Aimed at PhD students needing a grounding in soil science, this course is now in its 4th year and was
previously only available to students within the STARS Centre for Doctoral Training.
The course starts at Lancaster University, with an introduction to research level issues in
contemporary soil science by leading soil scientists. Day 2 sees input from the British Society of SoilScience (BSSS) soil profile experts, who will provide training in “Exposing and describing a soil
profile”. This is a fundamental foundation skill for all soil scientists. Training will take place in the
laboratory and in the field at Myerscough College, a few miles south of the Lancaster University
Campus. Day 3 sees a shift to Bangor University’s Henfaes Experimental Station. The station was
chosen due to its classic altitudinal soil sequence (called a catena) which contains almost all the
common soil types found in the UK. Transported by Landrover to just below 2000 feet you will
descend through each dominant soil type carrying out basic soil quality field tests and collecting
samples for later laboratory analysis. This work will continue on Day 4, followed by laboratory
analysis. Day 5 will consist of collation of group results and a discussion about findings, in the
context of ecosystem services as well as traditional soil science.
The course is open to all PhD students on a first come first served basis. The cost is £450, which
includes all training, refreshments, lunches and transport around the field sites. It does not cover
transport between Lancaster and Bangor, overnight accommodation or evening meals.
For further information, please contact the STARS CDT office, stars@lancaster.ac.uk
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