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REP Project

April 26, 2023

How will the growth dynamics of UK forests respond to climate change?

Location: Bangor University

Duration: 10 weeks

Climate change related changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration has the potential to increase rates of photosynthesis and promote carbon storage in forests. However, it is uncertain whether forests will maintain their rate of carbon uptake because of the availability of key nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, that may limit the ability of trees to grow more rapidly. The overarching objective of this placement is to assist in determining the current nutrient (N, P) limitation status of the unfumigated (without elevated CO2) mature even-aged oak woodland at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research. The objective will be met by testing the hypothesis that productivity of the unfumigated forest is currently co-limited by N and P availability, by assessing soil biogeochemistry and components of net primary productivity in response to nutrient addition.

The successful candidate would gain experience of working in real-world research environment to address a tangible problem, working as part of a dynamic and enthusiastic team of researchers that represent a diversity of career stages: research technicians, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty staff. They will receive training and gain experience with a range of soil sample preparation and laboratory analysis techniques and equipment in a well-equipped laboratory, which produces world leading environmental research. They will also gain fieldwork experience, helping to develop a range of skills, including sample collection, recording of in-situ data, planning and organisation. Full training in all procedures will be given and the student will be supported in collating data and preparing figures and analysis.

This research experience placement is an exciting opportunity to participate in a dynamic team of multi-disciplinary researchers investigating the impact of climate change woodland ecosystems by conducting an intensive field campaign and analysing samples in the laboratory.

Climate change related changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration has the potential to increase rates of photosynthesis and promote carbon storage in forests. However, it is uncertain whether forests will maintain their rate of carbon uptake because of the availability of key nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, that may limit the ability of trees to grow more rapidly. The overarching objective of this placement is to assist in determining the current nutrient (N, P) limitation status of the unfumigated (without elevated CO2) mature even-aged oak woodland at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research. The objective will be met by testing the hypothesis that productivity of the unfumigated forest is currently co-limited by N and P availability, by assessing soil biogeochemistry and components of net primary productivity in response to nutrient addition.

To apply

We encourage applications from students from all backgrounds. Please check you meet the eligibility criteria before completing the EDI Form 2023 ; this form is a mandatory part of the application process, but contains ‘prefer not to say’ options for all questions asked.

Once you have completed the online data collection form you will receive an email with the application form and details of how to apply to the supervisor. The application form should be completed and emailed to the lead supervisor along with a reference from your personal tutor.