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agriculture

April 4, 2023

Tim Pittaway (Member of Staff)

Tim is a Social Researcher in Rural Digitalisation within James Hutton Institute, working in the Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences Group (SEGS) department. SEGS represents the fields of economics, geography, politics, sociology,...
March 3, 2023
A northeast farm that’s working to show how agriculture can be both climate positive and nature friendly is opening its gates – and new EV charging points – to the public at the end of the month. As part of this year’s...
March 3, 2023
Come and be inspired by arable innovation at Scotland’s premier arable event. Arable Scotland is a free, day long event taking place on 4th July, 2023. This is a chance for key players in food production, from farmers and agronomists to...
February 2, 2023
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar. In the field, you...
January 1, 2023
Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute. This article first appeared in The Herald on 26 January Global food security is going to be a dominant economic theme over the next decade. Since the Russian invasion of...
January 1, 2023
The James Hutton Institute and McLaughlin & Harvey have signed construction contracts worth £28.7m for the next stage of the ongoing redevelopment of The James Hutton Institute’s Invergowrie estate.
December 12, 2022
The James Hutton Institute has been awarded £350,000 of funding to further develop its innovative software to support global food security efforts. Hutton’s homegrown software platforms, GridScore and Germinate, will support the...
December 12, 2022
The latest issue of Hutton Highlights, our e-magazine is now available from our Hutton Highlights pages. Showing how Institute research is helping in the fight to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity, currently being...
December 12, 2022
COP15 is currently taking place in Montreal, Canada, where governments from around the world have gathered, aiming to agree on a new set of goals to guide global action through 2030 to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity.
November 11, 2022
This article first appeared in The Courier on the 31st October 2022 Nestled into the hillside in the stunningly desolate Svalbard region of Norway, the entrance to the global seed bank looks like part of the set of an epic disaster movie....
October 10, 2022
Scientists at James Hutton Institute, the independent research organisation, have been awarded over £13million from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition fund to establish two pioneering action-based research science projects in...
September 9, 2022
Scientists at the James Hutton Institute are researching ways to prepare for and prevent future threats to arable and horticultural production in Scotland.  In work funded by the Scottish Government’sRural and Environment Science and...
September 9, 2022
A Scottish scientist is to co-lead an elite project group of 22 European partners, looking to create resilient crops for the future. Yield is projected to plummet by a third due to extremes in temperatures and greater variation in rainfall...
August 8, 2022
Potatoes in Practice (PiP), the UK’s largest field event for potatoes, is set to return to Balruddery Farm in Angus on Thursday 11th August 2022 with a focus on new research and current challenges.
July 7, 2022
The 2022 edition of Fruit for the Future, the annual showcase of soft fruit research presented by the James Hutton Institute and the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR), is taking place on Thursday 21st July at the Institute's Dundee...
June 6, 2022
TO ENTER BEST SOIL IN SHOW 2022, PLEASE REVIEW AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING FORMS:
June 6, 2022
Do you have any burning questions about the key issues influencing Scotland’s arable industry? Are you interested in sustainable farming practices and how best to achieve net-zero? Then why not visit Arable Scotland (Balruddery Farm near...
June 6, 2022
Phosphorus is an essential but often overlooked resource, which is vital for life on Earth and is extracted from phosphate rock for use in crop fertilisers, livestock feeds and food additives. A major new report by scientists warns that global...
June 6, 2022
An international research team featuring the James Hutton Institute has shed further light on the evolution and biology of potato as a genetically complex global food crop. Most commercially grown potato varieties are tetraploids, which means...
May 5, 2022
By Prof Colin Campbell, Chief Executive, James Hutton Institute Last week in the Queen’s speech, it was announced that the UK Government would be bringing forward a new Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding Bill). Unless you work in the...
May 5, 2022
A Hutton scientific study summarising six years of agricultural research undertaken for the Scottish Government highlights the impact of the use of ecological principles in agriculture on sustainability, resilience, and provision of ecosystem...
