Two PhD candidates in Micronutrients for Better Yields: Wageningen University

Background

Micronutrient deficiencies affect crop yields, grain quality and human health worldwide. Zinc deficiency, for example, limits cereal production on ±50% of agricultural soils globally, and affects the health of >25% of the population in most African countries. Micronutrient fertilizers can mitigate these problems, but their use has so far been limited by inaccurate and expensive diagnostic soil tests and lack of a suitable fertilizer recommendation system. Two PhDs will jointly work on these issues in the project “Micronutrients for Better Yields”, funded by the Technology Foundation STW. PhD1 will develop a low-cost, reliable method to assess micronutrient availability in soils, by collecting and combining information on controlling soil chemical properties with (geochemical) modelling. Together the two PhDs will work on a field-scale fertilizer recommendation system for yield-limiting micronutrients, by developing a model for crop yields in response to the predicted availability of micronutrients. PhD2 will further link the geochemical models to digital soil maps to produce regional and national digital soil maps on micronutrient fertilizer responses in Sub-Saharan Africa. These maps should enable policymakers to identify areas at risk of micronutrient deficiency, and fertilizer companies to develop tailor-made fertilizer blends.



Function Requirements
Both candidates have an MSc with a solid soil science component and proven affinity with soil fertility research. They are motivated to work in a team with two technical assistants and stakeholders. PhD1 has a strong background in soil chemistry; PhD2 has a track record on nutrient management or agro-ecosystem functioning and preferably in geostatistics.



Working conditions
The positions are full-time (38 hours/week), initially for 18 months after which a go/no-go decision will be taken on extension with another 30 months. The gross salary in the first year is € 2174,- per month rising to € 2779,- in the fourth year for a full-time appointment.



Contactinformation
A detailed project description can be obtained from Ms Marnella van der Tol (Marnella.vanderTol@wur.nl). Further enquiries: Prof. dr Rob Comans (PhD1; +31 317 482353) or Prof. dr Ellis Hoffland (PhD2; +31 317 482115). Please indicate clearly to which of the two PhD positions you apply.


Interviews will be held on 13th and 14th June. Preferred start date is 1st September.

For Application visit here