Towards a Carbon Neutral Dairy Farm

Post summary

Agriculture in Ireland is an important source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Ireland is obligated to reduce GHG emissions from agriculture by 2030 with a target reduction of 30% below 2005 levels. The dairy sector in Ireland accounts for around 10% of national emissions. Most (>80%) of these emissions are generated within the farm gate. There are substantial possibilities for lowering GHG emissions from dairy farms while maintaining profitability. The objective is evaluate the feasibility of a Low Carbon (LC) System of milk production where emissions are 0.6 kg CO2eq per litre milk, which is less than half current emissions, while maintaining current levels of milk output per ha and profitability.

Two dairy systems will be established: (i) represents current practice (control) and (ii) represents where all best practices for lowering the CF of milk are implemented simultaneously (LC system). The LC system will consist of 24 of the most efficient dairy cows with high yield of milk solids and low replacement rate on permanent grassland reliant on biological N fixation associated with white clover and low fertilizer N input, low concentrate input associated with efficient utilization of grazed grass over an extended grazing season. The carbon footprint of both systems will be determined using life cycle assessment. Individual enteric methane emissions for each cow will be estimated using the sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) technique. Nitrous oxide emissions will be measured using the closed static chamber technique. Changes in soil carbon storage will be measured and modelled. The economic performance of both systems will be evaluated.

Standard duties and responsibilities of the scholarship
Field and laboratory work, collation of results, presentation of results at scientific conferences and to stakeholders, preparation of papers in peer reviewed scientific journals, preparation and submission of a PhD thesis.

Person specification
Applicants should have a good primary degree (First or 2.1 Honours) or M.Sc. in an appropriate discipline (Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, etc.). The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for laboratory work and extended periods of field work with modern analytical equipment. Fluent English language skills and a full EU driving licence are essential.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.

Further information

For any informal queries, please contact Dr Imelda Casey; email: [Email Address Removed]

For queries relating to the application and admission process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office via email [Email Address Removed] or telephone +353 (0)51 302883.

Website:www.wit.ie

Application procedure

Download the Research Postgraduate Application Form and return completed applications to [Email Address Removed], quoting ‘WD_2017_41" in the email subject line. Please note that paper submissions will not be accepted.