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Post-doctoral
position in forest ecology
“Contribution
of understory to nutrient fluxes in a Pine plantation ecosystem”
Key words: Forest Ecosystem, Understory, Root Ecology, Nutrient cycling, Above- and Belowground litter dynamics A two-year postdoctoral position is available at the National School of Agronomy in Bordeaux (UMR TCEM INRA-ENITAB), France, starting at September 2008. This work, in collaboration with a team of scientists, will contribute to the understanding of nutrient cycling in the largest managed pine forest in Europe. Context and Objectives: Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) has a low leaf area index at any stage of stand rotation, so that understory species can develop and maintain themselves even after canopy closure. Most common understory species in the study area (Landes of Gascony), are bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), common heather (Calluna vulgaris), bell heather (Erica cinerea), purple moor-grass (Molinia caerulea) and common gorse (Ulex europeaus). According to preliminary estimations, understory makes up on average 6.5 % (range 1–14%) of total ecosystem aerial biomass and 28 % (range 17–39 %) of total ecosystem root biomass. This contribution to the total ecosystem biomass is affected by the type of moor-land (humid versus dry). Thus, understory may represent a considerable part of forest ecosystem biomass and be of importance for forest nutrient and carbon sequestration and fluxes. Our objectives are: 1) Elaborate tools to estimate biomass and nutrient content of the main understory species in the region. This first activity will be carried out in the summer of 2008 by the staff of the hosting laboratory. The post-doctoral student will use resulting data as a starting point 2) Quantify nutrient fluxes through the study of litter inputs (monitoring phenology and sampling of litterfall) from both aerial and belowground tissues of the understory species. The post-doctoral fellow will be in charge of this part of the work. Specific tasks: The postdoctoral fellow will be part of a research team and conduct original work, contributing in specific methodologies development and sample analysis to study nutrient fluxes from understory in the field. In addition to the management and analysis of pre-existing data, the canditate will be responsible for :
The candidate is expected to publish results in peer reviewed literature and present research at scientific meetings. The position can be adapted to the expertise and interests of the selected applicant. Competences: The candidate should have a PhD degree in applied forest ecology or related field. Experience in root studies and associated motivation are desirable. Salary: This work received ENITAB/Région Aquitaine funding for two consecutive years, with a net monthly salary of 1535 euros. Application: Please send curriculum vitae, a description of research accomplishments and interests, and the names and e-mail addresses of 2-3 references to: Etienne Saur: e-saur@enitab.fr Mark Bakker: Mark.Bakker@bordeaux.inra.fr Maya Gonzalez: m-gonzalez@enitab.fr Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2008 For further information please consult the following web-site: http://www.bordeaux.inra.fr/tcem/index.htm |
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