TEAGASC PHD WALSH FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Carbon Sequestration in Permanent Pasture and Arable
soils – Baselines and Management Options
Ref: 2013203
Background
A
large number of studies around the world show that grasslands may act as a sink
of carbon (C) and that the rate of C sequestration is strongly dependent upon
the management of these ecosystems. Considering that grassland comprises 4 million
hectares or 90% of agricultural area, the size of Irish grassland sinks may be
considerable. However, at present there are several obstacles associated with
the measurement and verification of these agricultural sinks. These include
quantification of grassland and arable C sinks across a range of soil types,
and the assessment of strategies that enhance C sinks. This project seeks to
quantify C baselines and investigate the impact of land management on arable
and grassland systems. The project will determine soil C stocks in grassland
and arable soils and assess the impact of soil type and management on soil C
stocks. Soil C fractionation will be used to assess the allocation of SOC
between labile and recalcitrant pools. The results of the project will be
published in peer reviewed scientific journals.
Essential
Applicants
should have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours) or M.Sc. in an
appropriate discipline (Soil Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental
Science, Environmental Engineering, etc.). The successful candidate should be
highly self-motivated and be prepared for extended periods of laboratory
analysis. A full EU driving licence is also required.
Desirable
Additional
desirable characteristics would include a familiarity with soil sampling and
analysis and statistical analysis. Experience of environmental modelling would
also be a distinct advantage. Information literacy and oral, written and
graphical communication skills are important to this role.
Award
The
Walsh Fellowship is a joint PhD research project between Teagasc, Johnstown
Castle and the University of Limerick. The student will be based at the Teagasc
Research Centre at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford and will be registered at the
University of Limerick, working under the supervision of Dr. Ken Byrne in
association with Teagasc supervisors (Dr Rachel Creamer and Dr. Gary Lanigan).
The Fellowship will start as soon as
possible after the candidate is appointed.
The
fellowship provides a stipend of €21,000. University fees are paid by the
student from the stipend which is tenable for three years.
Application Procedure
Submit
an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae in pdf format and a letter of interest
to:
Dr Ken Byrne (ken.byrne@ul.ie).
Closing date
22nd,
February 2013.
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