Engineering better irrigation in sports turf - quantifying agronomic, water and energy impacts in golf – PhD

Sponsored by the Scandinavian Turfgrass and Environment Research Foundation (STERF) this studentship will provide a fee bursary and a stipend of up to £14,000 p.a. (tax free) for three years*

Application deadline: 30th Nov 2014
Eligibility: UK, EU
Duration of award: 3 years
Ref: CRAN1023
Supervisors:
Dr Andre Daccache – Academic Fellow in Irrigation Science
Dr Jerry Knox – Reader in Agricultural Water Management

Good water management is essential for the maintenance of fine turf to optimise playing surfaces (ball speed and bounce), control nutrient uptake and manage aesthetics. However, increasing environmental regulation, rising competition for limited water supplies and spiralling water and energy costs mean it is important that golf clubs and the sports-turf industry understand the impacts of sub-optimal water management on turf quality and adopt practices that increase efficiency and reduce cost. Adopting new technologies and management approaches that improve water use and demonstrate sustainable water management is a STERF R&D priority.

This PhD studentship will aim to quantify the links between irrigation application uniformity and turf quality and provide new guidelines for raising irrigation management standards in the industry including system maintenance and operation. By improving water and energy efficiency, the water and carbon footprints of golf can also be significantly reduced, thus contributing directly to sustainable water management.
The research approach will combine extensive fieldwork and data collection from selected golf courses in Norway and Denmark to review current irrigation practices, scheduling methods, equipment and system layouts. Detailed audits of system performance will then be combined with data collection on sprinkler application uniformity. Field data will be used to calibrate hydraulic and ballistic models to simulate irrigation performance under contrasting weather and turf management scenario. Structured interviews with key informants will be undertaken to assess management practices. A biophysical crop growth model will then be used to assess environmental impacts, water and carbon footprints. Combined outputs will be used to develop best management practice guidelines for the Nordic golf industry to improve water and energy efficiency.

The student will be based at Cranfield University in the Department of Environmental Science and Technology but will work closely with turf research scientists at Bioforsk (Landvik, Norway). The research will require regular visits to Scandinavia for fieldwork on selected golf courses, collaborative research (desk based study and laboratory analyses) at Bioforsk and support STERF knowledge transfer activities in the golf industry. A valid, clean driving licence is essential.

Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or upper-second class UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Agricultural or Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline, and have a strong interest in developing their research expertise in crop modelling, water engineering and environmental water management. Strong numerical skills and ability to undertake mathematical modelling and knowledge of GIS is desirable. The ideal candidate should be highly self-motivated, preferably have some laboratory or field based experience and strong communication skills. The ability to work for periods outdoors with limited supervision will be essential.

How to apply:
For further information please contact: Dr Jerry Knox ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Andre Daccache ([Email Address Removed]) T: +44 (0)1234 750111
Ref: CRAN1023
If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form:
School of Applied Sciences
T: 44 (0)1234 758008
E: [Email Address Removed]