Start September 2025
Master’s Project Opportunity in the laboratory of Prof. Jacynthe Dessureault-Rompré and Dr. Snizhana Olishevska (CEROM) on “Improving the establishment and survival of giant miscanthus under various pedoclimatic conditions in Quebec.”
TO APPLY: Send your curriculum vitae, cover letter, and transcript to jacynthe.dessureault-rompre@fsaa.ulaval.ca and/or snizhana.olishevska@cerom.qc.ca
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Giant miscanthus (GM) is a perennial rhizomatous grass that offers several agri-environmental benefits. Thanks to its deep root system, it has a remarkable potential to capture large amounts of carbon, reduce field erosion, and thereby improve soil health and conservation. In addition, its biomass can be used as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional bedding materials and as forage for livestock, promoting the sustainability of agriculture in Quebec. Moreover, GM biomass can be utilized for bioenergy production and the manufacturing of eco-materials, reducing dependence on petroleum-based products and contributing to the development of a circular and responsible economy.
As part of this project, we aim to evaluate strategies for the establishment and winter survival of giant miscanthus by studying the effects of different rhizome sizes, planting timeframes, and the potential application of mulch. The project also seeks to assess the beneficial impact of GM on soil health and conservation. The results of this research will contribute to the development of a giant miscanthus production guide, providing detailed information on improving the establishment and productivity of this crop in Quebec.
The work will primarily be conducted at Laval University, in Quebec City. The project includes soil sampling at experimental sites located in Montérégie, Estrie, and the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
Scholarship 21,000$/year for 2 years