Why soils are key to the sustainable intensification of agriculture in the face of climate change

Soil expert Professor Jane Rickinson

Soil expert, Professor Jane Rickson from Cranfield University, will explore ‘Why soils are key to the sustainable intensification of agriculture in the face of climate change’ in a public lecture to be held at Aberystwyth University on 11th November at 6.30pm.

Jane Rickson, Professor of Soil Erosion and Conservation at the Soil and AgriFood Institute will discuss the fundamental natural resource on which all agricultural businesses depend, in the latest event in the National Research Network for Low Carbon Energy and the Environment (NRN-LCEE) public lecture series.

The lecture will explore the many demands which are made of soil, including increasing food supply (quantity, quality and timeliness of production) and resisting the damaging effects of extreme weather events associated with climate change. Professor Ricknson will also discuss how the way we manage soils today could be compromising their ability in the future to deliver a range of ecosystem goods and services including food production, the storage of water, nutrients and carbon, and the protection of biodiversity.

Consideration will be given to how sustainable soil management policies and practices should maintain economic crop production, support farmers’ livelihoods and protect the environment, so that short- and long term sustainability goals can be met.

The public lecture will be hosted by Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) on the Penglais Campus on Wednesday 11th November.  A complimentary drinks reception will be held in IBERbach in the IBERS Building from 6.00pm, with the public lecture to follow in the Edward Llwyd Building at 6.30pm. 

Speaking in advance of the event, Professor David Thomas, Director of the Sêr Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon, Energy and Environment said: “We are delighted that Professor Rickson is contributing to the NRN-LCEE Public Lecture series during the International Year of Soils 2015”.

Professor Mike Gooding, Director of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences at Aberystwyth University said: “We look forward to welcoming Professor Rickson to Aberystwyth University and extend an invitation to students, staff and members of the public to join us for what promises to be a very insightful lecture” added.

This event will be recorded and can be followed through a live webcast, please see event website for further information.

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