Transforming Peat Farming: A Major Project to Boost Habitats and Ecosystems
Peatlands - those rich, dark and often overlooked soils - are stepping into the spotlight thanks to a groundbreaking project led by Harper Adams University (HAU). This initiative aims to strike a delicate balance between sustainable farming and environmental conservation, all while maintaining the UK's crucial food production.
Read more about this exciting project here.
Funded by InnovateUK and delivered in partnership with Harper Adams University and Climate Spheres UK
UK farming is one of the sectors most exposed to the impacts of climate change. UK soils are also under threat due to decades of over-use of fertilisers and regular heavy tillage practices. Farmers will need to develop new and better practices in order to become more sustainable, profitable and climate-friendly than many practices in use today. However, change can come with risks that prohibit farmers from trying out new approaches.
This project will build a practical evidence base for the benefits of producing biochar on-farm and integrating its use into an arable farming system. A Life Cycle Assessment will determine the value of using and producing biochar on farm.
Using the data gathered through the project and the Life Cycle Assessment, we will produce a toolkit of user-friendly resources to support farmers to integrate biochar into their own farming systems.
In collaboration with Climate Spheres, we have had the privilege of participating in an innovative project that tests the on-site production and use of biochar as a soil enhancer and fertiliser. Biochar is widely recognised for its ability to increase soil carbon levels, enhance soil structure, and boost nutrient retention and plant growth.
This initiative has enabled us to test the concept of making biochar on-farm using dead wood, and spreading it on an arable crop.
Take a look at our video diaries to find out more.
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