Short project description

Agricultural productivity depends on external nitrogen (N) inputs but is also highly vulnerable to N losses. Nitrate loss through runoff and leaching below the root zone is a major pathway, contributing to elevated groundwater nitrate concentrations and increasing N loadings in freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems. These inputs accelerate eutrophication and can lead to anoxic “dead zone,” causing severe ecological degradation. Reducing nitrate from agricultural systems is therefore essential for improving aquatic environmental quality and sustainable agriculture. In this project, the Agrobiology student will apply one or more process-based biogeochemical models to quantify nitrate leaching and assess mitigation potentials. Depending on the student’s interests, the project may also include comparing multiple models. The student will have flexibility to explore a range of management strategies—such as fertilizer source, amount, and timing; crop rotation, and cover crop—to identify effective approaches for reducing nitrate losses from agricultural systems. 

Is field work part of the topic (yes/no)?

no

Is lab work part of the topic (yes/no)?

no

I coding part of the thesis topic (yes/no)?

yes