Crop Plant – Soil microbial Ecology; with broad interests in soil health improvements through plant soil interactions and rotational choices.
Research Area
My research focusses on the potential for soil health improvements through choices made in the farmed environment – and how this can contribute to ecosystem services above and below ground. The choices that farmers make within the farmed environment and the surrounding non-farmed portions of the environment can make a profound impact on the way that vital ecosystem services can impact soil health, resilience and sustainability. My research spans the boundaries between ecology, soil science and agronomy; taking into account certain social science aspects of choices and outcomes.
I especially enjoy collaborative work and have strong links with true soil scientists at Cranfield University, for example and with industries providing both resources, seeds and expertise and who have structured knowledge exchange and dissemination activities, for example Elsoms Seeds Ltd and FarmED based in the Cotswolds.
My research is field based and strongly focussed on UK-based farming and non-farmed adjacent land. I typically use soil and ecology-based techniques alongside microscopy and some plant genetics – based assessments.
Recently, I have become interested in the potential for farming outcomes to impact gas emissions associated with climate change. I lead the Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping; a multi-partner project funded by UK government.
Project Interests
I want to develop projects in wide soil, crop plant interaction areas; especially relating to complex forages or soil improvement options providing a break in arable rotations. I welcome multidisciplinary studentship projects using soil science and ecological assessments to study carbon capture and sequestration processes and interactions between plants and the farmed/non farmed environment. Considering CO2/N2O emission-reduction. I am interested in using soil microbial community development to impact terrestrial ecosystems and mitigating their production or improving sequestration outcomes. With longstanding interests in the importance of mycorrhizal interactions with heritage crops such as sainfoin; potentially improving soil health and providing ecosystem-services.