PhD thesis proposal: Impact of albedo change on the climate benefit of conservation agriculture in sub-humid Zimbabwe

The French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), the Laboratoire des Sciences du Climat et de l’Environnement (LSCE) and The French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) are looking for a motivated young scientist candidate for conducting a 3-year PhD thesis on an exciting topic with strong implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation: biogeophysical effects (albedo, evapotranspiration) of conservation agriculture in Southern Africa and their impact on the climate benefit, assessed through a combination of in situ measurements and modelling.

The PhD student will investigate albedo and surface temperature dynamics from a long-term experiment on conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe managed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). The trial was established in 2013 on two different soil types, a red Luvisol and a grey sandy Lixisol. The main objectives of the PhD study are to:

  • Quantify the effect of conservation and conventional agriculture on albedo, energy balance and surface temperature dynamics during the cropping season.
  • Study the interaction between soil type and cropping system on albedo dynamics.
  • Investigate the change in albedo during the sea son in relation to crop development (measurements of leaf area index, LAI), and soil water dynamics.
  • Develop an albedo module for the soil-crop model STICS and test the current module in the land surface and crop model ORCHIDEE-CROP.

This PhD study will contribute to a better understanding of the impact of conservation agriculture on climate. Another ongoing PhD is currently estimating SOC sequestration and GHGs emission rates in this experiment, and is thus already covering the biogeochemical effects of conservation agriculture. The quantification of the contribution of biogeophysical effects of conservation agriculture will be unique and novel, especially for Africa. It will allow for a more complete evaluation of the potential of  conservation agriculture to mitigate climate change.

Dead-line to apply:  30th July 2021.

PhD starting date: 1st October 2021.

Publiée : 17/05/2021