Dr R Simmon, Dr S De Baets
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Grassed waterways (GWW) are a very effective soil erosion remediation strategy. With climate change however, some grass species, experiencing plant stress, may become less effective in retarding flow, improving infiltration and providing resistance against soil erosion. Soil is a precious resource and farmers want to preserve their soil and crop yield. Especially because the UK is expected to get more soil erosion from intensive storms, protecting our soils is a high priority. Crop growers are therefore very interested in finding out which grass species they best use when installing GWWs and how protective these grasses are under a changing climate.
This study involves (1) growing a couple of suitable grasses in growth rooms and testing for their resilience to water stress, (2) performing erosion simulations in the lab with these grasses to study their resistance to erosion by intensive storms and (3) monitoring the performance of the most suitable species in GWWs on two test sites on Asparagus fields.
This Cranfield University based project is part of the STARS CDT and benefits from having a CASE partner.
Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK honours degree at 2:1 level in a natural science. Some experience in statistical analysis and computer modelling would be advantageous.
For further information please contact Dr Sarah De Baets: [Email Address Removed]
Funding Notes
Fully funded for UK residents*, with fees paid and tax-free stipend of £14,553 p.a. There is also a research training support grant. Usually a studentship is for 3.5 years.
*Full studentships are available to UK and EU candidates who have been ordinarily resident in the UK throughout the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of an award. EU candidates who have not been resident in the UK for the last 3 years are eligible for "tuition fees-only" awards (no maintenance grant). Unfortunately studentships are not available to International students. Further details about eligibility can be found on the STARS website.
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