Project Description

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas. About 70% of N2O emissions comes from agricultural fields as a consequence of nitrogen fertilization. N2O is produced during nitrification and denitrification following the application of mineral and organic fertilizers. Synthetic nitrification inhibitors (SNIs) have been proposed as an effective measure to reduce N2O emissions, with studies showing average reductions of 40-50%, along with a comparable decrease in nitrate (NO3-) leaching.

The overall objective of this project is to quantify N2O emissions and NO3- leaching from synthetic and organic fertilizers applied to major crops, such as winter wheat and spring barley, and to assess the effectiveness of SNIs in mitigating these nitrogen losses.

As part of this PhD, activities will include:

• Conducting controlled laboratory incubation experiments to investigate the effects of SNIs on N2O emissions under different soil types and moisture regimes on nitrifier and denitrifier activities and the interaction of SNIs with biochar to explore potential synergies for N2O mitigation
• Performing field experiments to assess the impacts of SNIs on N2O emissions and NO3- leaching from synthetic and organic fertilizers applied to spring- and winter-sown crops

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Why This Scholarship Stands Out

This PhD is unique because it addresses a critical climate challenge: reducing N2O emissions from agriculture, which accounts for 70% of total N2O emissions. The project combines laboratory incubation experiments with field-scale measurements, providing training in both controlled and real-world conditions. You will work with closed chamber measurements, gas chromatography, and laser-based analysers for GHG flux quantification. The SYNERGI project involves multiple partners, and you will have the opportunity for a secondment to another institution. For a student interested in agricultural greenhouse gas mitigation, this is an opportunity to generate evidence that could inform national GHG inventories and fertilizer management policies.

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Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

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Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Requirement	Details
Education	MSc degree in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Biology, Physical Geography, Agronomy or related discipline
Knowledge	Solid knowledge about soil biogeochemistry and plant biology in agricultural systems
Interest	Interest and flair for conducting experimental environmental and agricultural research in both laboratory and field
GHG Experience	Interest in or experience with measuring GHG fluxes using closed chambers, gas chromatography and laser-based analysers
Data Skills	Good computer skills, experience with advanced data management and analysis, including statistical tools and methods
Language	Excellent English language skills (written and oral)
Interpersonal	Good communicative and interpersonal skills

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My Application Strategy

1. Highlight your experience with GHG measurements – Closed chamber techniques, gas chromatography, or laser-based analysers are directly relevant
2. Emphasize soil science background – Knowledge of nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen cycling is essential
3. Show field experiment experience – Field trials and plot-level measurements are a core component
4. Demonstrate data analysis skills – Statistical analysis of complex environmental datasets
5. Submit a short reflection (max one page) – Outline how you would approach the project objectives

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What They Offer

Benefit	Details
Duration	3 years (full-time)
Start Date	September 1, 2026
Location	Frederiksberg Campus, Copenhagen, Denmark (field trials at Taastrup)
Research Environment	Modern laboratories, growth chambers, greenhouses, experimental fields
Secondment	Opportunity to spend time at another institution

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Who Should Apply

This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in soil science, environmental science, or agronomy who wants to work on climate change mitigation. If you are interested in how nitrogen fertilizers affect greenhouse gas emissions, and how synthetic nitrification inhibitors can reduce those emissions, this project offers training in both laboratory incubation experiments and field-scale measurements. Candidates with experience in GHG flux measurement techniques are especially encouraged. The ideal candidate is someone who wants to generate evidence that can directly inform agricultural policy and practice.

Useful Links

• PhD Soil Fertility Phosphorus Cycling Denmark | University of Copenhagen
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