Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Nitrogen Management Strategies for Perennial Ryegrass/White Clover Swards – Teagasc / Munster Technological University
About Teagasc & Munster Technological University (MTU)
Applications are open for a PhD position on Nitrogen Management Strategies for Perennial Ryegrass/White Clover Swards at Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork, Ireland, in collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU). Teagasc Moorepark is a centre of excellence for grassland science, dairy production, and sustainable farming systems, funded by Teagasc through the Walsh Scholars Programme.
Scholarship Overview
Project Summary
Ireland’s pasture-based dairy production systems are built on an extended grazing season and rely on high levels of home-grown grass to support milk production. However, increasing environmental regulations have resulted in progressive reductions in permitted chemical nitrogen (N) fertiliser application rates, creating a need for alternative strategies that maintain productivity while improving nitrogen use efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.
The incorporation of white clover into perennial ryegrass swards has emerged as a promising approach to reducing reliance on chemical nitrogen fertiliser through biological nitrogen fixation. Previous Teagasc research has demonstrated that grass-white clover swards receiving 150 kg N/ha can achieve similar herbage production to grass-only swards receiving 250 kg N/ha. However, further research is required to optimise nitrogen management strategies within grass-white clover systems and to quantify their impacts on farm productivity and environmental performance.
This PhD project will provide the student with expertise in grassland management, dairy production systems, nutrient management, and environmental assessment. The student will evaluate milk and herbage production from a precision nitrogen management strategy compared with a conventional grass-only system receiving 200 kg N/ha and a grass-white clover system receiving 150 kg N/ha. The research will quantify nitrogen inputs and outputs across the different systems and assess their environmental impacts through a detailed nitrogen balance.
Why This Scholarship Stands Out
This PhD is unique because it addresses a pressing challenge for Irish dairy farmers: reducing chemical nitrogen fertiliser use while maintaining productivity. White clover can fix atmospheric nitrogen biologically, but the timing and rate of nitrogen application needs to be optimised. This project will generate evidence-based guidelines for nitrogen application in grass-white clover swards based on clover content. For a student interested in grassland management, dairy systems, and environmental sustainability, this is an opportunity to conduct applied research with direct relevance to Irish farming.
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate milk and herbage production from precision nitrogen management strategy
- Compare with conventional grass-only system (200 kg N/ha) and grass-white clover system (150 kg N/ha)
- Quantify nitrogen inputs and outputs across different systems
- Assess environmental impacts through detailed nitrogen balance
- Develop evidence-based guidelines for nitrogen application based on clover content
Candidate Profile and Eligibility
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Minimum Second Class Honours (2.1) degree in Agricultural Science or related discipline |
| Knowledge | Good understanding of pasture-based dairy production systems and practical grazing management experience |
| Skills | Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, interest in applied agricultural research |
| Willingness | Willing to undertake field-based research, data collection, statistical analysis, and communication of research findings |
| Communication | Excellent written and verbal communication skills |
| Teamwork | Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team |
| Self-motivation | Highly self-motivated and prepared to undertake both field and laboratory-based research activities |
| Driving Licence | Full, clean driving licence valid in Ireland |
| Language | Meet English language requirements for postgraduate study where applicable |
Supervision Team
| Supervisor | Institution | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Áine Murray | Teagasc | Primary Supervisor – Grassland management, grazing dairy systems, nutrient management, white clover integration |
| Dr Brendan O’Neill | Munster Technological University (MTU) | Co-supervisor – Agricultural and environmental sciences |
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 |
| Location | Teagasc Moorepark, Co. Cork, Ireland |
| Research Facilities | State-of-the-art experimental facilities, long-term grassland trials, interdisciplinary research community |
| Training | Walsh Scholars Programme (structured training, workshops, professional development) |
| International Placement | Up to 12 weeks (Teagasc International Training Awards) |
My Application Tips
- Highlight your agricultural science background – Degree in Agricultural Science or related discipline required
- Emphasize grassland or dairy systems experience – Understanding of pasture-based dairy production
- Show interest in nitrogen management and sustainability – Reducing chemical nitrogen use is key
- Demonstrate field research experience – Willingness to undertake field-based research
- Include reference number 2026001 in the subject line – As specified
Who Should Apply
This PhD is perfect for a student with a background in agricultural science who wants to work on grassland management and sustainable dairy production. If you are interested in how white clover can reduce nitrogen fertiliser use while maintaining productivity, and want to develop evidence-based guidelines for farmers, this project offers training across grassland science, dairy systems, and environmental assessment.
How to Apply
Send the following to Dr Áine Murray (aine.murray@teagasc.ie) with the subject line: “PhD Application – Walsh Scholars Reference: 2026001”
Required documents:
- CV (including two referees)
- 1-2 page personal statement outlining:
- Why you are interested in this project
- Why you are a strong candidate for this PhD
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Interviews: Early to mid-July 2026 (online interviews can be accommodated)
Informal enquiries: Dr Áine Murray – aine.murray@teagasc.ie
