Week 1

This week has been the start of my research project placement as part of my Masters in Agribioscience at NUIG. The week has been filled with tremendous amounts of reading and writing: the beginning of a research trial. For my project I will be working with Tom Larkin of H and L Environmental in conjunction with JHG Analytical in deciphering mechanisms of nutrient recovery by plants from AD digestate to reduce carbon footprint on farms. The aim for my this week was to get a fundamental start on my literature review for my research project proposal. So far I have looked at current regulations in Ireland on the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and also soil nutrient deprivation. For the week coming I hope to continue further literature research into how nutrient management plans are assessed, the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers and also to layout and experimental design for my field trial.