Soil processes and functions for sustainable agriculture

Department

Department ofof Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino

Main research activities/topics/projects

Crop productivity, and food security and safety, are closely linked to the ability of cropping systems to cope with the challenges imparted by lower chemical inputs (e.g. reduced mineral fertilization) and climate-change related stress factors (e.g. drought). At the same time, primary production systems are required to limit their environmental footprint by reducing negative externalities linked to greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses. Arable soils hold a number of important functions that, in interaction with agronomic practices, can be harnessed to improve the sustainability of modern cropping systems.   In this context, new understanding of nutrient (and contaminant) biogeochemistry at the soil-plant interface as well as regulatory aspects of plant nutrition (including root traits, belowground carbon allocation, metabolic response to abiotic stress) are essential for improving nutrient use efficiency by crops, their resilience to environmental change and food quality/safety. Similarly, processes involved in the stabilization of soil organic carbon and emission of greenhouse gases have important implications on the environmental sustainability of cropping systems.

Working language

English, Italian

Special entry requirements

Basic laboratory skills in soil and plant analysis would be considered an asset.

Duration in months (min-max)

Master Research:4-6

PhD sandwich: 6 -12

Post Doc: 3 -12