University of Nottingham
PhD Studentship: Nutrient Dynamics in Cover Crops and Their Implications for Sugar Beet Nutrition, Soil Health, and Climate Resilience
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
PhD Studentship: Nutrient Dynamics in Cover Crops and Their Implications for Sugar Beet Nutrition, Soil Health, and Climate Resilience
PhD Studentship: Nutrient Dynamics in Cover Crops and Their Implications for Sugar Beet Nutrition, Soil Health, and Climate Resilience
Area
Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Location
UK (Various Sites)
Closing Date
Monday, 07 September 2026
Reference
SCI3072
Studentship Details
- Supervisor: Dr Hannah Cooper (University of Nottingham, UoN)
- Secondary Supervisors: Dr Nicholas Girkin (UoN), Dr Georgina Barratt (BBRO)
- Subject Area: Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
- Research Title: Nutrient Dynamics in Cover Crops and Their Implications for Sugar Beet Nutrition, Soil Health, and Climate Resilience
- Award Start Date: 01/02/2027
- Duration: 48 months
Research Opportunity
The UK sugar beet industry spends £12–18 million annually on nitrogen fertiliser alone. However, research shows that cover crops could provide 30–60 kg N/ha to the following sugar beet crop—yet most growers continue to apply standard fertiliser rates, missing out on cost savings of £30-70 per hectare and potential industry-wide savings of £3–7 million per year.
This industry-funded PhD, supported by BBRO (British Beet Research Organisation), the Morley Agricultural Foundation, and the Lugden Hill Trust, aims to develop the first evidence-based framework for integrating cover crops into UK sugar beet rotations. You will work directly with university researchers, industry scientists, and farming communities to translate research into actionable tools for growers.
Key Focus Areas
- Nitrogen dynamics: Quantify how cover crops (cereals, brassicas, legumes, and mixtures) influence nutrient availability for sugar beet.
- Sustainability & resilience: Investigate impacts on soil health, beet yield, and virus disease pressures in sugar beet.
- Feriliser savings: Estimate economic benefits and develop practical grower guidelines.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Your Role: Principal Responsibilities
You will conduct multi-disciplinary research linking agronomy, soil science, and microbial ecology. Specific tasks include:
Laboratory & Experimental Work
- Conduct controlled decomposition experiments to measure N, P, and K release from key cover crops under UK conditions.
- Profile soil microbial communities (via PLFA and 16S/ITS sequencing) to assess how residues affect nutrient cycling and soil health metrics.
Field Trials
- Establish multi-year field trials across contrasting soil types (BBRO sites and University of Nottingham farm).
- Monitor sugar beet yield, sugar content, and pest/disease incidence against fertiliser application rates.
Modelling & Translation
- Develop predictive models for fertiliser credit calculations and cover crop species selection.
- Create practical grower tools, including:
- A nitrogen-credit calculator.
- Regional guidelines for optimal cover crop species and management.
Training & Support
- Located at University of Nottingham's University of Nottingham’s Sutton Bonington Campus, with access to:
- World-class facilities (e.g., Hounsfield X-ray CT for root architecture studies).
- Advanced soil and plant analytical capabilities.
- Hands-on industry experience through:
- Participation in BBRO field trials.
- Engagement in grower networks, open days, and industry events.
- Interdisciplinary training in:
- Nutrient cycling.
- Microbial community profiling.
- Plant-soil linkage models.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Requirements
Academic Eligibility
- A 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in:
- Environmental science, agricultural sciences, plant science, or related subject.
- Desirable but not essential:
- Modelling or statistical analysis experience.
Additional Skills (Bonus)
- Passion for agricultural sustainability and climate-adaptive systems, and eagerness to engage with real farming challenges.
Eligibility Note
⚠️ This funded studentship is open only to UK citizens. Includes full tuition fee coverage and a tax-free stipend aligned with BBSRC current rates.
How To Apply
Application Details
Send the following by email to hannah.cooper@nottingham.ac.uk:
- A one-page cover letter outlining your suitable qualifications and research interests.
- Your full curriculum vitae.
⏰ Closing Date: 07 September 2026
Keyword Search Tags
Cover crops | Sugar beet | Soil health | Nutrient cycling | Climate resilience | Agroecology | UK agriculture
(See all vacancies or past roles for related opportunities.)
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills