PhD student in Horticultural Science

Description

Offer Description: Department of Biosystems and Technology PhD Project: Valorization and Risk Assessment of Anaerobic Digestates for Sustainable Horticultural Production Third-cycle subject area: Horticultural Science Description of the doctoral project The transition to circular food and energy systems requires safe, high-quality products that can return nutrients and organic matter to horticultural production. Anaerobic digestate from biogas production is a promising resource containing plant nutrients and organic fibre originating from, for example, manure, food and household waste, slaughterhouse by-products, park and garden residues, and biomass from intermediate crops or roadside vegetation. The digestate can be separated into a nutrient-rich liquid fraction and a fibre fraction. While the liquid fraction has potential for use in nutrient solutions, the fibre fraction is particularly relevant as a constituent of growing media and a potential partial replacement for peat and other fibre materials. Developing safe, functional and locally available alternatives to peat is an important challenge for sustainable horticultural production. A key barrier is the possible presence of pyralid herbicide residues. These herbicides can accumulate in crop material, persist during anaerobic digestion and cause growth disturbances in sensitive horticultural crops at very low concentrations. The project will investigate the occurrence and fate of pyralids in selected feedstocks and digestate fractions, with particular focus on the fibre fraction and its use in growing media. About the position The doctoral project will combine greenhouse and growth-chamber bioassays with laboratory studies and chemical characterisation. It will assess effects on plant growth and nutrient uptake, examine the distribution, degradation and immobilisation of herbicide residues, and generate knowledge to support risk assessment and the safe valorisation of digestate-derived growing-media products. The project is an important part in the ongoing transition for more circular productions systems where plant nutrients and fiber is recycled from waste to production. The project is a part of the Biogas Solutions Research Center, which means that there will be collaboration with other PhD students both at SLU and at Linköping University. Communication of results, both orally and in writing to both academic and industrial stakeholders are also important parts of the project. As a PhD-student, you will also take PhD courses and be a part of the daily work at the department. Requirements To meet the general entry requirements you must have been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39). Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in Horticultural Science. To meet the specific entry requirements the applicant must have the equivalent knowledge to a minimum of 90 credits in relevant subject areas. This must include a degree project, and at least 30 credits must be at the advanced level. You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6. You should have received a degree at advanced level (second cycle) within the fields of Horticultural Science, Agricultural Science, or similar subject. You should also have documented experience with laboratory work and experimental work within the field of study. Beneficial competences Driver’s licence valid in Sweden. Documented experience from scientific writing and scientific communication. Your profile We are looking for an engaged and self-going candidate with genuine interest in horticulture and circular solutions. Suitable back

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Source

Source: euraxess.ec.europa.eu