Topic:  Assessment and mapping of soil and crop spatial variability using proximal and remote sensing tools and methods:  implications in precision agriculture

Precision Agriculture (PA) is gaining space and importance mainly in developed countries. However, in the African continent, it is either absent or still at experimental or embryonic stage. Most of the PA technologies are at experimental stage with few examples in South Africa and Morocco. Future development of agriculture rely on its capability of integrating digital revolution in its practices

The proposed Doctorate topic is aiming the assessment and mapping soil and crop spatial variability using different tools and technologies and their implications in precision agriculture. Two main aspects will be addressed : (1) Characterization and mapping of relevant soil fertility parameters using different proximal sensors (2) Compare the output of the various proximal sensors technically, timewise and economically with conventional soil testing methods; and (3) Explore remote sensing and other relevant data from different sources (big data platforms) as indicators of crop nitrogen status and their use in variable rate fertilization as well as for yield prediction for wheat under Moroccan conditions.

Applications must include :

• A cover letter indicating how the profile of the candidate match with the required position
• A detailed CV.
• Contact information of 2 references

Application Deadline: October 18, 2021

Criteria of the Candidate:

• Master’s or equivalent degree in soil science, agronomy, environmental science, physico-chemistry
• Rigor / organization
• Good communication skills in French and English
• Teamwork