Main subject area: Phosphorus balances, Free-range pig production, Soil P variation in paddocks related to animal behavior.
Intensive free-range pig farming in Northern Europe faces a challenge due to the large annual surpluses of phosphorus (P) in the paddocks. This accumulation of P in the soil is a chronic source of diffuse P loss to the aquatic environment. Therefore, it is necessary to explore management strategies that reduce the P surpluses.
The objectives of this project are to 1) study the spatial variation in soil P within the paddocks to identify potential hotspots with high risk of P loss and 2) to investigate management strategies that can reduce the input of P. These efforts will ultimately improve the P cycling in free-range pig production, resulting in a lower risk of P loss.
From 2025
Department of Agroecology, AU Viborg and the experimental site at a commercial organic pig farm in South/West Jutland.
30 ECTS: Theoretical thesis based on literature studies and/or analysis of issued and edited data sets.
45 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data.
60 ECTS: Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data.
Which of the two objectives (stated above) you will be working with can be aligned with your area of interest.
This master project is a part of the project FORFOS. You will take part in the lab and field work in collaboration with technicians from AU. You will also have the possibility to present your work at project meetings.
