Scheme: MSc by Research:Developing Precision Irrigation in Horticulture – Soils and Crop Modelling, UK
Level: Masters
Description:
Cranfield University is seeking a self-motivated and flexible graduate to work on an exciting Defra funded HORTLINK research project which aims to develop an intelligent irrigation management system for field-scale horticulture.
The HORTLINK project will integrate soil moisture sensing, wireless communication and variable application technologies, to improve crop quality, save water and minimise environmental impacts. A ‘closed loop’ system will be developed and evaluated on farms under contrasting field conditions to assess system performance, and consequent impacts on yield and post harvest quality.
The crops being studied are lettuces and onions. As part of this project the student will focus on the soil moisture sensing (application of wireless arrays) and crop modelling aspects, conducting field research on commercial farms and then using biophysical crop models and irrigation scheduling models to simulate impacts on crop growth and yield.
The rationale of the MSc research is that an improved understanding of the spatial and temporal variabilities in soil moisture that exist within irrigated fields using wireless soil sensor arrays should provide better information for growers to develop irrigation schedules to maximise crop yield and quality.
The research will therefore help to identify how best to use sensors to understand the spatial and temporal variabilities that exist in soil water status across a field, and then how best to integrate the information into irrigation scheduling routines.
The successful applicant will be expected to participate actively in the broader project objectives working alongside other Cranfield research staff, and liaising with colleagues from other academic institutions (Lancaster University and Harper Adams University College), commercial agribusinesses and the irrigation industry.
You should also have a clean driving licence, and be willing to drive to farm sites in East Anglia and to work independently. The successful applicant will be based at Cranfield University in the Cranfield Water Science Institute. The Institute is recognised internationally for its research, education, training and consultancy, focussing on the science, engineering and management of water in municipal, industrial and natural environments. We are the UK's largest postgraduate group specialising in these areas.
Eligibility/Pre-requisition:
Applicants should have a First or Second Class UK Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as crop science, agriculture, agricultural engineering, environmental sciences. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of crop production / soils / irrigation, crop modelling, irrigation technologies, good numeracy skills, including familiarity with spreadsheets, good (English) writing skills and a clean driving licence
Application Method: Online
Deadline: 16 September 2011
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