Deadline: 07 June 2024

I. Background

The pasture-based Irish milk production system is based on an extended grazing season from February to November. Until 2021, farms in derogation could apply up to 250 kg of chemical nitrogen N/ha; however, this amount has been reduced by 10% in 2022; 212 kg N/ha in 2024 and will likely be further reduced in the coming years.

 In grass-based systems, to reduce cost inputs and environmental impacts of chemical nitrogen use and to increase farm gate nitrogen use efficiency, there is renewed interest in the incorporation of legumes, and white clover in particular, in perennial ryegrass-based production systems. Teagasc research shows that when white clover is incorporated into grass swards, N fertiliser application can be reduced to 150 kg N/ha without negatively affecting herbage production (relative to grass-only receiving 250 kg N/ha).

This PhD will be based in Teagasc Moorepark and will evaluate the milk and herbage production of a precision nitrogen treatment compared to a conventional grass-only system receiving 200 kg N/ha and grass-white clover system receiving 150 kg N/ha. A nitrogen balance will be carried out to compare the environmental impacts of these systems. The systems experiment will measure nitrogen inputs and outputs for this experiment and develop a blueprint for nitrogen applications for grass-white clover systems depending on clover content.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel to international conference as part of this PhD. The postgraduate student will also work with collaborators across Europe.

II. Requirements

• The PhD project will involve data collection, data collation and statistical analysis, reporting and publishing findings at (inter)national conferences and industry meetings.
• Applications are invited from graduates holding or expecting an honours degree (minimum of 2.1) in Agricultural Science or a related discipline.
• The successful candidate should be highly self-motivated and be prepared for laboratory work and extended periods of field work.

III. Award

• The scholarship funding is €31,000 per annum which includes University fees of up to a maximum of €6,000 per annum (candidate receives a stipend of €25,000 per annum) and is tenable for 4 years.

IV. Application Procedure

Interested candidates should forward a letter of interest and CV, to Áine Murray ([email protected] ) with the subject line Clover Systems Experiment ref 2024035

VI. Further Information

Please, contact Dr Áine Murray for more information: [email protected]