About the Project
This 36 month PhD position is funded via a Defra research project to determine the wider implications for farmers and the environment if slurry and digestate acidification were adopted by landowners in the UK. Whilst there is a growing understanding that acidification of slurry and anaerobic digestate reduces ammonia losses from storage facilities and following application to land, there is a lack of evidence for its longer term impact on soil quality and the feasibility of introducing this technology to the UK. Hence this project will examine the effects of slurry and digestate acidification on biological, chemical and physical indicators of soil quality, and establish whether the more widespread use of this technology would be practically feasible and economically viable in a UK context. The PhD will involve a review to assess i) the effectiveness and impacts of slurry acidification at reducing ammonia emissions during housing, storage and land spreading, ii) the impacts of acidified slurry/digestate on soil quality and function, and iii) the practicality and feasibility of installing acidification technologies in UK livestock systems. There will be a strong focus on field and laboratory-scale experiments to provide a comprehensive evidence base on the impacts of slurry and digestate acidification on ammonia emissions, soil health and water quality, as well as the nutrient use efficiency of the acidified materials. The project will also involve stakeholder (farmers, Industry, policy) engagement. Data generated will be used to model potential long-term impacts to identify benefits, risks and trade-offs, and assess the impact of acidification of slurry and digestate on national ammonia and GHG emissions.
The project is led by RSK ADAS Ltd, in collaboration with Bangor University (where the PhD will be based), Rothamsted Research (North Wyke), Aarhus University (Denmark), and UK and Danish Industry partners. The student will have opportunity to work at multiple field sites in the UK. The student will be expected to write up results as high impact papers and as policy and practice notes. Note: this studentship is expected to start at the beginning of June 2018.
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Applicants should have an undergraduate degree (minimum of 2:1) in a relevant discipline such as agriculture or environmental science, and a strong background in agriculture or a related environmental science. Laboratory or field experience is required, and experience of working with the wider community (farmers, policymakers, regulators) and experience in the use of questionnaires and survey approaches is desirable. Previous use of statistics or models would be advantageous.
Prospective candidates should send their CV and a cover letter summarising relevant qualifications and motivation to Prof. Dave Chadwick, Bangor University ([Email Address Removed]). Closing date 23rd April 2018.