The Organic Research Centre and Reading University are currently offering the oppurtunity for a PhD Studentship entitled - Multiple biodiversity benefits from diverse legume based mixtures
| Multiple ecosystem service and biodiversity benefits from novel crop mixtures |
There is an increasing need to develop farming systems which can simultaneously deliver multiple goods and services. For instance, the UK arable sector requires systems with improved nitrogen use efficiency while reducing adverse environmental impacts and maximising other benefits; the introduction of legumes to crop rotations provides one such possibility. In addition to crop production, a provisioning service, these novel systems could supply additional ecosystem services such as pollination and biocontrol to neighbouring crops through the support of pollinators and natural enemies, and also provide habitat for species of conservation concern such as birds and butterflies. The studentship will benefit from the existing infrastructure and expertise of the ‘LegumeLINK’ project (sponsored by Defra Sustainable Arable LINK programme) which will give access to large-scale replicated experiments exploring how legume mixtures can be used to improve nitrogen use within UK arable systems. The studentship aims to quantify the different ecosystem services associated with diverse grass-legume mixtures and identify synergies and trade-offs between them. The position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of more sustainable landscape management through direct association with the 12 industrial and 6 academic partners of the LegumeLINK project. A CASE partnership between The University of Reading and The Organic Research Centre – Elm Farm ensures extensive opportunities for the student in terms of training and experience that will cross-cut policy, farm business and conservation sectors. The student will have the opportunity to participate in specialist workshops and training available through the University, agricultural advisers, expert farming groups, and certification bodies. Funding Notes The studentship will be based at the University of Reading and The Organic Research Centre-Elm Farm for 4 years and start in January 2010. We are seeking a high calibre student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Ecology, Biology or Agricultural Sciences and keen to develop trans-disciplinary skills across agricultural and ecological disciplines. The applicant should have strong organisational skills and be a good communicator. Agricultural experience would be an advantage, but is not essential. To apply please send a CV and a covering letter with details of two referees to supervisor 2 Dr H E Jones. |
| Multiple ecosystem service and biodiversity benefits from novel crop mixtures |
There is an increasing need to develop farming systems which can simultaneously deliver multiple goods and services. For instance, the UK arable sector requires systems with improved nitrogen use efficiency while reducing adverse environmental impacts and maximising other benefits; the introduction of legumes to crop rotations provides one such possibility. In addition to crop production, a provisioning service, these novel systems could supply additional ecosystem services such as pollination and biocontrol to neighbouring crops through the support of pollinators and natural enemies, and also provide habitat for species of conservation concern such as birds and butterflies. The studentship will benefit from the existing infrastructure and expertise of the ‘LegumeLINK’ project (sponsored by Defra Sustainable Arable LINK programme) which will give access to large-scale replicated experiments exploring how legume mixtures can be used to improve nitrogen use within UK arable systems. The studentship aims to quantify the different ecosystem services associated with diverse grass-legume mixtures and identify synergies and trade-offs between them. The position provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of more sustainable landscape management through direct association with the 12 industrial and 6 academic partners of the LegumeLINK project. A CASE partnership between The University of Reading and The Organic Research Centre – Elm Farm ensures extensive opportunities for the student in terms of training and experience that will cross-cut policy, farm business and conservation sectors. The student will have the opportunity to participate in specialist workshops and training available through the University, agricultural advisers, expert farming groups, and certification bodies. Funding Notes The studentship will be based at the University of Reading and The Organic Research Centre-Elm Farm for 4 years and start in January 2010. We are seeking a high calibre student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Ecology, Biology or Agricultural Sciences and keen to develop trans-disciplinary skills across agricultural and ecological disciplines. The applicant should have strong organisational skills and be a good communicator. Agricultural experience would be an advantage, but is not essential. To apply please send a CV and a covering letter with details of two referees to supervisor 2 Dr H E Jones. |
There is an increasing need to develop farming systems which can simultaneously deliver multiple goods and services. For instance, the UK arable sector requires systems with improved nitrogen use efficiency while reducing adverse environmental impacts and maximising other benefits; the introduction of legumes to crop rotations provides one such possibility. In addition to crop production, a provisioning service, these novel systems could supply additional ecosystem services such as pollination and biocontrol to neighbouring crops through the support of pollinators and natural enemies, and also provide habitat for species of conservation concern such as birds and butterflies.
The studentship will be based at the University of Reading and The Organic Research Centre-Elm Farm for 4 years and start in January 2010. We are seeking a high calibre student with a 1st class or 2:1 degree in Ecology, Biology or Agricultural Sciences and keen to develop trans-disciplinary skills across agricultural and ecological disciplines. The applicant should have strong organisational skills and be a good communicator. Agricultural experience would be an advantage, but is not essential.
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