RESEARCH INSIGHT EVENT: EXPLORE FERTILISERS AND ORGANIC INPUTS - THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO MITIGATE THESE

Agriculture is responsible for around 10% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the UK, the fifth largest emitter after the transport, energy, business, and residential sectors. The production and application of synthetic fertilisers and organic inputs are key emission sources and are therefore a focus for efforts to decarbonise the sector. Added to this, rising input costs and a growing policy focus on minimising nutrient losses to the environment are key drivers for the industry to optimise the production and use of fertilisers and organic inputs.

In this Research Insight Event, hear about current research being undertaken at Rothamsted Research's North Wyke campus in Devon into:

Opportunities to reduce nitrogen losses from organic fertilisers - Dr Alison Carswell

Alison is a specialist in nitrogen cycling in agriculture, with a particular interest in agricultural ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions. In this talk Alison will discuss a range of options for reducing nitrogen losses from organic fertilisers and some of the wider impacts of these mitigation strategies.

Mitigating nitrogen losses from the application of synthetic fertilisers - Dr Laura Cardenas

Laura is Senior Research Scientist at Rothamsted Research who has specialised in N and C cycling in agricultural systems. Laura has carried out research on measurements of emissions at the laboratory and field scale and has tested several mitigation strategies. She is also linked to policy via her role in the agricultural inventory of greenhouse gas emissions for the UK.

Optimising use and recycling of phosphorus in agriculture - Dr Martin Blackwell

Martin is a soil scientist with expertise in phosphorus cycling in agricultural systems. In this presentation he will introduce some of the key issues related to phosphorus use and some of the ways in which these can be addressed via the use of recycled fertilisers and tools that can assist with improving its use-efficiency in agriculture.

Field visit

The afternoon will also include a field visit to our Trans4num P fertiliser field trial which is testing the efficacy of novel phosphorus and carbon rich bio-fertiliser derived from abattoir waste. We ask that you bring suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for the tour.

Registration and refreshments will be available from 1.30pm, talks start at 2pm.