PhD in Agricultural Sciences at Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (Slovakia)

Key details

• Host institution: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra
• Location: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, Nitra, Slovakia
• Application deadline: May 31, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Application portal / instructions: Official application link.
• Context on Euraxess: Original listing.

About the position

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Agri-Food Businesses through Measures in the Field

Alternative Title: Znižovanie uhlíkovej stopy agropotravinárskych podnikov prostredníctvom opatrení v krajine

Supervisor: doc. Ing. Lenka Lackóová, PhD.

Workplace: Institute of Landscape Engineering FHLE SUA in Nitra

Field of Study: Agriculture and Landscape

Study Program: Landscape Engineering

Form of Study: Full-time / Part-time

Thesis Description

The carbon footprint represents the total greenhouse gas emissions expressed in CO₂ equivalents that are generated as a result of a specific activity, product, or organization over a defined period of time. In the agri-food sector, this mainly concerns emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), which are generated in the process of plant and animal production, the use of fertilizers, product processing, energy consumption, and transport.

Agriculture is both a significant source of emissions and a potential tool for reducing them. Soil and vegetation act as carbon sinks, and their proper management can promote carbon sequestration and emission reduction. Land use, hydrological regime, soil properties, and farming intensity significantly influence the carbon balance of an area.

From a landscape engineering perspective, it is important to understand agri-food businesses as part of a broader landscape system. A business’s emissions are not isolated, but are the result of interactions between technological processes and the natural conditions of the landscape. Landscape engineering measures—such as land use modifications, increasing organic matter in the soil, green infrastructure elements, water retention in the landscape, and optimization of cropping practices—can significantly affect the carbon balance of a farm.

The dissertation will be based on the principles of carbon footprint assessment, environmental management, and sustainable land management, focusing on the integration of these principles into practical solutions in the context of Slovakia.

Rationale

Agriculture is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, but at the same time it has considerable potential to contribute to their reduction through appropriate land and landscape management. The carbon footprint of agri-food businesses is influenced not only by technological processes, but also by land use, soil properties, and the water regime of the area.

In Slovakia, where agricultural land makes up a significant part of the territory, it is necessary to link the assessment of the carbon footprint with an analysis of landscape and soil processes. A comprehensive approach will make it possible to identify measures in the landscape that will contribute to reducing emissions and increasing carbon sequestration while maintaining the productive function of farms.

The topic is relevant in terms of climate policy, environmental management, and the practical application of landscape engineering knowledge.

Financial Coverage

09I04-03-V02-00054 Low-Emission Future: Tracking the Carbon Footprint in Agri-Food Enterprises to Support Local Producers

Alternative: 09I04-03-V02-00054 Nízkoemisná Budúcnosť: Sledovanie Uhlíkovej Stopy v Agropotravinárskych podnikoch pre Podporu Lokálnych Výrobcov