Optimizing cover crops in faba bean rotations: Implications for SFI policy (Ref: CTP-SAI-088)

Faba beans (Vicia faba L.) are a vital legume crop known for their protein content and nitrogen-fixing abilities, which enhance soil fertility. This research explores how cover crops in faba bean rotations affect yield, soil health, pest dynamics, and disease risk. While the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) policy promotes increased legume use for soil improvement, the impact of this on soil-borne diseases within rotations remains unclear. By comparing legume and non-legume cover crops, the project aims to provide insights into sustainable crop rotation strategies that optimise productivity and soil health.

OBJECTIVES AND APPROACHES

1. Evaluate the impact of cover crops on faba bean yield and soil health
2. Assess the influence of cover crops on soil-borne diseases and pathogen interactions
3. Examine the impact of cover crops on pest dynamics and allelopathic effects

SUPERVISORS

Prof. Sacha Mooney [University of Nottingham], Roger Vickers [PGRO], Prof. Pietro Iannetta [JHI], Dr Tom Woods [NIAB]

PRIMARY LOCATION OF THIS PHD

The student will be registered and based with the University of Nottingham, with fieldwork opportunities at JHI, PGRO and NIAB.

TRAINING

At the University of Nottingham, students will benefit from the support of the Researcher Academy, a network dedicated to fostering a healthy research culture, promoting researcher excellence, and building creative partnerships to help researchers thrive.

The CTP – SAI (https://www.ctp-sai.org) is a groundbreaking partnership between leading businesses, charities and research providers offering outstanding training for the agri-food sector. Students will have access to training opportunities through their University to complement their scientific development. This will be augmented by training in key bioscience skills to enhance employability and research capability through the CTP-SAI. 

There will be additional training to enhance employability and research capability. All CTP-SAI students will receive Graduate Training in Leadership and Management as well as personal development skills training from MDS (www.mds-ltd.co.uk).

INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENT

Placements are a key feature of CTP and UKRI-BBSRC expects all doctoral candidates on a CTP programme to undertake a placement. Placements can be in the form of research placements (3-18 months duration) or used more flexibly for experiential learning of professional skills for business and/or entrepreneurship. All placements are developed in collaboration between the partners with input from the doctoral candidate.

APPLICATION AND ELIGIBILITY

Contact Sacha Mooney (sacha.mooney@nottingham.ac.uk) for an informal discussion on the research content of this PhD.

This studentship will begin in October 2025. The successful candidate should have (or expect to have) an Honours Degree (or equivalent) with a minimum of 2.1 in Plant Science, Applied Statistics, or other related science subjects. Students with an appropriate Masters degree are particularly encouraged to apply.

We welcome UK, EU, and international applicants. Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. Candidates should check the requirements for each host organization they are applying to, but IELTS 6.5 (with no component below 6.0) or equivalent is usually the minimum standard.

This studentship is for four years and is fully funded in line with UKRI-BBSRC standard rates. These were for 2024/25, an annual maintenance stipend of £19,237, fee support of £4,786, a research training support grant of £5,000 and conference and UK fieldwork expenses of £300.

To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:

• Be a UK National or,
• Have settled status or,
• Have pre-settled status or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter
• Be an Irish National

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an international student and must demonstrate the ability to meet the supplement in fees required for an international student.

Anyone interested should complete the online application form before the deadline of 5th January 2025. interviews will be held during January and February 2025.

Please contact recruitment-ctp-sai@niab.com for further application details.

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