Tussock grassland carbon dynamics PhD research opportunity in New Zealand Applications are sought for PhD research on "Impact of biodiversity changes on the carbon dynamics of New Zealand indigenous tussock grassland systems", under the supervision of Dr Jill Rapson, Ecology Group, Massey University, Prof. Surinder Saggar, Massey University and Landcare Research, Dr Kevin Tate, Landcare Research, Palmerston North, and Dr Hannah Buckley, Lincoln University.
Tussock grasslands are widespread in New Zealand. Soil carbon is an important long-term carbon sink, which may become significant with respect to global warming and carbon trading. Thus tussock grassland soils may provide a useful mechanism for carbon sequestration. But carbon storage and its dynamics in tussockland soils are not well understood. The objectives of this programme are to quantify the extent of carbon in tussock grassland soils under a range of vegetation types, natural temperature and moisture gradients, and levels of ecosystem degradations. Outlining the dynamics of this carbon will allow exploration of models of environmental change and responses to management scenarios related to carbon dynamics. Miss E.L. Hellaby Indigenous Grasslands Research Trust funding is expected to be available to the successful applicant, who should have a strong interest in tussock grassland systems, chemistry and ecology, and a BSc (Hons) or MSc degree. Applications should be sent to the address below. Please include a brief CV and a short statement of your research interests and experience. Note the vacancy must be filled by end of 2009. Dr Jill Rapson, Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Email: [email protected]