April 4, 2022
Intensification and the separation of crops, livestock and forestry production systems in agriculture contributes greatly to climate change and biodiversity loss. A new 1.33 million European funded project, co-ordinated by researchers at the...
March 3, 2022
Researchers from the James Hutton Institute are calling on community landowners from across Scotland to help them develop a greater understanding of the agricultural activity carried out on their land.  The research also explores perceptions...
March 3, 2022
New research by James Hutton Institute scientists and partner organisations explores the use of sustainable farming practices in Scotland and how these support long-term land productivity and resilience amongst agricultural businesses.
March 3, 2022
Arable Scotland 2022 will take place on Tuesday 5 July at the James Hutton Institute, Balruddery Farm, Invergowrie, DD2 5LL. The theme of the event is net-zero carbon emissions and it will consist of a series of Arable Conversations, field plots...
March 3, 2022
Arthropod pests are estimated to destroy up to 20% of annual crop production worldwide. In recent years, key pesticides used in soft fruit production have been withdrawn, leaving crops vulnerable to attack. Researchers have been developing...
March 3, 2022
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
February 2, 2022
A renowned group of barley scientists, including researchers from the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee, has issued an open call to ‘galvanize’ the international barley research community from the ground up by...
February 2, 2022
A new report published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) and co-authored by Professor Richard Aspinall, an Honorary Fellow of the James Hutton Institute, calls for action from policymakers...
February 2, 2022
By Pete Iannetta
January 1, 2022
The potential of grain legume crops such as faba beans to harness the nitrogen present in air into biologically useful forms is well known, but how much of an opportunity does it present for farmers wanting to pursue net-zero agriculture? A...
January 1, 2022
The James Hutton Institute has joined Angus Council, Agrico UK, Arbikie Distillery and SoilEssentials Ltd in signing a letter of intent to develop a Centre for Agricultural Sustainable Innovation (CASI) headquartered in Forfar, Angus. The CASI...
January 1, 2022
The Crop Production in Northern Britain Conference, the foremost summit discussing environmental management and crop production in northern environments, is back this year as an online event on 1-2 March. CPNB 2022 brings together agronomists,...
January 1, 2022
The James Hutton Institute supports plans being put forward to create a life sciences innovation district for the Dundee region. Dundee City councillors will be asked to kick-start discussions that will explore and agree joint marketing,...
January 1, 2022
Beavers could make an important contribution to improving the condition of Scotland’s rivers, including helping to improve water quality and limiting the effects of drought, new research from the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton...
January 1, 2022
Society needs to re-think its relationship with the natural world if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change and pandemics, the James Hutton Institute has urged in the 2022 episode of BBC Scotland’s Resolutions programme...
December 12, 2021
Following on the back of COP26, planning proposals are being put forward to build the UK’s first purpose-built tall tower for directly measuring greenhouse gases from land at the James Hutton Institute’s Balruddery Farm, in Angus near...
December 12, 2021
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute and James Hutton Limited are exploring ways to reduce the losses caused by potato cyst nematodes (PCN) in commercial potato production. PCN is an increasing challenge to the UK fresh and processing potato...
December 12, 2021
By Mike Rivington Will there be turkeys for Christmas? In spite of some likely strains due to Brexit, labour shortages and the familiar yet ever-evolving disruptions of COVID-19, the answer is a fairly safe yes. Yet this is perhaps surprising....
December 12, 2021
Soil seed banks are a hidden stock for plant diversity and are critical for the recovery of disturbed ecosystems. A new study co-authored by Prof Robin Pakeman, a senior scientist within the James Hutton Institute’s Ecological Sciences...
December 12, 2021
By Ken Loades, Roy Neilson, Tracy Valentine and Nikki Baggaley COP26 highlighted more than ever that we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and become more sustainable before it’s too late. Soil is a key component in this battle and...
December 12, 2021
A report by a multi-stakeholder working group of the European Technology Platform ‘Plants for the Future’, featuring contributions from James Hutton Institute scientists, has identified three principles that will help transition...
