HISCOCKUENV18EE - Can catchment ecosystem benefits be delivered through changes in field cultivation systems?

Intensive arable farming practices in the last several decades have left soils depleted of organic matter content. In East Anglia, the organic matter content of arable soils is typically less than 2%, which is often regarded as a minimum threshold for maintaining soil fertility and structure. Decreasing soil fertility threatens long-term food production and poor physical structure promotes soil wastage and decreased water holding capacity.
To counter deteriorating soil health, mitigation measures such as the use of over-winter cover crops and reduced tillage methods can help improve soil organic matter content and structure. Although the soil agronomic aspects are relatively well understood, changes in farm practice on soil water leaching losses and catchment runoff processes are less well researched. Hence, this studentship will undertake a systematic study of the effects of different cultivation systems on soil and water quality in agricultural runoff, with particular emphasis on inorganic and organic nutrient fractions.
You will design a field programme for the collection of soil and water samples and will undertake laboratory and data analysis of soil properties and dissolved and particulate nutrient fractions (C, N, P) in water samples. With these data you will test the hypothesis that reduced tillage cultivation systems improve soil health and aquatic ecosystems. The study area is the Blackwater catchment in north Norfolk, which has been extensively studied as part of the UK government-funded Wensum Demonstration Test Catchment project (www.wensumalliance.org.uk).
You will join a team of experienced catchment scientists with the opportunity for training in field and laboratory techniques with access to UEA’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Therefore, the successful student will acquire skills in agronomy, hydrology, environmental chemistry, catchment science and data analysis and modelling, as appropriate to far-reaching careers in environmental sciences. Careers in catchment science and management include work in research institutions, agri-environmental policy, environmental regulation, environmental consultancy and the water industry. Desirable degree subjects of applicants include Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Geography, Environmental Chemistry and Agricultural Sciences.

This project has been shortlisted for funding by the EnvEast NERC Doctoral Training Partnership, comprising the Universities of East Anglia, Essex and Kent, with over twenty other research partners. Undertaking a PhD with the EnvEast DTP will involve attendance at mandatory training events throughout the course of the PhD.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed on 12/13 February 2018.

For further information, please visit www.enveast.ac.uk/apply.

For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: http://www.uea.ac.uk/environmental-sciences/people/profile/k-hiscock
Type of programme: PhD
Start date of project: October 2018
Mode of study: Full time or part time
Length of studentship: 3.5 years

Acceptable first degree: Environmental Sciences, Earth Sciences, Geography, Environmental Chemistry and Agricultural Sciences.
EnvEast welcomes applicants from quantitative disciplines who may have limited background in environmental sciences. Excellent candidates will be considered for an award of an additional 3-month stipend to take appropriate advanced-level courses in the subject area.

Standard minimum entry requirement: 2:1 or equivalent.