Better prediction of phosphorus fertiliser requirements for precision agriculture and reducing environmental pollution

Supervisors: Hao Zhang and Shane Rothwell (LEC, Lancaster University), Martin Blackwell and Steve McGrath (Rothamsted Research)

The world’s food supply depends on the availability of phosphorus fertiliser derived from rock phosphate, but supplies are finite and currently phosphorus fertiliser use is imprecise and inefficient. Recent trends in promoting precision agriculture have encouraged scientists to develop soil test tools capable of accurately predicting the phosphorus status of a soil, which in turn will facilitate efficient fertilisation strategies and reduce the risks of environmental pollution due to over fertilising. Although some progress has been made (ref), a big gap is still remaining in accurately predicting crop available phosphorus and subsequent fertiliser recommendations for a wide range of UK and European soils.

Building on existing research undertaken at Lancaster University and Rothamsted Research, this project will focus on i) investigating chemical and biological processes governing phosphorus availability to crop plants in order to advance our understanding in this area; ii) develop techniques that will enable better phosphorus fertiliser application recommendations for optimal crop yield and minimal phosphorus losses to surface waters (which can result in eutrophication), making an important and significant contribution towards food security and the sustainable intensification of agriculture. One of the techniques the project is focusing on has already attracted commercial interest and the further development of the technique as a viable soil testing method may bring high impact on a global scale.

Further information: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sci-tech/downloads/phd_323.pdf

Academic Requirements: First-class or 2.1 (Hons) degree, or Masters degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

Deadline for applications: Midnight 28 February 2017

Provisional Interview Date: TBC – Late March 2017

Start Date: October 2017

For further information or informal discussion about the position, please contact Prof Hao Zhang ([Email Address Removed])

Application process: Please upload a completed application form (download from
http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/contentassets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Application_Form.docx)
outlining your background and suitability for this project and a CV at LEC Postgraduate Research Applications,
http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/phd/apply-online/.

You also require two references, please send the reference form (download from
http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/contentassets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Reference_Form.docx)
to your two referees and ask them to email it to Andy Harrod ([Email Address Removed]), Postgraduate Research (PGR) Coordinator,
Lancaster Environment Centre by the deadline.

Due to the limited time between the closing date and the interview date, it is essential that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.