November 11, 2021
New research published today by the James Hutton Institute has found that the shift to virtual meetings and events due to the Covid-19 pandemic improved accessibility to knowledge exchange, networking, and organisations for women working on farms...
November 11, 2021
What do the next generation think should happen in Scottish agriculture to overcome the challenges of climate change and halt carbon emissions? This will be the topic for discussion during a tour and workshop at the James Hutton Institute’s...
October 10, 2021
Until July 2022, the James Hutton Institute’s Aberdeen site will host Compass, a sculpture by Scottish artist Annie Cattrell that draws inspiration from Scottish geology and James Hutton’s Theory of the Earth, specifically Siccar...
October 10, 2021
An industry-wide consortium, led by producer organisation G’s Growers and supported by the James Hutton Institute, the University of Dundee and James Hutton Limited, has won a UKRI-BBSRC collaborative training partnership award (...
October 10, 2021
Chris Scott-Park, of Portnellan Farm, on the banks of Loch Lomond, has been chosen as the winner of the final NEWBIE UK award for New Entrant of the Year for 2021. Originally a successful organic beef business and winners of the James Hutton...
October 10, 2021
The next generation of barley researchers have received a multi-million investment through the Barley Industrial Training Network (BARIToNE) programme, a Collaborative Training Partnership (CTP) led by the Scotch Whisky Research Institute, the...
September 9, 2021
Bioinformaticians at the James Hutton Institute are supporting a 10-year, US$58m initiative launched by the Crop Trust and the Government of Norway to improve global food security and climate resilience. The newly announced BOLD (Biodiversity...
September 9, 2021
The James Hutton Institute has welcomed plans unveiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to pave the way to enable use of gene editing technologies in England. Gene editing can unlock benefits to nature, the...
September 9, 2021
Researchers from the James Hutton Institute and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research are calling on arable farmers from across Scotland to help them develop a greater understanding of attitudes towards making risky decisions...
September 9, 2021
As the eyes of the world turn to Glasgow for the upcoming COP26, the James Hutton Institute has supported the recommendations issued by the Climate Emergency Response Group (CERG) in a report launched today, which outlines a series of key actions...
August 8, 2021
Building work has now begun on the International Barley Hub (IBH) and Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) at the James Hutton Institute. The two plant science innovation centres are being supported by £45 million from the UK Government...
August 8, 2021
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute have responded to the latest international report on climate change by emphasising their continued determination to address the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced.
August 8, 2021
Researchers from the James Hutton Institute are calling on livestock farmers and vets in the UK to help develop a greater understanding of the use of on farm anti-microbials. It is widely believed that overuse and improper use of anti-...
August 8, 2021
Crop pathogens like Phytophthora infestans – the origin of several European potato famines in the 19th century - still cause US$300bn worth of damage to global crop production each year and continue to threaten world food security.
August 8, 2021
Speaking at Potatoes in Practice 2021, scientists of the James Hutton Institute have outlined plans for a Potato Innovation and Translation Hub: a centre of excellence to translate innovation and research into solutions for the potato industry...
August 8, 2021
A major new project will tackle pests in potatoes through the protection of clean land and the management of land already infested with pests. The project will focus specifically on tackling potato cyst nematode (PCN), which is becoming an...
August 8, 2021
Dr Ruth Mitchell, a Plant Soil Ecologist at the James Hutton Institute’s Ecological Sciences department, has been appointed as a member of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), Trees and Woodlands Science...
July 7, 2021
Potatoes in Practice, the UK’s largest field event for potatoes and a highlight of the season for the sector bringing together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place, is set to return on 12 August 2021 to...
July 7, 2021
A new website which brings together thousands of research publications, dating back centuries to the present day, has been launched by six Scottish Government funded partners.  
July 7, 2021
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute have welcomed the publication of a report on the UK’s National Food Strategy, which calls on the UK Government to commit to a landmark package of reforms to build a better food system for a...
July 7, 2021
New research on the attitudes of people working in the UK dairy sector has revealed that many dairy farmers believe cows should graze for part of the year. Findings of the ‘Cows eat grass, don’t they?’ study, funded by the...
