Qualification Type: | PhD |
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Location: | Nottingham |
Funding for: | UK Students |
Funding amount: | See advert for details |
Hours: | Full Time |
Placed On: | 23rd October 2024 |
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Closes: | 15th November 2024 |
Reference: | SCI291 |
Supervisor: Dr Bipin Pandey
Secondary Supervisor: Dr Poonam Mehra, Prof Malcolm Bennett
Subject Area: Plant biology and climate change
Research Title
Revealing how plant roots adapt to compacted soil environments
Research Description
We are inviting applications for a PhD studentship focused on understanding how plant roots sense and respond to compacted soil conditions. The aim of this research is to uncover the mechanisms by which plants detect and cope with physical stress in complex, heterogeneous soil environments.
Soil compaction represents a modern farming challenge that profoundly influences the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The alterations in soil structure leads to reduced water infiltration, gaseous exchange and biological activity in soils. One prominent feature of soil compaction is the enhanced mechanical impedance of the soil, which hinders root growth, thereby limiting the nutrient and water foraging capacity of the plants.
Climate change exacerbates soil compaction, with reduced rainfall increasing soil strength and heavy rainfall leading to flash flood conditions in compacted soils. However, how roots navigate the complex stress of soil compaction in heterogeneous soil conditions remains largely unknown.
The project will involve:
Candidate Expectations:
This project offers an exciting opportunity for students eager to contribute to cutting-edge research in plant biology and soil science.
Award Start Date: 01/02/2025
Duration of Award: 48 months
Terms and Conditions
The PhD research funding is from the UKRI Frontiers Research Grant and will be for 4 years. This research studentship is only available to UK citizens and includes payment of tuition fees and a tax-free stipend based on current BBSRC rates.
Applicant Qualification Requirements
Applicants should hold, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, with a strong interest in Plant Science, Agriculture and Climate Change. A relevant Master’s degree and/or prior research experience would be highly advantageous.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience and motivation to Bipin Pandey (bipin.pandey@nottingham.ac.uk).
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