SAC Research

Environmental Management Projects

Identification and mitigation of the environmental impacts of out-wintering beef and dairy cattle on sacrifice areas

The aim of this research is to investigate the impacts of out-wintering cattle on grass sacrifice fields. This broadly consists of three main objectives, namely:- a) to identify parameters that quantify the impacts of out-wintering cattle in social, economic and environmental terms; b) to establish the sensitivities of impacts from out-wintering, which emerge from various bio-physical and management strategies; and c) to evaluate the barriers and potential for adoption of strategies to mitigate against these negative impacts.

Modelling greenhouse gas mitigation from the agriculture, land use, land use change and forestry sectors (ALULUCF)

To develop refine a model that maps optimal greenhouse gas mitigation patterns from the ALULUCF sector in the UK

The environmental consequences of using home-grown legumes as a protein source in pig diets

The overall aim of this proposal is to investigate the potential of using home grown legumes, such as peas and beans, in the diets of growing/finishing pigs in order to reduce the environmental burdens associated with their production. Emphasis will be placed on the consequences of legume inclusion on environmental burden (nutrient excretion and its influence on diffuse pollution from pig operations) but also on pig performance. Furthering knowledge and understanding of the nutritional value of homegrown vegetable proteins is of considerable importance and would also lead to further interest in the cultivation of new cultivars by plant breeders.

Small biodiversity projects under £5k

Each year staff contribute to a variety of small research and consultancy projects with a focus on improving understanding of farming and farmland biodiversity interactions. Examples of recent projects include: contributing to a project developing guidance on the definition of High Nature Value farming systems; contributing to a project assessing the feasibility of introducing pay-by-results agri-environment schemes in the UK.

Strategies for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis

The project aims at the design of strategies to achieve eradication of tuberculosis from livestock and wildlife. The acronym of the project derives from the two key words in the idea, the design of strategies based on a sound understanding of the epidemiology (TBSTEP). The hypotheses is that a combination of methodologies would be needed to achieve this task. Thus, research is focused on topics that will have a deep impact on the understanding and control of the diseases in a short future. The work-packages have been designed to share technology and expertise in order to both avoid research fragmentation.

Using legumes to improve the nitrogen use efficiency of cropping systems. PhD Studentship.

Many successful low-input and organic systems rely on a fertility-building ley phase based on legumes such as clover. These plants are able to capture nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere and may be an alternative to the use of mineral N fertiliser. Given the recent rises in the costs associated with the use of artificial fertilisers there is increasing interest in applying these legume-based systems in a wider range of farming types. However, while it is often relatively easy to obtain large amounts of N this way, transferring it to the following crop can be difficult. One of the most important characteristics that affects the transfer is the biological activity in the soil, which in turn is largely influenced by the soil acidity (pH). This project is studying the effects of soil pH on the transfer of N from legumes to subsequent crops, with the overall aim of improving the N use efficiency of cropping systems.

Investigating the socio-economic value of species reintroduction in Scotland: The Magnus Magnusson PhD Studentship

To provide relevant student training and guidance for the development of a PhD thesis that will undertake an economic valuation study for the case of species re-introduction in Scotland. This training will vary depending on the candidate, but will normally include elements of social research methodology, natural resource and environmental economics, statistics, econometric methods and environmental policy.

Role of wildlife in the epidemiology of TB in European livestock systems. PhD Studentship

One of two PhD studentships associated with a pan-European project (TBSTEP) which aims to design strategies to achieve eradication of tuberculosis from livestock and wildlife.

PhD Claire Morgan-Davies - Impacts of CAP Reform

PhD Studentship. Part-time - member of staff

Role of wildlife in the epidemiology of TB in European livestock systems. PhD Studentship

One of two PhD studentships associated with a pan-European project (TBSTEP) which aims to design strategies to achieve eradication of tuberculosis from livestock and wildlife.