July 7, 2021
Join scientists at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee on Thursday 15th July for the 2021 edition of Fruit for the Future, the annual showcase of soft fruit research including scientific presentations, outdoors demonstrations and walks through...
June 6, 2021
The James Hutton Institute was delighted to welcome a visit by His Excellency Mr Manoah Esipisu, High Commissioner of Kenya to the UK, and his team to our Dundee site. The visit, set up through James Hutton Limited’s membership of the...
June 6, 2021
Scotland has a legally binding commitment of being net-zero by 2045, and a 31% reduction is required in emissions from agriculture by 2032. This topic will be under discussion in the fourth Arable Conversations session on 29th June 2021 at 6:00...
June 6, 2021
SEFARI Gateway and the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC) are funding a collaborative project between the James Hutton Institute, the Soil Association Scotland, and Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) to carry out...
June 6, 2021
The latest seminar of the International Barley Hub took place on Tuesday 22nd June and discussed Barley Varieties - The Recommendation System. It was led by Dr Paul Gosling and chaired by George Lawrie, IBH. Barley breeders are...
June 6, 2021
Join us at Arable Scotland on 29th June for a virtual Arable Conversation with Pete Iannetta (James Hutton Institute), Ed Brown (Hutchinsons), Dick Neale (Hutchinsons), Christine Watson (SRUC) and Paul Hargreaves (SRUC), which will look at...
June 6, 2021
International Barley Hub scientists have been awarded a prestigious International Partnership award from BBSRC to strengthen the link between world leading research teams in the UK and Europe. The aim of the grant is to create new working...
June 6, 2021
Arable Scotland, the premier event for the Scottish arable industry, returns on 29th June 2021. Now in its third year, the event brings together the key players in food production, academia and farming to discuss key issues and provide a wealth...
June 6, 2021
The James Hutton Institute is delighted to support one of seven Climate Beacons that are taking shape across Scotland in the run-up to and beyond the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference that’s happening in Glasgow this November.
June 6, 2021
The James Hutton Institute has announced the appointment of Professor Chris Gilligan to its Board of Directors, effective from the 1st of June. Professor Gilligan is Head of Epidemiology and Modelling Group in the Department of Plant Sciences at...
May 5, 2021
Plant scientists at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee have won funding to establish a partnership with world-class researchers in Australia. This will allow the leading research organisations to pool their expertise towards...
May 5, 2021
Undergraduate student Johanna Maria Würtz, who undertook a 1,150-mile hike alongside her Shetland pony Hechizo to take on a barley science placement at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee, has completed her work in Scotland and plans to...
May 5, 2021
The historical ‘forest gardens’ of Guadeloupe, an overseas region of France, have provided the inspiration for a research group studying the feasibility of small-scale production systems in the area. The region is one of the world...
May 5, 2021
Legume plants can make ‘smart’ management decisions when it comes to interacting with their symbiotic bacterial partners to harness nitrogen from the atmosphere, a research team including a James Hutton Institute scientist has shown,...
May 5, 2021
The James Hutton Institute has announced the appointment of Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Queen Margaret University, to its Board of Directors as a non-executive director. Sir Paul held the position of Clerk and Chief...
April 4, 2021
Substantial cuts in global greenhouse gas emissions could be achieved by raising water levels in agricultural peatlands, according to a new study co-authored by James Hutton Institute scientists and published in the journal Nature. Peatlands...
April 4, 2021
A partnership agreement has been signed between Utah State University and the James Hutton Institute to promote cooperation in agricultural and environmental research, with emphasis on climate change issues. The agreement was signed by...
April 4, 2021
How will food production respond to the effects of COVID-19 in the next 18 months? Which sectors are likely to experience change? These questions are at the heart of research examining how best to protect the UK’s food and nutrition...
April 4, 2021
An industry team led by agritech specialist Liberty Produce and supported by the James Hutton Institute has won Innovate UK funding to develop innovative hybrid farming and greenhouse technologies to work towards Singapore’s food security...
