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Farming Reforms Could Cut Emissions by a Quarter and Boost Water Quality
Reductions in phosphorus and sediment loss estimated at around one third in key catchment areas suffering from water pollution
7 April, 2025
A new study has revealed that targeted farming interventions could slash agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in England by up to 30% while significantly improving water quality and biodiversity.
Researchers combined farm and environmental data to model the impact of mitigation measures across England’s farming landscape. The study, using the Catchment Systems Model, compared current agricultural emissions with a scenario implementing the feasible mitigation options at maximum levels.
The findings show that under business-as-usual conditions, the median global warming potential over a 20-year period (GWP20) stands at 4,606 kg CO2 equivalent per hectare, while over a 100-year period (GWP100), the figure is 2,334 kg CO2 equivalent per hectare. However, by adopting maximum uptake of mitigation measures, emissions could be reduced by up to 30% for GWP20 and 27% for GWP100.
This study underscores the importance of balancing climate action with economic viability
Beyond emissions reductions, the study highlights the potential for significant co-benefits for water quality, with reductions in phosphorus and sediment loss estimated at around 34% in key catchment areas suffering from such water pollution. Co-benefits could also exist for biodiversity, as some mitigation measures also promote healthier ecosystems.
The research comes at a time of heightened focus on achieving net-zero agriculture while addressing broader environmental challenges and government priorities. With farming a key driver of emissions and water pollution, these findings provide crucial modelled evidence for policymakers designing England’s agricultural policies.
“This modelling study underscores the importance of balancing climate action with economic viability,” said lead author Yusheng Zhang. “We found that the ratio of business-as-usual GHG emissions to monetised farm production varied widely, suggesting that financial incentives may be needed to encourage widespread adoption of mitigation practices.”
With the UK government committed to improving environmental sustainability in agriculture, these insights could help shape policies that not only cut emissions but also enhance the health of the country’s waterbodies and natural habitats.
The study was undertaken jointly as part of the UKRI-BBSRC funded institute strategic programme Resilient Farming Futures and the UKRI-EPSRC funded Global Nitrogen Innovation Center for Clean Energy and Environment (NICCEE)
Publication
Contacts
Dr Yusheng Zhang
Hydrologist
Prof. Adie Collins
Science Director
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.