Record:Master2.3b

From SwissExperiment

Topic for Bachelor or Master Thesis in the framework of RECORD:

Soil organic matter transformations in a restored section of river Thur

This Bachelor or Master Thesis will study the distribution and turnover of soil organic matter on a gravel bar densely over-grown with reed grass. This functional processing zone represents an early succession stage characterized by frequent flooding, a high biological activity and a heterogeneous mixture of organic matter from different sources. The results will serve the better understanding of the filter function of restored river corridors.

Possible tasks include (i) sampling of soils on a regular grid at different points in time determined by season and flooding events and quantifying the various components of soil organic matter; (ii) quantifying the degradability of selected components of soil organic matter (respiration, leaching) under controlled conditions in the laboratory.

Lab work will be carried out at WSL, Birmensdorf and sampling will take place at the Thur near Niederneunforn (Kt. TG).

For this work you (i) should participate in a bachelor or master program focusing on environmental sciences, geography or related topics, and (iii) ideally have a drivers licence.

For further information please contact Jörg Luster (joerg.luster@wsl.ch, 079 787 83 77) and check out the web page of task 2.3.