Unique Master thesis on soil biology, organic agriculture and field pratice!
This thesis offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in soil biology, organic agriculture, and fieldwork methodology.
Thesis: Soil life in organically managed grass-ley systems: Effects of Digestate Application
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of animal manure may help farmers produce renewable energy, support nutrient cycling, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, compared to non-digested slurry, digested slurry has a lower organic carbon content, which may negatively impact soil biota due to substrate shortage. Our understanding of these processes is limited.
Continuing research on an established field trial
NORSØK runs a long-term field trail, established in 2011, that includes treatments with AD slurry, undigested slurry, and control plots with no addition. From these plots, we have both published and unpublished data on soil fauna (2011-2013), which we will be combined with new data collected in 2025. This will allow us to assess both the short- and long- term effects of AD of animal manure on soil fauna under Norwegian climatic and soil conditions.
What is the goal?
This study will investigate how AD of dairy cow slurry from the farm herd affects crop yields and soil characteristics, as well as the abundance and diversity of soil organisms such as earthworms, springtails and mites.
Master Student Responsibilities:
- Conduct a literature review on the effects of AD on soil organisms
- Assist with soil life sampling and soil life assessment
Sampling from April to September 2025 on Tingvoll Farm, Møre og Romsdal
Application deadline: 31th March 2025
For any questions, please contact: Tatiana Rittl, at: tatiana.rittl@norsok.no