Land Use & Farming Systems
Combining experimental studies and models to reveal the impact of land management and farming systems
Current Research Projects
Modelling the spatial and temporal management of land-use to optimise biodiversity - Andrew Mead
Aim: To develop an integrated model to predict how the decisions made about land-use, based on economic, land characteristics, landscape and management factors, affect biodiversity within agroecosystems, with a focus on how economic incentives could be utilised to optimise biodiversity enhancement within agroecosystems.
Methodology for assessing farming systems - Rob Lillywhite
Aim: To produce a methodology for assessing the environmental, economic and social characteristics of (organic and non-organic) farming systems (Defra project OF0386). The project will describe the range of current UK farming systems, for example: organic, low input, extensive, integrated, intensive, etc. and develop a methodology to describe their environmental, economic and social characteristics.
Contribution of integrated farm management (IFM) to Defra objectives - Rosemary Collier, Rob Lillywhite, project led by ADAS
Aim: To improve the understanding, promotion and adoption of IFM in cropping systems. One of the key objectives was to determine the contribution of specific IFM practices in achieving economic, environmental and social (EES) objectives. This included identification of instances where specific IFM practices do, or do not, achieve the EES objectives.
Defra project IF0127,Link opens in a new window Aspects of Applied Biology 93, 131-138Link opens in a new window
Ecosystem services for climate change adaptation in agricultural land management - Rosemary Collier and Rob Lillywhite
Aim: To examine the potential for agricultural land management to provide ecosystem services that support adaptation to climate change. Where appropriate, contributions to the mitigation of climate change were also included. The project focuses on the potential for agricultural land management to provide Regulating Services and considers water regulation in detail.
Fertility management strategies in organic arable and vegetable production - Rosemary Collier, Clive Rahn, project led by Garden Organic
Aim: To explore the effects of contrasting fertility building strategies in organic stockless systems growing arable and/or vegetable crops.
Fertility management remains one of the most crucial aspects of organic production systems and has been identified as a priority for research. The approach to fertility building has implications for soil structure and subsequent weed, pest and disease problems as well as on the soil nutrient dynamics.
