Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join the WIFORCE Research School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to sustainably use forests while safeguarding biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. Therefore, the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (https: // www. slu.se/en/wiforce ) , was created.
This PhD position is available at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU. SLU has an international character both in terms of research and teaching. The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future. For more information: https:// www. slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/
Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https: // www. slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/
Name of research project/thesis:Transition from even-aged monoculture to multi-layered mixed species forests: From ecophysiological mechanisms of resource use and acquisition to implementation in practical forestry
Research subject:Biology
Description:Even-aged single tree species management is the dominating practice in Swedish forestry. It has been proposed that introducing higher diversity and heterogeneity into managed forests can be the way forward for: a) maximizing forest productivity under climate change, b) improving forest resilience, and c) simultaneously delivering other services (e.g. climate and biodiversity benefits.
Addressing these challenges requires a strategy for transitioning from the even-aged monocultures of today, to multilayered stands that can be managed using alternative methods, and a detailed understanding of the requirements for seedling establishment outside of the context of current regeneration practices. The project aims to lay the foundation for this transition, by studying the eco-physiological mechanisms that determine the above- and belowground requirements and limitations of seedling performance of pioneer (pine, birch) and secondary successional, or climax, tree species (spruce) in Sweden and investigating the potential for a management framework that establishes pine and spruce in overlapping stand generations.
We hypothesize that secondary successional species are adapted to combine a slow growth rate with an opportunistic strategy for acquiring unevenly distributed resources. Often, these species are referred to as “shade tolerant”, but this project will test the hypothesis that it is in fact not about enduring a low average light level, but that the radiation under a forest canopy is patchy and dappled so that higher light intensity occurs for short durations. Analogously below ground, it is known that soil nitrogen is not evenly distributed in the soil and the diverse composition of soil microorganisms and mycorrhizal fungi create a complex matrix where high nutrient availability may occur locally or for limited periods of time in the soil.
Understanding such strategies and specific requirements of pioneer and secondary successional species would guide the development of new methods for seedling regeneration in silvicultural systems outside the current rotational management system.
Methods
The project is structured around four objectives, which can comprise chapters of a PhD thesis. The student will conduct field and laboratory experiments, as well as analyse data from the Swedish National Forest Inventory database:
1) Quantify the variation in growth and development of young pines and spruces growing under an overstory canopy and identify what site or stand characteristics, or climate conditions can explain this variation.
2) Characterise the light-use strategies and the underlaying physiological mechanisms, in pioneer vs climax tree species, with emphasis on the dynamic light environment under an overstory canopy.
3) Characterise the strategies of pioneer vs climax tree species to acquire and utilise below-ground resources, especially nitrogen.
4) Establish a long-term replicated field study to analyse spruce seedling survival and growth under pine shelterwood, at different stages within the management cycle.
Qualifications:Basic requirements
Meritous (not required)
Umeå
Forms for funding or employment:Employment as a PhD student, full time for 4 years
Starting date:According to agreement.
Application:Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-01-21.
The following must be attached to the application:
To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master's) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.
Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https: // www. slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral- studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/
Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport's information page containing their photograph and personal details.
Read about the PhD education at SLU at www. slu.se/en/education/programmes- courses/doctoral-studies/
Academic union representatives:https: // internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner- vid-rekrytering/
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.
SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Contact person
Nils Henriksson
Torgny Näsholm