Now open for application
Closed for application
C39.CU5.20

Exploring new ways of monitoring good agricultural practices also with the support of EO products

  • Reference person
    Andrea
    Taramelli
    andrea.taramelli@iusspavia.it
  • Host University/Institute
    IUSS Pavia
  • Internship
    Y
  • Research Keywords
    Copernicus
    Common Agricoltural Policy
    Space Economy
  • Reference ERCs
    PE10_14
    LS9_5 A
    LS9_7 F
  • Reference SDGs
    GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
    GOAL 15: Life on Land
    0
  • Co-Supervisor

Description

Air quality issue is increasing attention from institutions and citizens. In 2022, the European Commission presented its proposal to revise Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. This new version, in line with the World Health Organisation, will contribute to achieve the environmental and climate objectives set out in the 2030 Agenda, as reducing the levels of atmospheric pollutants. The agricultural sector contributes 94% of total national ammonia emissions to the atmosphere (IIR 2018, ISPRA). Ammonia is a precursor to PM2.5 and PM10, with consequent harmful implications for both human health and aspects of everyday life. The PhD should investigate the limitations and shortcomings of monitoring in terms of assessing the efficacy of adopted agricultural practices and progress from an environmental perspective also in relation to EEA objectives. To reach this goal the PhD should explore the choice of agricultural practices and their impact on ammonia emissions, especially in the soil fertilisation phase. The outcomes will include the feasibility of a model for continuous, reliable and systematic observation, tracking and evaluation of agricultural activities for teh PNRR implementation. The PhD will explore the application of EO products in a complementary way with existing in situ data concerning the classification of different types of crops and tracking their phenological status.

Suggested skills:

-Knowledge of artificial intelligence approaches (fuzzy logic, Bayesian systems) applied to determine the response of ecosystems both agriculture and forestry to climate change;- Experience in the implementation of integrated decision support systems for the innovative tool in forestry and agriculltre domain;-Experience in using the European Earth Observation Program (Copernicus).

Research team and environment

IUSS mission is to provide advanced education to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as fundamental and applied research in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and Human, Social and Life Sciences. At IUSS, PhD candidates will find an open multidisciplinary environment offering real opportunities for developing academic and professional tools for facing the challenges arising from increasing complexity and fast changes in the society and the environment. IUSS is always and actively committed towards internationalisation, inclusion and diversity. The selected candidate will join the research centre on Climate change impAct studies for RISk MAnagement (CARISMA). The CARISMA team is composed by STEM and Social scientists working in the prism of climate change on data analysis including Copenricus and modelling of Earth System and economic system processes; impact assessment of extreme natural events and anthropogenic activities on human and natural environments; risk assessment and management of natural and anthropogenic hazards; formulation and proposal of new economic, political and legal models of sustainable development. The research activity will be carried out in collaboration with the Space Unit and Data Unit of the The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and may include stays at the ISPRA Research Centre (Rome).