The contribution of trees on farms to soil carbon

New data will be generated which will enable more accurate estimates of above and below ground carbon storage and sequestration under different tree cover and management scenarios.

Department: Applied Economics & Marketing

Supervised by: Laurence Smith

The Placement Project

This project will investigate the potential of different tree cover scenarios in the agricultural landscape of England to deliver multiple ecosystem services (carbon sequestration, food production and biodiversity). The natural capital of lowland farmland with regard to carbon storage and agricultural production will be measured under a range of landscape configurations using case study farms. Above and below ground carbon will be collected across a gradient of tree densities from woodlands and plantations, through hedgerow networks to alley cropping agroforestry systems. In this project the student will investigate the contribution that trees and hedges make to soil organic carbon in agricultural soils. Answering questions such as how far this effect extends into the field and the impact of tree/ hedge size, age and species on soil organic carbon. The student will be working alongside a PhD researcher and will take soil cores from a representative sample of agricultural habitats on at least 2 different case study farms. Alongside the soil cores details on the tree/ hedge type, age and management will be collected In order for comparisons to be made.

Tasks

Soil sampling and soil analysis Tree and hedge measurements Statistical analysis of data Report writing Contributing to publication(s)

Skills, knowledge and experience required

Good analytical skills and attention to detail Willingness to work outside on farm in all weathers Willingness to travel within the UK and full-drivers license

Skills which will be developed during the placement

Data collection and sampling methods Statistical analysis of data

Place of Work

School of Agriculture, Policy and Development at University of Reading. Fieldwork on 2 farms in SW England exact locations to be confirmed.

Hours of Work

Flexible hours over 12 weeks (between 15 and 40 hours per week)

Approximate Start and End Dates (not fixed)

Friday 01 July 2022 - Friday 16 September 2022

How to Apply

This project is open to applications until 5pm on Friday 13th May. Students should submit their CV and Cover Letter directly to the Project Supervisor (click on supervisor name at the top of the page for email). Successful candidates will be invited for an interview.