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School of Applied Sciences is recognised globally for its multi-disciplinary approach to research and teaching in relation to manufacturing, materials, and environmental science and technology. Cranfield is third in the UK for the impact of its mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing research. We received a strong result in the Agriculture Unit of Assessment with 85% gaining international status and 40% of that research being deemed of an internationally excellent standard*. We are one of the UK's top five research intensive universities**. Through our focus on fundamental research and its application to meet the needs of industry and society, Applied Sciences is a major contributor to these positions. We have a successful track record of working closely with organisations around the world. Our success is due to our staff and the quality of the students whose careers we help develop. We operate key facilities which underpin our research, teaching and short courses.
*In relation to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). ** Research income as a percentage of turnover.... |
Supervisors: Dr Abdul Mouazen
Duration of award: 3 years
Award type: PhD
Anticipate Start Date: ASAP
Supported by the Horticulture Development Company (HDC) division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a studentship up to £12,500 p.a. for 3 years plus fees* is available
Cranfield University, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and Produce World, is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake this exciting research project which aims to deploy a previously developed on-line sensor for the measurement of key soil properties in field vegetable crop production, to be used as input data to refine fertilisation recommendations.
Conventional fertiliser recommendations are based on soil sampling and laboratory analysis of soil properties. This procedure is expensive, time consuming and based only on few scattered readings, ignoring within field variability of soil properties.
There is a need for fast, cost effective methods of describing within field soil variability. This can be achieved with on-line soil sensors. Visible (vis) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is being increasingly considered as a possible alternative to complement or replace conventional laboratory methods of soil analysis.
This project will implement vis-NIR spectroscopy for on-line measurement of selected soil properties in farms producing vegetables, aiming at improving fertiliser recommendations by relaying on a much larger number of soil measurements than traditional laboratory methods.
Such measurements will then be used to apply fertiliser or management practices on a variable rate basis leading to cost savings and reduced environmental impacts (soil and ground water contamination through nutrient loss and leaching). It is hoped that the proposed research studentship will lead to increase profitability to growers working in the vegetable crop production sector by facilitating variable rate inputs, reducing input costs and potentially increasing yield.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have 2.1 or above UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline. We are seeking a qualified agronomist, agricultural engineer, soil scientist, or geologist who is interested in soil management and land use, geo-statistics, sensors, vegetable crop production and field work.
Funding
Supported by the Horticulture Development Company (HDC) division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), a studentship up to £12,500 p.a. for 3 years plus fees* is available
*Supported by the AHDB this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only and provide a bursary of up to £12,500 p.a. for three plus fees* years dependent upon qualifications and experience.
How to apply
Please complete the online application form
Alternatively, for more information and an application form, please contact:
School of Applied Sciences
T: 44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences
cranfield.ac.uk
