PhD studentship at Cranfield University on Proximal Soil Sensing
PhD studentship at Cranfield University in Site Specific Land Management based on Proximal Soil Sensing
Academic Supervisors: Dr Abdul Mouazen - Dr Ronald Corstanje
Duration: Three years
Start Date: ASAP
Closing Date: 1stth March 2010
Supported by the Douglas Bomford Trust and the DTA, a studentship up to £14,000 p.a. for 3 years plus fees* is available
Cranfield University is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake this exciting research project which aims to build a sensor fusion platform able to gather a number of sensor techniques in one platform for site specific soil management.
Traditional site specific soil management relies on data collection about soil, in addition to that on weather, topography, plant growth and yield, which are analysed with traditional methods of laboratory soil analysis (chemical, physical, biological, etc). The most recent advancement on utilising proximal sensing for site specific soil management, suggests that existing technology to acquire some key elements in soils (e.g. carbon, bulk density and clay content) are lacking and that the new innovative on-the-go visible and near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectroscopy sensors will enable measurement of these properties.
Due to the complex nature of agricultural soils, a sensing technique that provides information about one parameter is considered of limited use. Most recently, researchers focus on the development of a new approach for soil sensing based on gathering several sensing techniques in one platform. This approach is designated as sensor fusion system. Very limited literature on this new topic has been published so far. Therefore, delineation of soil management zones based on sensor fusion systems will be an innovative approach, and has not been investigated so far.
The project proposes to build a sensor fusion platform that gathers a Vis-NIR sensor together with electromagnetic induction (EMI) and capacitance sensors. Data output from these two proximal sensing systems will be combined with data obtained on topography, crop, weather and yield. Using advanced geo-statistical analysis, management zones of soil and crop will be delineated and utilised for site specific management of tillage and fertilisation, including organic and inorganic fertilisers.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have a first or upper second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. We are seeking a qualified agricultural engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer pr agronomist who is interested in soil management and land use, geo-statistics, sensors and field work. The successful candidate should have a basic knowledge in data logging systems and electronics, since they will operate sensor fusion platform.
Funding
*Supported by the Douglas Bomford Trust and the DTA this studentship will cover the tuition fees at the UK/EU rate only and provide a bursary of up to £14,000 p.a. for three plus fees* years dependent upon qualifications and experience.
How to apply
Please submit a CV and complete the application form at: www.cranfield.ac.uk/prospectus/app/pgappform.pdf
Alternatively, for more information and an application form please contact:
School of Applied Sciences
T: 44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk
Tags: PhD, Scholarship, Soil Sensing
Jobs & Scholarships | Alice January 23, 2010 | 
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