April 4, 2021
Researchers from the James Hutton Institute are deploying aerial mapping technology to collect data on the natural restoration of peatland at the Queen’s Balmoral Estate in Scotland. A survey aircraft equipped with advanced laser scanners...
April 4, 2021
Even if it has not yet been detected north of the border, Scottish growers must take adequate steps to monitor growing areas for the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), a new potential threat to the UK’s agricultural,...
April 4, 2021
A research project examining the potential of using crushed basic silicate rocks as a soil input, for enhanced carbon sequestration and soil biodiversity, has reported positive results.
April 4, 2021
"World-leading research to provide government, business and decision makers with the evidence that they need to develop a robust food and nutrition security response to COVID-19." The project partners have launched a survey to gather...
April 4, 2021
First Milk, Nestlé and Agricarbon have announced the launch of a pioneering soil carbon capture project, with scientific guidance from leading soil ecologist and James Hutton Institute Honorary Associate, Dr Helaina Black. The project...
March 3, 2021
The International Barley Hub and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre, two flagship innovation projects supported through a transformational capital investment of £45m by the UK Government and £17m by the Scottish Government via the Tay...
March 3, 2021
A series of eight free-to-attend webinars and networking events will explore the many opportunities surrounding legume production and use. The webinars series will take in April and May this year and are being organised by the European...
March 3, 2021
The productivity of cereal crops could get a boost in the future thanks to the discovery of new roles for a master gene regulator that influences the development of barley florets, furthering the understanding of grain development including...
March 3, 2021
Scientists of the James Hutton Institute, working alongside partners at China Agriculture University, have discovered novel ways in which arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, bacteria and plant roots interact to influence the transfer of nutrients to...
February 2, 2021
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute and partner institutions are set to explore previously undiscovered mechanisms through which the pathogen responsible for late blight in potato, Phytophthora infestans, breaks through cell walls to infect...
February 2, 2021
Tomnah’a Market Garden, a community-focused enterprise located at Comrie Croft in Perthshire, has been declared the winner of the NEWBIE UK award for New Entrant Farm Business of the Year for 2020. Tomnah’a is run by Cristy Gilbert,...
February 2, 2021
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute are looking for dairy calf rearers to join a workshop as part of an EU-funded research project. The workshop is one of three events aiming to identify challenges calf rearers face and solutions within the...
February 2, 2021
The James Hutton Institute has announced the appointment of directors for three flagship research and innovation initiatives: the International Barley Hub (IBH) and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC), both based in Dundee, and the...
February 2, 2021
​The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR), Combinable and Energy Crops sub-committee would like to invite you to join their Winter meeting "Making the Most of Your Soils". This is a biennial meeting held by the Society to talk...
February 2, 2021
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) is holding their 2021 Potato Winter Meeting as an online event. The meeting is open to anyone in the potato industry and other interested parties, but registration is essential. Two BASIS points are...
February 2, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic, already a major shock to society in terms of health and economy, is affecting both UK and global food and nutrition security and adding to a ‘perfect storm’ of threats to society from climate change,...
January 1, 2021
As part of the EU Horizon 2020 research project DIVERSify, researchers of the James Hutton Institute and partner institutions have been working on investigating the viability of species mixture cropping as an alternative to crop monoculture....
January 1, 2021
January 1, 2021
Recognition of the North East Scotland Biodiversity Partnership’s (NESBiP) 2020 Biodiversity Champion Awards has this year gone virtual. The awards acknowledge the efforts of local individuals and projects that have had positive impacts in...
January 1, 2021
Increased demand in berries across Europe meets the challenges brought on by climate change, environmental preservation and the need for new cultivation systems as well as high-quality produce. The new research project BreedingValue, a European...
January 1, 2021
The James Hutton Institute has welcomed plans unveiled by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to consult on gene editing, a technique which could unlock benefits to nature, the environment and help farmers with crops...
January 1, 2021
2021 is the United Nations' International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, bringing public attention to the key role of fruit and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health – all key strands of work at the James Hutton...
December 12, 2020
The potential of innovative mixed-species crop systems to increase the sustainability of food production will be under the spotlight at an online conference focussing on the latest findings on intercropping research from lab to field.
