Soil Nutrient Dynamics

Projects

The bracketed names after the title are funding bodies, the italicised organisations are collaborators.

Optimisation of nitrogen mineralization from winter cover crops and utilisation by subsequent crops (DEFRA)
Field and on-farm trials to assess the fate of nitrogen from winter cover crops and to investigate ways of optimising the use of this nitrogen by subsequent cash crops in the organic rotation whilst minimising nitrogen leaching. The data generated is being used to refine and test HRI's computer models for nitrogen mineralization with the aim of developing them for use by organic farmers.
Click here for further details of the optimisation of nitrogen mineralization from winter cover crops project
HRI Wellesbourne
Utilising Nitrogen in cover crops (DEFRA)
A desk study to draw together the results of all DEFRA-funded work on cover crops which has been conducted over the past ten years. Gaps in our knowledge in this area will be identified.
ADAS (project leader) & HRI Wellesbourne
Developing the use of green waste compost on agricultural land (Wyvern Waste Services Ltd)
To investigate the use of green waste compost on agricultural land by assessing its effect on plant growth, soil nutrient status, soil structure and impact on the environment. Long term trials have been established within conventional arable and organic vegetable rotations.
Click here for further details of the use of green waste compost project
Understanding soil fertility in organically farmed soils (DEFRA)
To provide a better understanding of the nutrient cycling aspects of soil fertility in organically farmed soils, targeting the processes involved and their controlling factors (including the role of biological diversity). This will enable better advice to be given to farmers to help optimise the use of resources and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
ADAS (project leader); IGER & University of Wales, Bangor
The environmental implications of manure use in organic farming systems (DEFRA)
A study to assess the compositional quality of animal manures produced on organic farms, to review the rules and regulations surrounding manure handling and to examine potential loss pathways which are specific for organic situations.
ADAS (project leader); EFRC & IGER

Nutrient Dynamics Team:

Francis Rayns is a senior research officer at HDRA responsible for co-ordinating the work on soil nutrient dynamics.

Related links:

The Nutrients in Organic Agriculture Group (NOAG). Which is "an informal grouping of researchers with an interest in the efficient use of nutrients in organic agriculture and horticulture".
Web site: www.iger.bbsrc.ac.uk/igerweb/noa/noatop.html

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