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. This work requires improved management of soil organic matter (SOM), whether derived from organic fertilisers or from crop residues, particularly in multi-species stands of annual plants or agroforestry systems. Among SOM flows, those derived from root systems via exudates and the turnover of fine roots are important in crop systems. However, knowledge is still lacking in the process of assessing them throughout the soil profile and about the outcomes for them.
In this context, you will join a group recognised for its expert knowledge of root systems and SOM dynamics. Your first assignment will be to study the relationship between the way the roots function and soil carbon storage in tropical multi-species systems. In particular, you will address the following: (1) characterisation of the dynamics of root production, mortality and turnover throughout the soil profile and (2) quantification of rhizodeposition throughout the soil profile to (3) estimate the contribution of the root system to soil carbon storage by seeking to distinguish between the effects of each species in multi-species systems.
This body of knowledge will make it possible to better quantify and model the impact of agricultural practices, particularly agro-ecological practices, on soil carbon storage, including in deep soil horizons. Ultimately, the results of this work will assist in taking action on the one hand to improve long-term soil fertility and, on the other hand, contribute to a smaller greenhouse gas emissions footprint.
To address these issues, your main research question that will be addressed in a tropical and Mediterranean context is as follows:
What are the effects of the plant biodiversity introduced into agro-ecosystems on the production dynamics of fine roots and carbon exudates and their impacts on soil carbon storage?
After a one-year induction and training period in Montpellier, you will be assigned to Senegal for 3 years of initial experience under a partnership established by Cirad, IRD and the Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute (Institut Sénégalais de Recherche Agricole – ISRA). You will develop research work in particular at the international Faidherbia-Flux experimental platform integrated in Niakhar’s OPSE observatory.
A PhD is required.
Expert knowledge in plant eco-physiology and the functioning of root systems is required, along with solid basic knowledge in agricultural/soil sciences and/or plant ecology.
Experience in monitoring the growth dynamics, turnover and decomposition of the roots of cultivated species, focusing on deep rooting, would be an advantage.
You will need:
– Strong motivation for research work, formulating scientific questions and assumptions and producing new knowledge.
– Proficiency in conducting field research in tropical environments, including with devices installed in deep wells.
– Ability to coordinate the work of teams in setting up and monitoring field experiments and in processing and analysing plant samples in the laboratory.
– Ability to process, analyse and summarise complex quantitative data. Proficiency in the use of the main conventional (Anovas, mixed models) and specific (timeline series, Cox and Kaplan-Meier survival models) statistical analysis tools and in modelling will be an advantage. Experience in using “deep learning” image processing would be very useful, but these skills may be acquired after recruitment.
– Ability to interact with scientists from other disciplines (whole plant eco-physiology, ecology, soil sciences, etc.) involved in the same research objects.
– Good scientific writing skills.
– Ability to express yourself in French and English, both orally and in writing.
– Proficiency in teamwork and taking multi-disciplinary research issues on board.
– Strong motivation to work in developing countries (particularly in Africa).
After an induction period of approximately 1 year on the Montpellier site, you will be assigned to Dakar (Senegal) in 2024.
Apply now
Closing date : 27 April 2023