Discipline
Soil Science; Remote Sensing; Hydrology; Rangeland Management; Biodiversity Assessment
Methodology
Date
20 Dec 2024
Description
Rangelands are the most extensive land-use type on Earth and provide multiple critical ecosystem services, including food production, cultural and recreational values, habitat for wildlife, water and nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration and storage. Globally, the health and function of rangelands are under increasing pressure from the combined effects of climate change and extreme climate events, invasive species, altered fire regimes, land use conversion and poor grazing land management. In north-west Queensland, Australia, there are thousands of hectares of grazing land in poor and/or declining condition. Land in poor condition has reduced capacity to sequester and store carbon, capture and retain moisture, produce feed for livestock, and are highly susceptible to runoff and erosion, with detrimental consequences on downstream ecosystems and local biodiversity. Remediating degraded areas and preventing further degradation is critical to improving the long-term productivity, profitability and sustainability of cattle production in the region. The aim of this PhD project is to quantify the productivity, biodiversity and soil carbon co-benefits of improved rangeland condition in north-west Queensland. The project will focus on commercial cattle grazing properties where improved grazing land management and/or remediation activities will be implemented. On-ground field data, including rainfall monitoring, soil sampling and analysis, land condition assessment, and biodiversity monitoring, will be supplemented with remote sensing (drone and satellite) analysis at the plot to property scale. The ideal candidate will have strong skills and interests in soil health, hydrology, biodiversity, remote sensing and/or sustainable grazing production systems. The candidate will be required to complete extended periods of field work in very hot and remote locations of tropical north Queensland. The ideal candidate would have a first-class Honours or Master’s degree at an institution of high repute. The degree must have included a research project that represents a significant contribution to the final mark. Published papers in reputable journals are especially valuable evidence of research ability. The successful candidate will sit within JCU's Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER). Please email us with a CV and brief letter stating your interest and background. Applications are open for Australian domestic students only. Please contact Dr Jack Koci and Dr Ben Jarihani: jack.koci1@jcu.edu.au | ben.jarihani@jcu.edu.au
Keywords
Natural capital;Ecosystem services;Grazing land management;Remediation;Remote sensing;Soil health;Biodiversity
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