Mycorrhiza and specifically ‘arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi’ (AMF) and Ectomycorrhiza (EcM) are important symbiotic fungi involved in the successful growth of the vast majority of plant species across the world. We have previously discussed their roles and strategies impacting their activities in an introductory article. The following article aims to expand on this by discussing the …
Written by Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. Why working with nature and encouraging its recovery is important? Agriculture represents the single biggest use of land area worldwide, as such it inherently has a large role to play in human interactions with natural systems. With an ever-growing population of mouths to feed, following our historic …
Land sparing and land sharing – considerations for farming with nature Read More »
Where do we stand? • The development of synthetic nitrogen production allowed a boom in agricultural yields and population growth worldwide• Whilst N is growth limiting it is regularly applied at levels where less than half is used by the plants, wasting input costs and causing theexcess to harm the environment• Whilst N efficiency losses …
Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. • Symbiotic fungi mycorrhiza have important interactions with many plant species• Mycorrhiza, in optimal conditions, can improve plant growth with fewer inputs, improve soils and protect from weeds, insects, contamination and climate changes• Mycorrhiza focused systems as such could act as a promising future tool to combat the increasing …
Farming’s fungi focus: Considering belowground to benefit aboveground Read More »
The impact of rising CO2 levels on the nutritional quality of crops Written by Louis Gray, UWE & Dr William Stiles, Aberystwyth University. Take home messages:• Increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere are expected to change the nutritional composition of plants, and plant growth patterns• Certain existing crops may start to perform less well, …
Written by Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. • Seaweeds have long had suggested benefits for agricultural use• Research suggests green seaweeds to be beneficial for soil/plant amendments and redseaweeds to have some potential for animal feeds• To be able to include at meaningful levels, the production and supply chain ofseaweeds needs to be researched …
Written by Dr David Cutress: IBERS, Aberystwyth University. • Silicate and carbonate reactions could offer a route for long-term carbon storage• Whilst issues surround carbonate minerals, silicates, like basalt rock, appear more promising• Applying crushed silicatesto agricultural soils could benefit carbon footprints, nutrient availability, pH, soil water retention and plant growth and yields• Currently, there …
