The accurate quantification of soil-root zone processes for application within yield and efficiency analysis is important to increase crop sustainability while conserving global resources. We address the task of measuring soil-root zones of crops in the field and in controlled environment rhizotron systems with minimally or non-invasive bespoke sensors. To achieve these goals we will carry out measurements at a rhizotron facility. This facility consists of horizontal transparent tubes in various depths. The facility enables above and below ground measurement of an agricultural set up using a wide range of measurement techniques. These horizontal tubes enable continuous observation. For example the in-situ root observation using a mini-rhizotron camera as well as horizontal borehole measurements for hydrogeophysical observations (Ground Penetrating Radar). Above the ground we use a geophysical method called Spectral electrical impedance tomography (sEIT). To derive information about yield and plant performance will be investigated by acquiring plant phenology, sap flow measurements, leaf area index measurements, shoot biomass, etc.
The main place of work will be the Selhausen Testsite near the Forschungszentrum Jülich. Some tasks need to be carried out at the University of Bonn (Institut für Geowissenschaften – Geophysik and Institut für Nutzpflanzenwissenschaften und Ressourcenschutz).
Starting date: as soon as possible/ January 2021.
Your tasks:
- Scientific field measurements (subsurface and above-ground geophysical measurements & Root Images as well as above-ground agronomic measurements
- Agricultural field work (sowing, harvesting)
- Supporting team of technicians with hard- and software
- Data management
What you should bring:
- Driver’s license (“Klasse B” or equivalent)
- Interest in agricultural, soil science and geophysical research questions
- Willingness to do field work
- You should be motivated to learn new things and bring self-initiative
- Language skills: English and/or German
What we offer:
- Hands-on experience parallel to your university studies
- Experience in scientific projects and processes
- Interdisciplinary work between geophysics, agriculture and computer science
- Flexible working hours (5-19.5 h/week)
- Option to extend your work to a bachelor/ master thesis or internship
- Work with a motivated team of technicians, Phd students and supervisors
If you are interested or have any further questions please contact:
Lena Lärm
l.laerm@fz-juelich.de
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Institute of Bio- and Geosciences
Agrosphere (IBG-3)