Defense of the doctoral dissertation: Baiba Dirnēna

On 30 April 2026 at 13:00, at the University of Latvia Faculty of Science and Technology, Jelgavas Street 1, Room 334, Riga, at the open meeting of the Joint Promotion Council of the University of Latvia in Earth Sciences, Physical Geography and Environmental Science, and Social and Economic Geography, BAIBA DIRNĒNA will defend her doctoral thesis “The Impact of Natural and Anthropogenic Factors on Latvian Soils and Challenges in Applying the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) System in Soil Classification” for the degree of Doctor of Science (Ph.D.) in Natural Sciences, in the field of Earth Sciences, Physical Geography and Environmental Science, subfield of Nature Conservation.

Scientific supervisors of the work:

• Assoc. Prof., Dr. geogr. Raimonds Kasparinskis
• Prof., Dr. geogr. Oļģerts Nikodemus

Reviewers:

• Dr. Rimantas Vaisvalavičius (Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania)
• Dr. Alar Astover (Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia)
• Dr. Māris Kļaviņš (University of Latvia)

Abstract

By analysing various soil forming factors in the moraine landscape and coastal area, this study enhances the scientific understanding of soil properties and the patterns of their spatial distribution. The use of the WRB in soil description highlights the challenges for soil researchers that may occur when applying this classification for the description and mapping of soils in Latvia, along with possible solutions. The results of the doctoral thesis can be used to compile digital soil maps, model spatial changes in soil carbon stocks, and support the adoption of the new soil classification, soil mapping, and the development of a national-level soil monitoring system in Latvia.

Keywords: glacial topography; soil texture; slash-and-burn agriculture; soil erosion; pedogenesis; solimovic material; depodzolization; soil mapping.

The doctoral thesis will be available for consultation at the University of Latvia Library (Raiņa Boulevard 19).