Soil, Water, and Crop Science

Our Research

Soil and water sciences at Lincoln Institute for Agrifood Technology focus around the study of agricultural field drainage, and soil management. Our research aims to support farmers, land owners, and ecosystem managers in developing effective, sustainable approaches to land and water management.

Research Projects

The impact of field drains in Lincolnshire

A survey and investigation of agricultural field drainage in Lincolnshire; its current condition and the appetite by farmers for change, in the light of climate change induced flooding possibility, agricultural production and water quality. Plus research into novel drainage enhancement tools.

Project Lead: Isobel Wright

Funder: The Environment Agency

 

Collaboration on diffuse rural pollution

A project to continue to develop the diffuse rural pollution demonstration farm project and assess and report the environmental benefits from the mitigation measures employed.

Project Lead: Isobel Wright

Funder: The Environment Agency

 

Optimising the light recipe for maximum photosynthesis yield and quality in strawberry (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Career Transition Partnership Studentship Studentship)

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Career Transition Partnership Studentship funding for a studentships on "Optimising the light recipe for maximum photosynthesis, yield and quality in strawberry".

Project Lead: Professor Simon Pearson

Funder: National Institute for Agricultural Botany – East Malling Research

 

UK Research and Innovation CERES, LASERBOOM

A UK Research and Innovation CERES Project to develop a LIDAR based spray boom levelling system for use in agricultural/horticultural settings.

Project Lead: Professor Simon Pearson

Funder: UK Research and Innovation CERES

 

Innovative farmers salinity trial

Advisory Services for a small farmer-led field labs project, including sample testing through a third party commercial laboratory, and production of reports.

Project Lead: Dr Iain Gould

Funder: Soil Association (Innovative Farmers)     

 

Integrating catch crops into an arable system

The project is a farmer led field trail exploring how catch crops can be integrated into arable systems and assessing their benefits.

Project Lead: Dr Iain Gould

Funder: Soil Association (Innovative Farmers)    

 

Farm systems that produce good water quality for drinking water supplies

The FAirWAY initiative aims to develop effective and practical strategies for protection and rehabilitation of drinking water resources, benefitting the environment, land users, and drinking water companies across Europe.

Project Lead: Isobel Wright

Funder: European Commission – Horizon 2020 programme