The Joint Research Unit on the Functional Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Soils and Agro-Ecosystems (UMR Eco&Sols) is developing a functional ecology approach focused on studying the role of diversity among soil and plant organisms in biogeochemical cycles in Mediterranean and tropical agricultural systems. This research contributes to the agro-ecological transition through the design and assessment of innovative crop systems that reconcile production and resilience to disturbances related to global changes.
In this context, you will study the effects of the specific and functional diversity of tree species on the functioning of tropical forest plantations. Tree species diversity can increase the resilience, productivity and ecosystem services generated by forest plantations, compared to single-species stands. However, the underlying biological and ecological mechanisms remain poorly understood, which prevents the full use of species diversity as a factor to improve tropical forestry and forest restoration.
Your main objective will be to quantify the effects of tree diversity on biogeochemical nutrient cycles and to understand how they influence the performance of tropical multi-species plantations.
More specifically, the following research questions will be addressed:
– What are the effects of functional tree diversity on nutrient recycling and losses on the scale of the ecosystem?
– Is tree nutrition improved when different species are mixed in forest plantations? What mechanisms are involved?
– To what extent does the effect of functional diversity on biogeochemical cycles determine the productivity of mixed plantations?
After an induction and training period in Montpellier, you will be assigned to an initial 3-year (renewable) experience in southern Brazil at the University of São Paulo/Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture – ESALQ, where you will develop your research in collaboration with Brazilian partners. The University of São Paulo is one of the best universities in Latin America and provides a highly favourable scientific framework for inter-disciplinary collaboration.
In particular, you will develop research on the MataDIV experiments recently set up by CIRAD and ESALQ and integrated into the international TreeDivNet network. Your assignment at ESALQ will also provide many other opportunities that you will put to use as your research develops.
A PhD is required.
Expert knowledge in biogeochemistry / soil science are required, as well as a good grounding in agricultural science / forestry / plant ecology. Expert knowledge in isotope methods and/or experience in modelling would be an advantage (but are not essential).
Experience in measuring in situ nutrient flows in natural or cultivated ecosystems would be a considerable advantage. These flows can be:- The main incoming and outgoing nutrient flows in geochemical cycles, in order to assess the degree of cycle closure.
– Nutrient flows linked to seasonal cycles with nutrient removal by trees, leaf fall, leaf exchange, litter mineralisation, etc.
– Biochemical cycle flows, to assess the capacity of tree tissues to re-use nutrients internally.
You will need:
– Strong motivation for research work, formulating scientific questions and assumptions and producing new knowledge.
– Good field research skills. Previous experience in a tropical environment would be an advantage.
– Ability to coordinate the work of teams in setting up and monitoring field experiments and in processing and analysing soil, plant and water samples in the laboratory.
– Ability to process, analyse and summarise complex quantitative data.
– Ability to interact with scientists working in other fields (microbiology, ecology, ecophysiology, etc.) working on the same research objects.
– Good scientific writing skills.
– Ability to express yourself in French and English (Portuguese would be an advantage but can be learned before leaving for Brazil).
– Ability to work in a team and to take multi-disciplinary research issues on board.
– Strong motivation to work in developing countries (especially in Latin America and Africa).
Apply here
Deadline : March 13th, 2023