PhD offer in Soil Ecology: Climate and organic matter Effects on enchytraeid and earthworm activity, soil Structure and dynamics of wAteR in vineyards

Acronym: CESAR

Keywords: climate change; bioturbation; dynamics of soil structure; water flows; vineyards; organic amendments.

Abstract: The vulnerability of ecosystems is increasing due to climate change, particularly in the Mediterranean area. Increased temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns can affect the activity periods and population dynamics of some organisms involved in the functioning of soils, particularly in nutrient cycling, structure dynamics and the regulation of water flows. In cultivated areas, these organisms are under the double influence of environmental conditions (biotic and abiotic) and agricultural practices. To improve soil quality and promote biological interactions in cropping systems, new practices are emerging such as massive organic matter inputs. The objectives of this thesis are to evaluate (i) the effects of changes in soil temperature and water content on soil bioturbation by soil annelids (enchytraeids and earthworms) involved in the dynamics of organic matter and porosity in soils, (ii) the effects of massive inputs of organic matter on these communities of organisms in vineyard soils, and (iii) the relative contribution of these organisms to the dynamics of soil structure and water (transfer and retention) in these soils. The aim is to address challenges related to the risks associated with climate change for agroecosystems, soil biodiversity and associated functions. This PhD project also aims to support the agroecological transition by assessing the impact of innovative practices implemented at the regional level thanks to the socio-economic partners involved in the project (Chamber of Agriculture of Bouches-du-Rhône, wine-growers of the Argena association, Terre et Compost, Vert Carbone and REVERTER).

Funds and supervision: The PhD thesis will be funded from November 2021 for 3 years by the AgroEcoSystem department of INRAE and the Region Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur. Doctoral school: ED 536 « Sciences et agrosciences » (Avignon). The PhD student will work at INRAE Avignon, under the supervision of Céline PELOSI and Yvan Capowiez (INRAE UMR 1114 EMMAH, DISCOVE team)

Required skills: Master in Ecology or Agroecology. An experience in soil sciences or soil ecology would be appreciated. Good knowledge in statistical analyses and good English level. Taste for fieldwork, laboratory and teamwork. Short stays abroad are envisaged, ex. A Coruňa (Spain), Budapest (Hungary).

Contact: If you are interested in this position, please send a CV, a cover letter and possibly (a) letter(s) of recommendation to celine.pelosi@inrae.fr and yvan.capowiez@inrae.fr.

Deadline to apply: July 2 nd 2021