Edge Hill Universiry - Funded Masters of Research - with Engage Crop Solutions

Edge Hill University (EHU) in collaboration with Engage Crop Solutions invites applications for an exciting MRes opportunity focused on testing an innovative advanced technology designed to enhance water retention in soils and prevention of water loss to arid environmental conditions. This research project aims to quantify the secondary effects of this product on overall soil and plant performance and the long terms effects on soils and applied plants/crops.
About The Research Project
Managing water loss, optimising water/balance and improving soil quality is essential for sustainable crop maintenance and soil restoration in conservation efforts. Healthy soils promote optimal plant growth, enhance water and nutrient retention, and contribute to ecosystem resilience.
The selected candidate will have the opportunity to join a dynamic research team at EHU and Engage Crop Solutions for a one-year project aimed at investigating the impact of an application-based technology, utilised within the agricultural and horticulture sector. Originally designed to minimise water loss from soils, this technology is now believed to yield additional indirect benefits for soil and plant health, which are particularly relevant to growers and conservation practitioners. These secondary effects hold the potential for significant benefits, particularly in the context of degraded soils, to enhance ecosystems. However, our current understanding of these effects lacks detailed quantitative insight.
The project entails a comprehensive approach, involving field and laboratory experiments, as well as the analysis of soil and plant samples in differing environmental regions and soil types. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with industry experts to assess the effectiveness of the technology on soil structure, texture, bioactivity and plant health. Through this interdisciplinary research endeavour, we aim to unravel the intricacies of the technologies impact, paving the way for informed decision-making and sustainable agricultural practices.

The student will be responsible for:
Designing and conducting field experiments to assess the impact of this product on soil and plant health.
Collecting and analysing soil and plant samples using advanced laboratory techniques and possibly development of new methodology for testing.
Collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders to interpret research findings and develop practical recommendations.
Presenting research findings at conferences and preparing scientific publications for a peer-reviewed journal.
Details of funding

• Bachelor's degree in Plant Science, Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related fields.


• Strong research background with experience in field and/or laboratory experimentation and data analysis.


• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.


• Passion for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
  
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