PLANT SCIENCE CDT: Modelling Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Scottish Agriculture: Implications for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Applications are invited for this exciting, fully-funded, 42 month PhD studentship at the University of Aberdeen. This project is part of the newly established Anthony & Margaret Johnston Centre for Doctoral Training in Plant Sciences enabled by a generous legacy gift.

Scottish agriculture plays a crucial role in food production. However, it also represents a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily from soil management practices and fertilization (Scottish government, 2020). Understanding these emissions and their response to climate change is essential for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. This Ph.D. study aims to bridge knowledge gaps by employing a multidisciplinary approach integrating meta-analysis, field data, modelling, and ArcGIS. It advances GHG dynamics understanding in Scottish agriculture, addressing climate change and emission mitigation.

Research Objectives:

1. To Choose, enhance, and calibrate the most precise model for estimating GHG emissions from the Scottish agriculture from a selection of models such as ECOSSE, DNDC, and DayCent.
2. Investigate the impact of anticipated climate change scenarios (temperature, precipitation) on GHG emissions from croplands.
3. Assess the role of different fertilization practices (e.g., nitrogen application rates, timing) in shaping GHG emissions from the Scottish agriculture.
4. Examine the potential for soil carbon sequestration in Scottish agriculture as a climate change mitigation strategy.
5. Explore adaptive management practices (e.g., altered crop rotations, precision chemical application, organic farming) that can minimize GHG emissions.
6. Provide data-driven insights and policy recommendations for reducing agriculture GHG emissions and enhancing resilience in the face of climate change.

Methodology: This interdisciplinary study will use already collected GHG, soil and climate data but also involve extensive literature and field data collection, laboratory analyses, and modelling. Field campaigns will encompass chamber GHG flux measurements, soil sampling, and climate data collection across various Scottish agricultural areas. Laboratory experiments will provide insights into soil properties and microbial dynamics. After the model selection from a set of available models (i.e., DNDC, ECOSSE and DayCent), calibration and validation processes, the Scotland national soil map will be used to run the model

spatially for the whole Scottish at 1 km2 soil grid basis. A baseline (1990-1961) and future (2041-2060) climate scenarios

from the UKCP18 climate data will be used. ArcGIS and modelling will be used to simulate GHG fluxes and carbon

dynamics at site and spatially under different scenarios and maps will be produced.

Candidate Background:

A background on ArcGIS application or any other mapping tools is required. A modelling/programming background is desirable but not essential.

Applicants are expected to hold (or be about to achieve) at least a 2:1 UK Honours degree (or Equivalent) in a relevant subject. Applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree (or Equivalent) may be considered providing they have a Distinction or Commendation at Master’s level.

We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to having a diverse, inclusive team.

Informal enquiries are encouraged. Please contact Dr Mohamed Abdalla (mabdalla@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• You should apply for Biological Sciences (PhD) to ensure your application is passed to the correct team.
• Please clearly note the name of the supervisor and project title on the application form. If you do not mention the project title and the supervisor on your application, it will not be considered for the studentship.
• Please include a cover letter specific to the project you are applying for, an up-to-date copy of your academic CV, undergraduate and postgraduate educational certificates and full transcripts.
• Please note: you DO NOT need to provide a research proposal with this application
• CV’s submitted directly through a FindAPhD enquiry WILL NOT be considered.
• If you require any additional assistance in submitting your application or have any queries about the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pgrs-admissions@abdn.ac.uk