of isotopes in nutrient turnover in natural and agro-ecosystems soil, plants and atmosphere.
The course introduces a number of isotopes and techniques that are used for studying carbon and nutrient dynamics in soil, plants and atmosphere.
Scientific literature describing a number of different approaches will be discussed during the course, as well as calculations and conceptual problem solving.

Relevant processes to be studied include:
- Photosynthesis and carbon allocation
- Rhizodeposition and carbon sequestration
- Nutrient mobilisation and uptake by roots
- Microbial utilisation of rhizopdeposits
- Soil organic matter and litter turnover
- Mineralisation-Immobilisation turnover
- Gross mineralisation processes
- Nitrogen fixation
- Nitrogen transfer from green manures
- Gaseous losses of nitrogen

The course discusses the use of isotopes in an applied methodology context. It is not a basic introduction to isotope use and detection methods.

Learning Outcome
Knowledge:
Understanding of basic properties of stable and radioisotopes
Understanding of detection methods, sensitivity and interactions when using isotopes
Understanding of issues of isotopic discimination, dilution, representative sampling etc.
Understanding of fundamental nutrient flow processes in soil/plant/atmosphere

Skills:
Ability to perform calculations on stable and radioisotopes
Ability to read and critically review scientific research including isotopic methods

Competences:
Ability to integrate isotopes in experimental designs
Ability to identify methodological challenges and weaknesses in experimental designs including isotopes
Literature
Scientific papers, provided 3 weeks before course start
Participants must be enrolled as PhD students within a research area related to the core academic content of the course (nutrient flow processes in soil/plant/atmosphere).
Lectures followed by conceptual or calculation exercises. Group discussions on experimental designs.
Review of own experimental design.
All participants will be given individual feedback on their own project proposal including isotopes.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 40
  • Guidance
  • 2
  • Preparation
  • 32
  • Project work
  • 6
  • Total
  • 80
Credit
3 ECTS
Type of assessment
Course participation