Forest soil carbon

Forests occupy about 40% of Canada and managed forests total 225 million hectares. Most carbon is found belowground in Canadian forests, with Canadian forests storing 20% of the world soil carbon stocks. Even small changes in these soil reserves can have a consequential impact on the overall Canadian forest carbon balance. Yet, despite their importance, there is still great uncertainty about the mechanisms controlling soil carbon persistence in Canadian forests. I am part of a pan-Canadian multidisciplinary team made up of researchers from the university and government sectors. Our overall research project aims to address this major knowledge gap by quantifying soil carbon formation and persistence across the major forested ecozones of Canada. We have established a nationwide network of 17 experimental sites to compare key soil types under different tree species representative of Canadian forests.

Within this broader research program, the successful PhD candidate will investigate the best indicators for soil carbon storage potential and vulnerability to environmental shifts. They will be given freedom to develop their own research initiatives on the mechanistic interactions between soil biological communities and carbon stability.

Opportunity for funded Ph.D. Degree in Soil Science- Forest Soil Carbon

With support from the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Dr. Sylvie Quideau is offering a Ph.D. position in Soil Science at the University of Alberta. Details about the graduate program can be found here: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/graduate-studies/admissions-programs/academic-journey/doctoral.html. A guaranteed minimum stipend of $28,000 – $30,000 for four years will be provided, and there are opportunities for teaching assistantships within the department. Students are also encouraged to apply for the many graduate scholarships available.

Applicants must have obtained (or are in the process of completing) a MSc degree in Environmental Studies, Soil Science, Geology, or a related field. Strong written and oral skills in English are a requirement for a successful applicant, and applicants will be expected to demonstrate excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and have a strong interest in promoting the importance of soils for forest health. Prior field work experience in forests is desired, and experience using stable isotopes will be considered an asset. A valid driver’s license is required.