Blaž Repe
DOI: 10.35666/23038950.2025.52.109
UDC: 37[911.2:631.4](497.4)
Abstract: Soil geography in Slovenia from primary school to university
Soil geography has a long-standing tradition in Slovenian education. From primary school through university, the topic of soils is primarily addressed within geography curricula. On the one hand, the curriculum covers general aspects of soils including structure, properties, formation factors; on the other hand, soils are integrated into the study of regional geography of Slovenia, Europe, and the world, focusing on distribution, agricultural importance, degradation, and soils as a natural resource. Beyond geography, soil-related topics are also discussed in natural sciences, biology, and various vocational education programs, such as environmental education, agriculture, and horticulture. Despite its importance, soil is neither a central nor a particularly popular subject. Several factors contribute to this situation. A primary challenge is the limited and insufficient knowledge of teachers regarding soils. Additionally, there exists considerable confusion at all educational levels in Slovenia concerning soil-related terminology. A fundamental issue lies in the inconsistent use of the term “soil.” In Slovenia, multiple terms are employed to describe essentially the same natural phenomenon. Other challenges include the absence of an official, standardized Slovenian soil classification, the occasional use of outdated soil materials in primary and secondary education, the imprecise application of international soil nomenclature, and the limited specialized education on soils at the tertiary level.
The ongoing curricular revision scheduled for 2024 is expected to mitigate some of these issues, ensuring that students receive more thorough and professionally grounded instruction on soil-related topics. Complementary initiatives may further improve the teaching and understanding of soils across educational levels.
Keywords
soils, soil classification, WRB, school vertical, curricular reform
GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW - SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL FOR GEOGRAPHY No 50, Year 2024. pg. 109-129