Developing drought-resilient agriculture

Developing drought-resilient farming systems in the face of increasing water scarcity

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 February 2025

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

About the research project

Weather extremes like droughts are becoming increasingly frequent in Australia, with severe consequences for agricultural production and food security. The primary aims of this work are to:

  1. Analyze the long-term trends of drought frequency and intensity across agro-ecological zones in Australia;
  2. Examine the extent to which biophysical indicators are impacted by a common set of drought adaptations across agro-ecological zones; and
  3. Identify effective drought adaptations that could achieve a win-win strategy in terms of productivity and farm prosperity.

The outcomes of this project will contribute to the long-term sustainability and productivity of Australian agriculture, safeguarding food security in the face of climate change.

This PhD will:

  1. Conduct field/greenhouse experiments and measure various biophysical indicators;
  2. Parameterise and validate the crop model to match the experimental results;
  3. Design interventions aimed at improving drought resilience, such as new crop genotypes, reduced tillage practices, integrated crop-livestock management or application of regenerative agricultural practices;
  4. Run the model to identify effective management practices that offer win-win outcomes in terms of productivity and environmental impacts.

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Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Ke Liu

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • High levels of knowledge and research skills in agricultural science, crop modelling, climate change, mathematics, engineering or meteorology
  • Evidence of research capability from peer-reviewed publications
  • Experience in field, glasshouse and laboratory based research
  • Experience in process-based crop modelling (e.g. APSIM Next Gen, DSSAT) and programming (e.g. R and Phyton)
  • Excellence in written and oral communication
  • Relevant degree in agricultural Science

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Ke Liu to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 February 2025.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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