Applications have opened for a four-year PHD, which will investigate the impact of agrivoltaic systems on biodiversity and soil physical properties.

The Walsh scholar PHD, based at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford, will examine the integration of agricultural production and solar-electricity generation. The successful candidate will receive an annual stipend of €25,000, with university fees covered up to €5,500 per year.

The project will be carried out in collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU) and is funded by Research Ireland through BiOrbic.

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Viable

According to the project description, sheep grazing beneath solar panels is currently the only viable livestock enterprise within utility-scale solar farms, allowing agricultural production to continue alongside renewable energy generation.

The student will compare management systems with sheep grazing and without grazing, assessing pollinator feeding and nesting behaviour, plant community composition, and the ecological benefits of sheep grazing within agrivoltaic systems.

Fieldwork includes biodiversity surveys of plants and pollinators alongside ecohydrological monitoring using sensor networks deployed on solar farms in Counties Meath and Wexford. The research will examine how microclimate, grazing management and characteristics interact to influence biodiversity, soil health and ecosystem processes.

Throughout the course of the project, the student will gain expertise in field-based ecological research, biodiversity surveys, ecohydrological monitoring, experimental design and environmental data analysis.

Findings

By integrating a number of factors, the research will generate evidence to support the development of biodiversity enhancement strategies for solar farms.

The findings from this study will support the sustainable management and future deployment of agrivoltaic systems.

The project will be supervised by the Dr Saorla Kavanagh of Teagasc and co-supervised by Professor Fiona Reegan and Dr Ciprian Briciu Burghina of Dublin City University.

Through the Teagasc Walsh Scholars Programme, scholars are provided with opportunities to present research and national and international conferences, and to undertake an international research placement of up to 12 weeks, aligned with their PhD project.

Interested candidates should submit an application by Wednesday 19 August.