Predicting formation and stability of carbon-rich soil layers

Carbon is stored in soils in vast amounts, and to avoid further pressure on the global climatic system it is essential that soil carbon stocks are stabilised or increased. Organomineral soils with large surface concentrations of carbon are widespread in cool oceanic climates, and their carbon is vulnerable since they are often drained for farming or forestry. The study aims to understand fundamental controls on the formation and stability of surface organic-matter layers, through complementary modelling approaches: process dynamics and spatial statistics. Training will be provided in these highly transferrable skills. A simple soil aeration model will be developed, supported by redox and rusting-rate measurements across different soil types, and combined with the N14CP dynamic model to predict organic layer development during the Holocene, based on maps of parent material and climate. Spatial predictions will be validated against existing maps of organomineral soil distributions in the UK and Europe.

Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in subjects such as Environmental Science, Information Technology or Statistics.

Applications will be considered as they come in and the position will close once filled.

For further details please contact Dr Ed Rowe: [Email Address Removed]

This project is part the STARS CDT (www.starsoil.org.uk ) and will be registered at the University of Lancaster.