UK: PhD Studentship in Minimising the Impact of Soil Compaction from Machinery in Shallow Cultivation Systems, Cranfield University
EngD studentship; Minimising the impact of soil compaction from machinery in shallow cultivation systems. Supported by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Arable Group, a bursary of up to £17,600 p.a. plus fees is available. Conditions apply*
Academic Supervisors:
Professor Dick Godwin, National Soil Resources Institute, Natural Resources Department
Engineering Doctorate:
The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) is a four-year postgraduate award providing an engineering doctorate in which students undertake both taught and research based components. Within the taught component students receive grounding in business management by attending the first half of the Cranfield School of Management Executive MBA programme; this is undertaken on a part-time basis in the first 15 months of the EngD. The initial work on the research project is undertaken in Year 1 of the EngD registration, the bulk of the work being carried out in Years 2, 3 and 4.
Project Background:
Shallow tillage systems are often considered the most appropriate for stable loam soils, however a key issue is how to adopt such systems whilst maintaining soil structure below the cultivated layer. One approach is controlled traffic, which has the potential benefits of reduced compaction, shallow and easier tillage from reduced strength soils, improved residue management and superior infiltration of rainfall. However, the research on this approach was carried out before the advent of recent developments in tyre design, the adoption of rubber tracks and the ability to control tyre inflation pressure centrally; consequently controlled traffic may have little to no advantage over what may now be possible with more modern approaches.
The Doctorate will seek to provide guidance on soil management within shallow tillage systems utilising these modern techniques. These approaches could reduce costs and energy use and lead to the more widespread uptake of such systems. The aim of the Doctorate is therefore to develop a cultivation system that yields the benefits of controlled traffic without its constraints.
The successful applicant will work within the National Soil Resources Institute (NSRI), which conducts leading international research in soil systems, resources, conservation and management.
*Value of Award:
Supported principally by EPSRC with a contribution from the project sponsor, the Arable Group, this fully funded studentship provides a maintenance grant of £17,600 p.a. plus tuition fees dependent on qualifications and experience (fees only if EU).
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science discipline. Good mathematical skills are also important.
Closing Date for Receipt of Applications: 1 July 2007
For application details and how to apply, please visit the official announcement.
Academic Supervisors:
Professor Dick Godwin, National Soil Resources Institute, Natural Resources Department
Engineering Doctorate:
The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) is a four-year postgraduate award providing an engineering doctorate in which students undertake both taught and research based components. Within the taught component students receive grounding in business management by attending the first half of the Cranfield School of Management Executive MBA programme; this is undertaken on a part-time basis in the first 15 months of the EngD. The initial work on the research project is undertaken in Year 1 of the EngD registration, the bulk of the work being carried out in Years 2, 3 and 4.
Project Background:
Shallow tillage systems are often considered the most appropriate for stable loam soils, however a key issue is how to adopt such systems whilst maintaining soil structure below the cultivated layer. One approach is controlled traffic, which has the potential benefits of reduced compaction, shallow and easier tillage from reduced strength soils, improved residue management and superior infiltration of rainfall. However, the research on this approach was carried out before the advent of recent developments in tyre design, the adoption of rubber tracks and the ability to control tyre inflation pressure centrally; consequently controlled traffic may have little to no advantage over what may now be possible with more modern approaches.
The Doctorate will seek to provide guidance on soil management within shallow tillage systems utilising these modern techniques. These approaches could reduce costs and energy use and lead to the more widespread uptake of such systems. The aim of the Doctorate is therefore to develop a cultivation system that yields the benefits of controlled traffic without its constraints.
The successful applicant will work within the National Soil Resources Institute (NSRI), which conducts leading international research in soil systems, resources, conservation and management.
*Value of Award:
Supported principally by EPSRC with a contribution from the project sponsor, the Arable Group, this fully funded studentship provides a maintenance grant of £17,600 p.a. plus tuition fees dependent on qualifications and experience (fees only if EU).
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science discipline. Good mathematical skills are also important.
Closing Date for Receipt of Applications: 1 July 2007
For application details and how to apply, please visit the official announcement.
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