Resource: Academic research

The ORC whole farm sustainability assessment tool offers unrivalled access to knowledge for researchers and farmers alike through an easy-to-navigate interface.

Summary highlighting outcomes of Tom Staton’s PhD thesis ‘Evaluating the effects of agroforestry versus arable systems on functional biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.’

A policy brief summarising results and recommendations from a review undertaken as part of the Defra-funded Agroforestry ELM Test project.

Interesting results from a 5-year reduced cultivation trial that took place at the Salle Park Estate, Norfolk, to assess the impact of contrasting tillage regimes on the biological, chemical and physical condition of soils.

An update from research undertaken as part of the Demonstration Test Catchments research platform established to investigate the extent by which on-farm mitigation measures can cost-effectively reduce the impact of diffuse water pollution on river ecology whilst maintaining food production capacity. This one details research undertaken at the River Wensum catchment, in Norfolk.

This briefing examines the role of silvopastoral agroforestry in providing livestock with nutrients via tree browse, alongside the many other benefits of trees.

A short paper exploring the ways in which applying an agroecological approach can be particularly helpful during a global coronavirus pandemic when man is reminded of how closely human, animal and ecological health are linked.

Presentation and video footage recorded at the ORFC 2020 session on ‘The future of agroecological weed management.’ Chloe MacLaren shares the latest developments in weed ecology and new insights into the potential for more weed resilient systems.

Benchmark the physical and economic performance of your farm business with the help of the Farm Business Survey.

Postgraduate student, Rachel Glover, has been investigating the impact of severe annual river flooding on a mixed lowland farm in Shropshire.

Don’t waste a drop. Belts of native trees can act as an insurance policy against droughts by modifying the crop microclimate.

A report summaring results from a review which looks at the extent by which reduced tillage practices and organic material returns could increase the organic carbon content of English and Welsh arable soils.

Design and manage agroforestry in arable systems so that the biodiversity benefits are maximised and problems are reduced.

Paper looking at factors that influence the abundance of pollen beetle and damage to oilseed rape and how habitat management may improve pollen beetle control.

Part of the AMBER project (which identifies practical ways for growers to improve the performance of biopesticides), this page provides a brief overview of some benefits and challenges of using them.

Research that looked at the effects of creating wildlife-friendly habitats in less productive areas of fields on a conventional arable farm.

Drawing on global research this article demonstrates how agroecology contributes to enhancing biodiversity and dietary diversity.

Biodynamics; what is it, what are the biodynamic preparations, how is biodynamic farming and soil health and fertility intrinsically linked?

Everything you need to know about the management of cover crops: Check out this free, interactive web-based tool.

A summary of the benefits and limitations of lucerne as a forage crop and a fertility building legume including guidance on establishment, crop growth, cutting and grazing management.

How do we build resilience in local food networks? DIVERSIFOOD offer nine key concepts to promote food diversity for more sustainable and higher quality farming.

Agricology’s response to the Defra consulation paper ‘Health and Harmony: The Future of Food and Farming in a Green Brexit’ 

Detailed information from Garden Organic on the occurrence, biology, persistence and spread of chickweed, with guidance to help you manage it more effectively.

Is it possible to develop a low-protein, high fibre diet for dairy cattle that is good for them, good for milk production and good for the environment?