Internships, Honours, MSc and PhD projects
The Soil and Physical Sciences Group at Lincoln University is currently looking for students to investigate trace elements in soil - plant systems. Lincoln University can provide the workspace and supervision for these projects, however, the candidate must provide her / his own funding.
Search Lincoln University's Scholarship Page for New Zealand funding opportunities. This site also includes funding mechanisms for international students. International students are encouraged to seek funding from their home country as well as the New Zealand scholarships.
Projects
1) Trace element biofortification programme. Many pastures are deficient in plant and animal micronutrients, especially cobalt, selenium and zinc. Adequate micronutrient uptake depends on the total micronutrient concentration in the soil, the micronutrient's solubility and speciation in the soil, the pasture's species composition, and other plant components that affect trace element uptake by the animal's gut. This project aims to increase the flux of essential trace elements from soils to plants and from plants to livestock or humans. Aspects of this programme will be conducted in collaboration with the Soil Protection group at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ). Contact: Brett Robinson
2) Phytomanagement of trace elements in contaminated sites. New Zealand has some 50,000 disused sheep-dipping sites, many of which are contaminated with arsenic. Most pastureland has elevated cadmium concentrations. Trace element contamination is a feature of several base metal and coal mine sites, where sulphide oxidation results in acid mine drainage. This project aims to reduce the mobility of contaminating trace elements using a combination of plant species and soil conditioners. Contact: Brett Robinson
3) Soil fertility affecting the health of pasture and livestock on Bank's peninsula, Canterbury, New Zealand. Pasture and stock on Bank's peninsula suffers poor growth as a result of poor soil fertility. This project aims to elucidate the underlying reasons by investigating key soil parameters, including pH and trace element concentrations. Please contact Jim Moir with regard to this project.
4) The role of dissolved organic matter in trace element transport in soils amended with biosolids. The application of biosolids (sewage sludge) to land can improve soil fertility. However, biosolids are also a source of trace element contaminants. While the risks of these contaminants in a normal soil setting are well understood, the large amount of dissolved organic matter that leaches from biosolids as they decay, may increase the leaching and plant uptake of trace elements. This project will use laboratory, lysimeter and field studies to determine the mechanisms of trace element transport as affected by sludge borne dissolved organic matter. This programme is conducted in collaboration with the Soil Protection group at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETHZ). and the Environmental Science and Research (ESR), where you can also apply for PhD funding. Contact: Brett Robinson
