Organisation/Company Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 30 Apr *********:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct **** Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number HORIZON-MSCA-****-COFUND-***** Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? NoOffer DescriptionAgrifoodTECH COFUNDResearch Code: C1-GROWING MEDIAWe are seeking innovative research proposals that explore the sustainability, environmental performance and functional roles of growing media in horticultural systems, considering factors that influence the adoption and performance of peat alternatives and their contribution to more sustainable horticultural production.Context:Peat has long been a key component of horticultural growing media because of its favorable physical and chemical properties, including good water retention and aeration, stable pH and light weight as well as consistency, availability and affordability. However, its use raises well-documented environmental and sustainability concerns, particularly due to its slow renewability and the ecological impacts associated with peatland degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. In parallel with broader efforts to identify more sustainable alternatives to peat, increasing attention is being given to renewable and locally available materials that could support horticultural production while reducing environmental pressures. Understanding the properties, performance and implications of such materials remain an active area of research within horticultural science and substrate management.The problem to address:Peat-free growing media often differ substantially in their physical, chemical, biological and environmental characterist