PhD Studentship: Nutrient Dynamics in Cover Crops and Their Implications for Sugar Beet Nutrition, Soil Health, and Climate Resilience

Studentship Information

Supervisor: Dr Hannah Cooper (UoN)

Secondary Supervisor: 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

Research Description

The Opportunity

The UK sugar beet industry spends £12–18 million annually on nitrogen fertiliser alone, yet in some instances it has been shown that cover crops can provide 30–60 kg N/ha to the following sugar beet crop. Cover crops are often used ahead of sugar beet, but a lack of evidence about the nitrogen they provide and the factors that affect it means very few growers adapt their nitrogen application rates after using a cover crop, potentially missing out on savings of £30-70 ha. Some species immobilise nitrogen and suppress beet growth; others create a "green bridge" for virus-carrying aphids during the critical establishment period. This PhD will deliver the first evidence-based framework for integrating cover crops profitably into UK sugar beet rotations, with the potential to unlock £3–7 million per year in industry-wide fertiliser savings. Funded jointly by BBRO, the Morley Agricultural Foundation, and the Lugden Hill Trust, this is an applied, industry-facing project: you will work closely with BBRO and the grower community throughout, ensuring research questions are grounded in real farming challenges and that outputs reach the people who need them.

What You Will Do

Working across agronomy, soil science, and microbial ecology, you will:

• Run controlled decomposition experiments to quantify N, P, and K release from key cover crop species (cereals, brassicas, legumes, and mixtures) under UK conditions.
• Establish multi-year field trials on contrasting soils at commercial BBRO sites and the University of Nottingham farm, measuring beet yield, sugar content, and pest/disease incidence.
• Analyse soil microbial communities (PLFA, 16S/ITS sequencing) to understand how residues drive nutrient cycling and soil health.
• Parameterise predictive models and translate outputs into practical grower tools, including a fertiliser credit calculator and species selection guide.

Training

You will be based at the University of Nottingham's Sutton Bonington Campus, with access to world-class facilities including the Hounsfield X-ray CT Facility for root architecture studies and advanced soil and plant analytical capabilities. You will receive expert supervision at the interface of agronomy, soil science, and sugar beet production, with hands-on industry experience through BBRO field trials, open days, and grower engagement events. The project will train a researcher with specialist skills in nutrient cycling, microbial community profiling, and crop modelling, a combination in high demand across UK agricultural research and advisory sectors.

Award Start Date: 01/02/2027

Duration of Award: 48 months

Terms and Conditions

This research studentship is only available to UK citizens and includes payment of tuition fees and a tax-free stipend based on current BBSRC rates.

Applicant Qualification Requirements

A 2:1 or higher in environmental science / agriculture / plant science or related degree. Modelling experience is a bonus but not essential.

How to Apply

Please email a one page cover letter and a CV to hannah.cooper@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 07/09/2026

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