Dr P Burgess, Dr R Corstanje
No more applications being accepted
Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
CENTA2 is a consortium of research intensive Universities and research institutes that are working together to provide excellence in doctoral research training. Cranfield University is proud to be working alongside these partners to create the next generation of scientific leaders in environmental science.
The aim of this PhD is to develop and evaluate procedures for developing high resolution 3D map/models of below- and above ground carbon that uses innovations in digital technology and recent research results, and which can be applied at landscape and farm-scales. The student will be based at the Cranfield campus at Cranfield in Bedfordshire https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/About/How-to-find-Cranfield
Overview
New methods using digital technology to determine and illustrate high resolution carbon storage within a landscape to contribute to natural capital assessments.
Synthesis and use of recent UK experimental research on the effects of trees, hedgerows and land management interventions on above- and below-carbon storage at different depths.
Comparison of land management scenarios to increase carbon storage.
Synergies with the NERC Energyscapes and Ecosystem Services Project.
The UK is seeking to minimise climate change by reducing net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by storing higher levels of carbon on agricultural and forest land. GHG emissions are the greatest negative environmental effect of rural land use in the UK, carbon storage is a form of natural capital, and maps of soil and above-ground carbon storage have been produced for England at 1 km resolution (CEH 2018). Whilst national maps exist, most land management decisions are taken at a farm- or landscape-level, and a 1 km resolution is insufficient to examine the effect of management options such as tree planting, hedgerow expansion, and conservation tillage (Upson et al. 2016; Axe et al., 2017; Giannitsopoulos et al. 2019). Hence the aim of this PhD is to develop and evaluate procedures for developing high resolution 3D map/models of below- and above ground carbon that uses innovations in digital technology and recent research results, and which can be applied at farm- and landscape scale (Fig 1). The anticipated model will build on a vertical resolution for soil C model of 10 cm (as used by Veronesi et al. 2014), but increase the horizontal resolution to allow the examination of the effect of changes in field management and landscape features such as hedgerows. Such a map/model will be useful in i) high-resolution assessments of natural capital, ii) assessments of the effect of different farm practices on carbon storage, and iii) could help inform future agri-environment regulations.
The research builds on recent UK experimental research, much involving the PI, on determining the effect of landscape features such as trees (Upson and Burgess 2013, Upson, 2014; Upson et al., 2016; Fornara et al. 2018, García de Jalón et al. 2018) and hedgerows (Axe et al. 2016) on above- and below-ground carbon storage at different depth increments (Fig. 1). The proposed case study region of 16 km2 in Bedfordshire has been used to pilot previous NERC landscape-scale research (Howard et al. 2012; Burgess et al. 2012; Rivas-Casado et al. 2014). The research also builds on recent improvements in digital image provision.
For full details please visit: http://www.centa.org.uk/themes/climate-environmental-sustainability/c1/
Key dates
• Application deadline – 21st January 2019
• Interviews (to be conducted via Skype) – w/c 11th February 2019
• Selection panel – 21st February 2019
• Universal acceptance date – 20th March 2019
How to apply
To apply for one of the Cranfield University projects you will need to complete our online application form.
Please state the name of the project you will to apply for
When asked how you intend to fund your postgraduate studies please state that you wish to apply for a NERC CENTA2 studentship.
You will also be required to complete and submit the CENTA2 studentship application form and attach it to the application form.
Funding Notes
CENTA2 studentships are for 3.5 years and are funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). In addition to the full payment of their tuition fees, successful candidates will receive the following financial support.
Annual stipend, set at £14,777 for 2018/19
Research training support grant (RTSG) of £8,000
Further guidance about eligibility is available at RCUK Terms & Conditions.
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