Advert PhD Remote sensing in crops
PhD position: Use of remote sensing to monitor and predict crop production
Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences University of the Free State
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Rapid advances in the availability of high-resolution satellite imagery has created a wealth of opportunities for agricultural applications. Monitoring crop growth and evapotranspiration through remote sensing, combined with ground-based measurements, can assist in improving crop management at relatively low costs. Combining such monitoring with crop growth models can assist in the development of mid-season estimations of final yield ranges.
The focus of this PhD research will initially be on irrigated potato production due to the availability of ground data for this crop and the intensive nature of potato production in South Africa. The research will focus on the following research themes:
- Monitoring of in-field canopy development, evapotranspiration and other crop parameters based on remote sensing and weather station data
- Adaptation of a potato growth model to South African conditions including the impact of heat stress on crop growth
- Mid-season prediction of final yields based on remote sensing and historical weather data using a crop model. Integration of these predictions into an App for use by farmers and advisors.
The PhD candidate will be registered with the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State in South Africa and will become part of the newly established Research Chair in Climate Change and Agriculture.
We are looking for a candidate with an M.Sc. degree in Agronomy, Agrometeorology, or a closely related field. An affinity with remote sensing, climate-crop modelling, and other quantitative methods is a major advantage.
Interested candidates are invited to send a copy of their CV, a motivation letter, and a copy of their academic record to prof. Linus Franke (FrankeAC@ufs.ac.za) on or before November 6 2024.