Graduate position at Environmental and Life Sciences Program
Title: Prediction of Soil Nitrogen Supply to Corn Crop using a Simple Kinetic
Model
Supervisor: Dr. Mehdi Sharifi, Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Sustainable
Agriculture, Environmental and Resource Studies Program, Trent University,
Peterborough, Ontario
Location: Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario
Project: Matching N supply to crop N demand is one of the most effective ways of
meeting economic and environmental goals in crop production. However, uncertainties
in the soil N supply (SNS), through mineralization of soil N, which is moisture and
temperature dependent, is one of the primary limitations to making accurate predictions
of crop fertilizer N requirement. A soil N supply prediction tool which can take into
account the potential for soil N mineralization could therefore be valuable in refining
predictions of optimal fertilizer N rates, particularly in humid regions. The objective of
the proposed study is to predict the growing season soil N supply (SNS) in corn under
the cool-humid climatic conditions of Ontario using a simple kinetics model.
References:
1. Dessureault-Rompré J., B.J. Zebarth, A. Georgallas, D.L. Burton, M. Sharifi, G.A. Porter, G.
Moreau, Y. Leclerc, W. J. Arsenault, T. L. Chow, and C. A. Grant. 2011. Prediction of soil nitrogen
supply in potato fields using soil temperature and water content information. Soil Science
Society of America Journal. 76:936-949.
2. Dessureault-Rompré J., B.J. Zebarth, D.L. Burton, A. Georgallas, M. Sharifi, G.A. Porter, G.
Moreau, Y. Leclerc, W. J. Arsenault, T. L. Chow, and C. A. Grant. 2011. Prediction of soil nitrogen
supply in potato fields in a cool humid climate. Soil Science Society of America Journal
75:626-637.
3. Sharifi, M., B.J. Zebarth, D.L. Burton, C.A. Grant, and G.A. Porter. 2007. Evaluation of laboratorybased measures of soil mineral nitrogen and potentially mineralizable nitrogen as predictors of
field-based estimates of soil nitrogen supply in potato production. Plant and Soil 301:203-214.
Qualifications:
A BSc degree in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences or Biology with a min. of 77% on
last 10 full university credits (B+ average).
Dates: May 2013
Stipend: As per university funding levels ($18000/yr)
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter that includes a brief summary of your research
experience/interests/goals, CV, unofficial transcripts, and names of 2 academic
references to: Dr. Mehdi Sharifi, Ph: 705-7481011 ext. 7954; Fax: 705-748-1569;
Email: [email protected]
Students will also be required to apply to the Environmental & Life Sciences graduate
program through Trent University at www.trentu.ca/graduatestudies .
Graduate Program Information:
For additional information please contact Linda Cardwell at [email protected] or visit
Trent University graduate studies website at www.trentu.ca/graduatestudies