Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/K007297/1
Ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture: maximising productivity and environmental benefits
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Professor S Potts, University of Reading, Sch of Agriculture Policy and Dev
- Grant held at:
- University of Reading, Sch of Agriculture Policy and Dev
- Science Area:
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Terrestrial
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- The proposed research aims to improve our understanding of risks inherent to food production in the Waitrose supply chain and to suggest how to manage such risks. We propose to achieve this by: (i) determining the dependency of soft fruit production on ecosystem services such as pest regulation, pollination, soil fertility and water availability, and (ii) quantifying the impacts of production on ecosystem services and wider environment (carbon, biodiversity). The research bridges two NERC research priorities, namely ecosystem services and food and agriculture and is also highly relevant to climate services and water priorities. We will study ecosystem service - crop production interactions on a set of commercial soft fruit farms and utilise the information to implement novel management practices aimed at optimising ecosystem services to maximise the economic and environmental benefits. Specifically, we propose to carry out the following: (1) Quantify the relative contribution of a range of biodiversity-based ecosystem services (pollination, pest regulation and soil fertility) and identify services currently limiting production. (2) Implement and test novel on-farm interventions to optimise the delivery of services currently limiting production, and/or partially replace synthetic inputs (e.g. fertilizers, pesticides) with ecosystem services. (3) Compare business-as-usual with experimental 'enhanced ecosystem service' systems, conduct a cost:benefit analysis to identify options resulting in a net gain in profitability. (4) Assess the feedback of novel management practices on other ecosystem services, such as carbon stocks, biodiversity (wildlife) and water availability. Based on these objectives, we will establish a set of best practice recommendations for soft fruit production, and also develop a set of adaptation guidelines applicable to a wider range of production systems. APPROACH: In collaboration with Waitrose, we have identified soft fruits as a system with clear scope for improved practice as they are heavily reliant on biodiversity derived ecosystem services. We will select 12 'typical' farms running conventional management programmes. In year 1, we will measure the baseline levels of production, pollination, pest regulation, soil fertility, carbon and biodiversity and water (irrigation if relevant) in all farms. Calculate the relative contribution of supporting and regulating services to production, and identify which, if any are limiting production. In year 2, based on previous studies and year 1 data, identify and develop a set of interventions to augment services which could enhance production and/or partially replace synthetic inputs. Implement these in 1 ha experimental plots in each farm with the remaining area under normal management as a control. Years 2 and 3 monitor and quantify ecosystem services in the treatment and control plots, and collect the relevant agronomic and economic data for the costs of implementation and benefits to production. Year 3, analyse the datasets, model the service delivery trade-offs, identify the best practices and disseminate the findings. OUTCOMES: The main beneficiaries of the proposed research are Waitrose and its suppliers; climate change and shifts in environmental policies, will have a significant bearing on their core business. By developing research methodologies and assessment tools, we will be able to inform growers and supermarkets on how to adapt their businesses to these changes. The PhD candidate will gain experience of working on a clearly focused research project in a leading academic department and with a major supermarket chain. The outcomes of the project will be of interest to the wider body of food producing and trading companies, as well as to researchers interested in the link between ecosystem services and crop production system stability and efficiency and environmental quality.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/K007297/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Open CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £71,406
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £13,978 | £8,235 | £49,194 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.