Project Summary

While the tillage sector is efficient in terms of overall nitrogen (N) use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nitrous oxide (N2O) remains the dominant GHG associated with crop production. N2O emissions account for approximately 50-70% of the total GHG footprint of tillage systems. Previous research has shown that N2O emissions associated with mineral fertiliser application are relatively low, with country-specific emission factors approximately three times lower than default values.

Researchers have not yet developed equivalent national emission factors for organic nitrogen inputs, including slurry, farmyard manure, and crop residues such as straw or cover crop biomass. This gap in knowledge is particularly important because the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) identifies practices such as cover cropping, straw incorporation, and the use of organic manures as key carbon sequestration measures.

This PhD project will address this gap by collating and analysing existing measurements of N2O emissions from Irish tillage soils, while also generating new experimental data on emissions associated with manure application and the incorporation of crop residues. These data will be used to characterise emission dynamics under Irish conditions and to improve understanding of the contribution of organic nitrogen inputs to overall system emissions. The research will also model nitrogen flows within tillage systems to support an integrated assessment of nitrogen losses to both air and water.

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Why This Scholarship Stands Out

This PhD is unique because it addresses a critical knowledge gap in Irish agricultural emissions accounting. While emission factors for mineral fertilisers have been refined, equivalent factors for organic nitrogen inputs (slurry, farmyard manure, crop residues, cover crop biomass) have not been developed. This is important because cover cropping, straw incorporation, and organic manure use are key carbon sequestration measures in Ireland’s climate action plan. The project combines existing data analysis with new experimental measurements, providing training in both desk-based research and field experimentation. Teagasc Johnstown Castle is a leading agri-environmental research centre with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and long-term experimental sites. For a student interested in agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation, this is an opportunity to generate evidence that directly informs national emission inventories and policy.

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Key Responsibilities

• Collate and analyse existing measurements of N2O emissions from Irish tillage soils
• Generate new experimental data on emissions associated with manure application and crop residue incorporation
• Characterise emission dynamics under Irish conditions
• Improve understanding of the contribution of organic nitrogen inputs to overall system emissions
• Model nitrogen flows within tillage systems to support integrated assessment of nitrogen losses to air and water

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Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Requirement	Details
Education	First or 2.1 Honours degree (or Master’s) in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Science, Plant Science, or related discipline
Research Experience	Field- and/or laboratory-based research experience, with strong data handling and analytical skills
Multidisciplinary Approach	Ability to apply multidisciplinary approaches to hypothesis-driven research
Communication	Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Teamwork	Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Driving Licence	Full, clean driving licence valid in Ireland, or willingness to obtain one
University Requirements	Meet TCD postgraduate entry requirements, including English language requirements where applicable

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Supervision Team

Supervisor	Institution	Expertise
Dr Dominika Krol	Teagasc (Primary)	N cycling in agricultural soils, N2O emissions, mitigation measures
Prof. Matthew Saunders	Trinity College Dublin (TCD)	GHG dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems, climate-smart agricultural practices

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What They Offer

Benefit	Details
Stipend	€25,000 per annum
Tuition Fees	Covered up to €6,000 per annum
Duration	4 years
Start Date	September 2026
Research Environment	Teagasc Johnstown Castle (leading agri-environmental research centre) and TCD
Training	Walsh Scholars Programme (structured training, workshops, professional development)
International Placement	Up to 12 weeks (Teagasc International Training Awards)
Conference Support	National and international conference presentations

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My Application Strategy

1. Highlight your soil science or environmental science background – Understanding of N cycling and GHG emissions is essential
2. Emphasise field and laboratory experience – The project involves both existing data analysis and new experimental measurements
3. Show data handling and analytical skills – Strong quantitative abilities are required
4. Demonstrate knowledge of agricultural systems – Understanding of tillage, cover cropping, and organic manure management
5. Ensure you have or can obtain a valid Irish driving licence – Required for field work

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Who Should Apply

This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in environmental science, soil science, or agricultural science who wants to work on greenhouse gas mitigation in agriculture. If you are interested in how organic nitrogen inputs (slurry, manure, crop residues) affect N2O emissions, and want to contribute to improving national emission inventories, this project offers training in both data analysis and experimental field research. Candidates with experience in GHG measurement techniques are especially encouraged.

Useful Links

• PhD Nitrogen Fixation Rhizobia Australia | University of Adelaide
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