BARIToNE: Assessing the potential of Circularity in Integrated Systems for mitigating Greenhouse gas emissions and Net Zero in Barley supply chains (Project code 25J)

Lead supervisor - Dr Jagadeesh Yeluripati, James Hutton Institute

Additional supervisors - Professor Tim George and Dr Bhakskar Mitra, James Hutton Institute; Professor John Rowan, University of Dundee

Industry supervisor - Victoria Buxton, Scotgrain Agriculture

Location

This project will be based at the James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen and the appointed student will register at University of Dundee as the degree awarding institution.

The project

This four-year PhD studentship is fully funded by the BARIToNE Collaborative Training Partnership and offered in partnership between the James Hutton Institute, the University of Dundee and Scotgrain Agriculture.

The pursuit of achieving Net Zero emissions in agriculture is a significant challenge, especially considering the sector's substantial contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This Ph.D. research aims to evaluate the potential of circularity within integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems as a strategy for mitigating GHG emissions, with a specific focus on barley production.

Integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems offer multiple opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of agricultural production systems. Circular systems have been proposed to increase resource use efficiency, particularly of scarce nutrients, in a more sustainable way than conventional systems. Therefore, bringing in circularity contributes to minimizing the environmental footprint of agriculture. We will develop a matrix of (existing) indicators for effective quantification of the status of circularity within various integrated system. Contrasting scenarios of carbon, nutrients, water, and biomass flows will be simulated in a diversity of case studies involving a range of intensity system through the application of process-based models such as manureDNDC. This analysis will return the predictions trajectories at farm level to redesign systems towards more complete local circularity within croplivestock-forestry integrated systems, delivering enhance environmental credentials, such as reduced scope 3 emissions to the system. The research aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental benefits and practical feasibility of circular integrated systems. By doing so, it seeks to inform policy and practice, supporting the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods that align with global climate goals. The outcomes of this research will be pivotal in guiding the transition towards more sustainable, resilient, and climate-friendly barley production systems.

If you are successful, you will receive a full UKRI stipend (currently £20,780) also covering tuition fees, training, and travel budget.

This round is open to Home applicants, to check if you would qualify as a Home applicant, you can view the eligibility criteria within the UKRI T&Cs (View Website)

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research. We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.