Grad Student Position Details
Project Title
The Forage Production and Quality Potential, and Ecosystem Functions of Perennial Forage Mixes
Degree Program
MSc
Supervisor
Dr. Akim Omokanye, PCBFA. Dr. Guillermo, Hernandez Ramirez, UAlberta
Professorial Rank
Adjunct and Associate Profs.
Department
Renewable Resources
Project Start Date
09/01/2020
Project Description:
Within forage mixtures, this research will examine the ecological theories of competition, complementarity, resource capture and plant interaction. The general premise is that addition of legume species to forage based production systems will enable an innovative and sustainable livestock production systems. In Alberta, two thirds of the total cost of maintaining the cow herd is comprised of pasture (both native and seeded), stored feed and bedding. The majority of the feed requirement comes from mixed stands of perennial grasses and legumes, therefore managing these forage resources is very important to producers. Across Alberta, the majority of the questions from producers focus on how to improve their pastures or hayland using combinations of grass and legume species, with the aim of optimizing forage-livestock systems.
We are seeking for a responsible student interested in the project.
Initial requirements:
Knowledge of soils, plants and nitrogen cycling,
Proactive, flexible, dedicated, well-centered, responsible
Open to undertake scientific approaches and to engage intense numerical analyses, data interpretation and writing up of findings, and publications.
Other key assets:
A teamwork aptitude ─ ability to work independently and with others,
A desire to deliver, share and present results in public,
Computer skills,
A 3.3 GPA or better, and
A valid driver license and clean driving record/abstract.
This collaborative research project entails field activities in Fairview, Peace Country and also Oyen in southern Alberta. For this project, the selected MSc student will be based most of the time in Fairview at the PCBFA facilities, with sporadic multi-day trips to Oyen during the summer for conducting research activities with the Chinook Agricultural Research Association (CARA) (travel cost to Oyen will be covered by the project). The student will be at UAlberta campus in Edmonton for two semesters (a fall semester and a winter semester) to complete coursework requirements.
Please e-mail transcripts (scanned unofficial copy), CV, a letter describing any research experience and interests (1-page), and a list of three references.
Keywords
Contact Email
ghernand@ualberta.ca
Other Contact Information
Contact Information: akim@pcbfa.ca; ghernand@ualberta.ca
Website
Stipend Amount/year
$ 30,000.00