This is an excellent opportunity for a full time PhD project which will last for 36 months. The project offers a unique opportunity for a student to work closely with Cranfield University and CCm Technologies in a project that involves using carbon capture technology to produce novel fertilsers and assess its efficacy to meet crop demand, sequester soil carbon and improve soil health. The student will receive a stipend of £15.6k, tax free and full UK fees covered by this funding. In addition to this there is also funding to cover laboratory analysis, field work and participation in workshops and conferences.
Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases, in addition to nitrous oxide and methane, which is contributing towards climate change. One way to mitigate the high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is to capture it into the terrestrial environment. This is the technology (known as carbon capture and utilisation) which will be deployed in this project, provided by a company known as CCm Technologies. In this project the carbon dioxide from point sources will be captured into organic waste material and convert it into fertilisers suitable for soil applications. This novel approach resulting in fertilisers will be evaluated in field trials to investigate benefits of the zero carbon fertilisers in soil and crop yield.
The project aim is to evaluate as part of the field trial study, how these novel fertilisers can meet crop nutrient demand and improve crop yields compared to conventional practices using mineral fertilisers. This study will also focus on the impact of using these novel fertilisers and greenhouse gas emissions and diffuse pollution.
Cranfield University is a solely postgraduate university within the UK which is research intensive and engages closely with innovative research involving industry. The Cranfield Soil and Agrifood Institute within the School of Water, Energy and Environment hosts one of the largest groups of soil scientist actively involved in research using some of the most cutting-edge technologies and engaging closely with national Agricultural Innovation Centres such as the Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation Centre (Agri-EPI) and Centre for Crop Health and Protection (CHAP). CCm Technologies in a growing UK SME that specialises in carbon capture technology with a pilot plant in Swindon engaging in production of fertilisers.
This project will provide an opportunity to gather additional dataset form an already on-going field trial using these novel fertilisers and its impact on crop yield, soil health and its environmental impact.
There will be an opportunity to present your work in national and international conferences and submit to a suitable journal for peer-reviewed publication. This work is very timely with current policies such as the Net Zero Carbon target and Agricultural Bill. You will also gain trainings in current analytical facilities in soil science and be part of a vibrant research group in the UK. You will also have excellent opportunities to engage with industry to have the practical experience to complement the research component of this project.
You will gain experience of engaging with an industrial sponsor and work in a field scale experimental trial. In addition to this there will be an opportunity of using specialist equipment to measure greenhouse gas and diffuse pollution measurements.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would be particularly suited to graduates in soil science, environmental science, agriculture, biology, physical geography and chemistry.
How to apply
To apply, please follow this link and click 'Apply now'.
For general enquiries about this position, including help applying, terms and conditions, etc, please contact: [Email Address Removed], quoting reference number SWEE0162.
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