Role of root and soil characteristics in persistence and production of mixed pasture species sowings

About the research project

The PhD project aligns with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Future Drought Fund Long-Term Trials Program (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/future-drought-fund/long-term-trials-drought-resilient-farming-practices-grants#projects--longterm-trials-round-1) funded project that is referred to now as Pasture 365 Pasture 365 | Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture. This funded project is evaluating pasture species and mixes that provide feed for livestock during periods of short supply (generally late summer, autumn and winter in Tasmania) and provide resilience during periods of moisture deficit (both seasonally over summer and extended periods or droughts). It has been hypothesised that increasing the diversity of species with different growth profiles within pastures will spread pasture growth more evenly over the year. Furthermore, the promotion of drought tolerant deep-rooted grasses, and a range of legumes and herbs will provide greater resilience to drought and improve soil health. This collaborative project being led by Deakin University has established a network of focal research sites and satellite producer sites across Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.

This PhD project seeks to investigate some of the below ground interactions of different pasture species in mixed pasture treatments. Each focal site in Tasmania contains 12 replicated pasture mixes with increasing diversity from monoculture and industry standard binary mixes, through to more regenerative promoted mixes containing up to 12 different species from a range of plant families. With experiments now fully established and persistence of certain species now showing out, this PhD project will seek to investigate pasture species root architecture and biomass, and determine differences in soil parameters such as infiltration, soil moisture use and changes in soil carbon.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Rowan Smith

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional Funding

If successful, applicants will also receive a Project funded top-up scholarship of $5,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment .

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applications are open to domestic or international candidates
• English language score must meet minimum entry requirements
• A postgraduate qualification (Honours or Masters) in pasture or crop science, animal science, agriculture, or a related discipline

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience working with plants in field, glasshouse and/or laboratory based research settings
• Experience with data collection in field settings and an understanding of production environments
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work across industry and research contexts
• Capacity to work collaboratively with other researchers and students with excellent written and oral communication
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork, including travel to regional locations for long days, often in uncomfortable weather conditions

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Driver's licence

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Rowan Smith to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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