Key Takeaways
- The UK Government has granted £3.3 million for legume research to mitigate fertilizer use and livestock agriculture emissions.
- This initiative is part of the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming by 78% by 2035, in line with the UK’s net zero targets.
- The project, led by scientists at Aberystwyth University at IBERS, focuses on the potential of red and white clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil to improve livestock productivity while reducing dependency on chemical nitrogen fertilizer.
- The research includes collaboration with commercial farmers and on-farm trials to optimize the benefits of legumes in nitrogen fixation.
- The NUE-Leg project involves multiple institutions and is funded by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Exploring Legumes in Sustainable Agriculture: A £3.3 Million UK Government Initiative
The Context of the Research
The UK Government has allocated a £3.3 million grant towards researching the use of clover and other legumes in agriculture. This research is driven by the need to address the dual challenges of reducing fertilizer usage and livestock agriculture emissions while preparing for an expected increase in global food demand. According to projections, the world population might reach 10 billion by 2050, necessitating a 70% increase in food production.
Environmental Impacts and Agricultural Practices
In the UK, livestock production predominantly relies on grass-based pastures. These pastures often require chemical nitrogen fertilizer, the production of which is associated with significant carbon dioxide emissions. The research aims to explore sustainable alternatives to this practice.
The Role of Clovers and Legumes in Agriculture
The project, spearheaded by scientists at the Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University, will examine how certain legumes, specifically red and white clover and Birdsfoot Trefoil, can contribute to more sustainable livestock farming practices. These legumes are known for fixing atmospheric nitrogen, potentially reducing the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers.
Development of Resilient Legume Varieties
The research includes the development of new legume varieties by Germinal and Aberystwyth University. These varieties are designed to be more resilient to environmental stressors such as extreme weather and grazing pressures. Birdsfoot Trefoil, in particular, is noted for containing compounds that could reduce methane emissions from cattle and sheep.
Collaboration and On-Farm Trials
The ‘NUE-Leg’ project extends beyond laboratory research, involving practical on-farm trials and collaborations with commercial farmers. These trials are intended to integrate the findings into natural farming systems, helping farmers reach the UK’s net zero targets.
Industry and Academic Partnership
The project involves various academic and industry partners, such as Origin Enterprises, the James Hutton Institute, Agrecalc, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), and others. Funded by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs through the Farming Innovation Programme, the project signifies a commitment to innovation in sustainable agriculture.
Image provided by the National Plant Phenomics Centre, IBERS, Aberystwyth University
