Last Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Supervisors: Dr Andrew Cartmill

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

About the Project

Background: Traditional pastoral grazing systems in New Zealand are under increasing scrutiny regarding their potential influence on the environment. Diverse sward mixes containing more than 10 species have been suggested as one management solution to reduce environmental footprint and improve animal productivity. To scientifically evaluate these opportunities, a long-term dairy and sheep farmlet study is underway at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. It involves three treatment groups including: i) perennial ryegrass/white clover sward under conventional management; ii) a diverse pasture sward under regenerative management; and iii) a diverse pasture sward under conventional management. You can read more about the Whenua Haumanu Programme here: https://www.massey.ac.nz/whenua-haumanu/

Two 3-year PhD positions are available on this project, with one position broadly focusing above ground, on aspects of plant morphology and environmental plant physiology; and the other focused below ground on plant root growth and physiology, and mycorrhizal abundance.

Each PhD programme is funded through the prestigious T.R. Ellett Agricultural Research Trust and includes an annual stipend of NZ$30,000 in addition to covering student fees. The programmes are suited for a candidate with an Honours or Masters qualification in Agronomy, Pasture Science, or plant-related disciplines. The aim is to have the successful candidates on site as soon as possible.

Both of these three-year PhD programmes are plant focused and will evaluate aspects of production, composition, and quality of diverse and simple pasture mixes, and effects of regenerative and contemporary pasture management. In addition to the field studies, there is the opportunity to conduct interrelated pasture-based research at the plot scale, and under controlled environmental conditions. Students will be expected to work independently and as part of a large team of multi-disciplinary scientists, technicians, and other postgraduate students to undertake their research.

Application Requirements: Please provide a cover letter and indicate preference for PhD programme (above ground or below ground), curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and the names and contact information of 3 referees.

Contact: Dr. Andrew D. Cartmill, Trevor Ellett Senior Lecturer in Grassland Science

A.Cartmill@massey.ac.nz

Funding Notes

Each PhD programme is funded through the prestigious T.R. Ellett Agricultural Research Trust and includes an annual stipend of NZ$30,000 in addition to covering student fees.