The Biological Systems Engineering Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites applications for a graduate assistantship position starting in January or August 2014. The selected candidate will pursue a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Engineering with an emphasis in agricultural engineering.
Research Description
Since irrigation is the largest use of water in many places, proper irrigation water management is critical to make the best use of the water available. State of the art technologies for variable rate irrigation (VRI) provide producers the ability to vary water application rates across center-pivot irrigated fields to address spatial variability in soil properties, terrain, and yield. VRI provides an opportunity to improve both water and energy efficiency. However, VRI management techniques are not yet well defined. Research is required for this newly developed technology to determine where systems will increase productivity, and how they should be used.
Research objectives for this assistantship may include developing irrigation prescriptions for variable irrigation rates in space and time for a decision support system; an economic analysis of the feasibility of variable rate irrigation (VRI); quantifying nutrient leaching reductions to groundwater due to VRI; or improving irrigation scheduling in developing countries. This research will be part of a larger research program associated with the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute.
Qualifications
Applicants must have an M.S. degree from an agricultural engineering or related program, and grade point averages higher than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The assistantship will consist of an annual stipend and funds to support tuition and health insurance costs. Funding after the first year is subject to availability of funds and satisfactory progress. Apply on-line at http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/.
Questions
Contact Derek Heeren (derek.heeren@unl.edu)
Biological Systems Engineering
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
241 L. W. Chase Hall
Lincoln, NE, 68583-0726
Department Website: http://bse.unl.edu/.
