Harnessing Legacy Soil Phosphorus for Sustainable Barley Production (CIC-START 26B)

This fully funded PhD position, offered through the CIC-START industrial doctoral training programme, focuses on harnessing legacy soil phosphorus for sustainable barley production. The project is based at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, with registration at Harper Adams University, and includes strong academic and industrial engagement, featuring an industrial placement with Diageo. Phosphorus is a critical element for global food, feed, and beverage production, yet its supply is limited and geographically concentrated. The UK faces significant risks due to phosphorus scarcity and decades of inefficient fertiliser use, resulting in the accumulation of legacy phosphorus in agricultural soils. This legacy phosphorus presents both environmental challenges and opportunities for sustainable resource use. The project aims to unlock legacy soil phosphorus to support the UK's food, brewing, and distilling industries, particularly focusing on barley, which is essential for grain development and the quality of whisky and other beverages. Key research questions include: (1) How do conventional and regenerative farming systems differ in the quantity, chemical forms, and plant availability of legacy soil phosphorus? (2) What root architectural and physiological mechanisms in barley contribute to the mobilisation of legacy soil phosphorus? (3) How do soil–plant–microbe interactions drive the mobilisation of legacy phosphorus to enhance plant uptake efficiency, growth, and grain quality? The research approach involves working at long-term experimental sites at the James Hutton Institute and Harper Adams University, applying classic chemical fractionation and advanced spectroscopic methods to analyse soil phosphorus. Controlled environment studies and field experiments will explore root traits, plant physiology, and soil–plant–microbial interactions. The project offers interdisciplinary training in soil biogeochemistry, plant physiology, microbial ecology, classical and advanced soil analysis, statistical data analysis, scientific communication, and experimental design. Funding is provided by BBSRC/UKRI, covering a stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805), tuition fees, and a small research budget. Applications are welcome from both UK and overseas candidates, with a 30% cap on international applicants as per UKRI Terms and Conditions. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in agricultural sciences, environmental science, biology, chemistry, or related fields. The deadline for applications is April 3, 2026. To apply, submit your application via the Harper Adams University portal, including your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter. For more information, visit the project link provided.