PhD in carbon sequestration,

soil biodiversity and function

‘Biochar and bio-trophic carbon

storage in temperate soils’

Funder: NERC CASE

Eligibility: UK citizens or UK residents for 3 years or more
Starting date: October 2010
Location: CEH (Edinburgh/Lancaster) and SCRI (Dundee)
Registered at: Lancaster University

Governments are advocating methods of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) to reduce CO2
emissions to combat climate change. One such approach being advocated is biochar treatment of
soils1,2,6. This involves photosynthetic carbon capture by crop biomass (bio-energy, food and
forestry crops) which is subsequently converted by pyrolysis to ‘biochar’, a stable charcoal which
can be sequestered in soil for thousands of years1,2. If launched on a large scale, it has been
argued, this process has the potential to convert agricultural soils from a net carbon source to a net
sink2. Moreover, there are indications that biochar may also benefit soil fertility enhancing crop
productivity and carbon capture1,3,4. However, virtually nothing is known about the impact of
biochar on soil communities and the ecosystem functions that they support5,6. This project will be
the first ecological study into the impacts of biochar on biodiversity and function in UK soils,
providing insights into the effectiveness of an advocated CCS land-use.

Using cropland and grassland mesocosm and microcosm experiments this project aims to show
how biochar treatment affects soil biodiversity and ecosystem function in temperate soils.
Specifically, this PhD will test the following hypotheses:
(H1) Biochar will alter soil communities as a result of changes in micro-habitat heterogeneity,
arising from the large surface area of biochar.
(H2) Biochar will decrease rates of soil nutrient cycling and biotic greenhouse gas emissions (CO2,
CH4, N2O) in high carbon soils and soils subjected to nitrogen fertilisation.
(H3) Biochar will alter interactions between plant rhizodeposition, soil community structure, and
associated biogeochemical cycling diminishing climate resilience of native soil organic matter.

The studentship is based at CEH (Edinburgh: Dr Adam Vanbergen; Lancaster: Dr Nick Ostle),
awarded by Lancaster University (Prof. Richard Bardgett), with time at SCRI (Dundee: Prof. David
Hopkins). We are seeking a highly motivated student with a good degree in a related discipline and
a keen interest in soil ecology and climate change. Closing date for applications (CV and cover
letter explaining your suitability for the project to Dr Adam Vanbergen) is 30/04/2010.

1. Lehmann et al. (2006) Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change 11: 403–427; 2. Lehmann (2007)
Nature 447 143-144 3. Glaser, B. et al. 2002, Biology and Fertility of Soils 35, 219–230; 4. Lehmann, J. et al. (2003)
Plant and Soil 249, 343–357; 5. Wardle et al. (2008), Science 320 629; 6.Geoengineering the climate: science,
governance and uncertainty (2009), The Royal Society, London.