I have a fully funded M.S. assistantship evaluating effects of best management practices on nitrate leaching from agroecosystems in Montana. Specifics follow. Please forward to anyone you know who might be interested. Thank you. Location: Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Preferred Start time: May 2012 Required background: B.S. in soil science, agronomy, or closely related field Preferred qualifications: Ability to interact with a diverse group of individuals including farmers, policy makers, Extension agents, NRCS personnel, and other researchers. Willingness to travel 2 ½ hours from MSU to soil sample and for occasional meetings. Excellent writing skills. Project Description: The Judith Basin watershed in central Montana contains groundwater nitrate concentrations that often exceed drinking water standards. Shallow soils promote nitrate leaching in the region, yet the cause(s) of the contamination has not been identified. The watershed is predominated by cropland and the Natural Resources Conservation Service has established a special project in the watershed to reduce nitrate leaching from cropland by encouraging the adoption of best management practices. Despite providing incentive payments, fewer than ten farmers have enrolled. The overall objectives of our study are to determine 1) the relative contributions of nitrate from natural and human sources, 2) incentives for, and barriers to, adoption of best management practices, and 3) the effects of BMPS on nitrate leaching and fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency. The M.S. student will focus on objective 3 but will be involved in the other 2. The project will use a highly participatory approach to attain input from local individuals prior to determining our final research plan. Questions or to apply: Clain Jones Dept of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Montana State University [email protected] 406 994-6076