December 12, 2020
River corridors exemplify places in busy farmed landscapes where researchers and land managers can use environmental measures for multiple benefits. These areas often fringe the main working points of the farm but are important interface zones...
December 12, 2020
The James Hutton Institute has today welcomed the signing of the Tay Cities Deal, hailing it as a huge vote of confidence in Tayside, while also highlighting the urgency of innovation projects funded by the Deal including the International Barley...
December 12, 2020
Mayan Gold and Vales Sovereign potatoes developed in Tayside by the James Hutton Institute and grown on Hutton research farms as part of a long-term trial of sustainable cultivation methods are being donated to food banks across Tayside in time...
December 12, 2020
Dr Jorunn Bos, a principal investigator in the Division of Plant Sciences of the University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, has been awarded a prestigious European Research Council Consolidator grant worth almost €2 million to...
December 12, 2020
The James Hutton Institute has been awarded funding from the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) to undertake a feasibility study for a green-hydrogen-powered farming community around its Glensaugh farm....
December 12, 2020
A €5.5m research project involving 27 members from 12 European countries including James Hutton Institute scientists has been formed with the aim of reducing food losses and waste across Europe. The Lowinfood project, funded by the European...
December 12, 2020
By Pete Iannetta, Alison Karley, Cathy Hawes and David Michie
November 11, 2020
An international research team including scientists from the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee has reached a milestone on the way to unravelling the species-wide genetic diversity of domesticated barley. With the complete genome...
November 11, 2020
Professor Ian Toth has been recognised with the British Potato Industry Award 2020 for his invaluable contribution to the potato industry over the past 25 years. The prestigious lifetime achievement award was presented by AHDB Potatoes Chair,...
November 11, 2020
How can we use the Natural Capital Protocol (NCP) to help land managers when considering agricultural land use decisions? How can the NCP contribute to ongoing initiatives to test natural capital approaches in land-based business in Scotland?...
November 11, 2020
A new hydrological study co-authored by James Hutton Institute PhD student Camilla Negri and colleagues based in Italy has shown that winter flooding, the application of water onto agricultural lands to recharge groundwater aquifers during...
October 10, 2020
Supporting the next generation of new and young farmers is critical to the sustainability of agriculture in Scotland and across Europe, but how can we encourage young people to see farming as a future and worthwhile career? This question will...
October 10, 2020
A social scientist based at the James Hutton Institute is seeking the views of dairy farmers interested in running a ‘cow with calf’ production system in the UK. The system involves keeping calves with their mothers for the first...
October 10, 2020
In the last 75 years, the world has made great progress in the fight against poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Agricultural productivity and food systems have come a long way, but still, too many people remain vulnerable. On World Food Day 2020...
October 10, 2020
A bioinformatics platform developed at the James Hutton Institute which allows users to import, visualize, explore and share project data for plant genetic resources has been recognised by being named a global ‘Hub Pilot’ by the...
September 9, 2020
The James Hutton Institute and farming technology company Liberty Produce have been awarded UKRI funding to address the challenges of climate change and the food production yield-gap through an ambitious new project, which seeks to develop...
September 9, 2020
Crop diseases can generate destructive outbreaks that have the potential to threaten global food security, which is why it is fundamental to have reliable data promptly available from disease surveillance programs and outbreak investigations. In...
September 9, 2020
Mountains cover 22% of the world's land surface and are home to about 915 million people. In Europe, mountain ranges cover 36% of the European area and play an essential role in the provision of public and private goods. Despite their...
September 9, 2020
As part of wide-ranging efforts to provide Scotland’s land managers, agencies and the public with open access resources, the James Hutton Institute has progressively been digitising the published one inch to the mile (1:63,360) and 1:50,000...
September 9, 2020
Scotland’s plants underpin the health of the nation, but plant pests and diseases can cause major economic, environmental, and social costs. Increased global movements of plants and soil, coupled with the effects of climate change, are...
September 9, 2020
International Barley Hub scientists at the James Hutton Institute, working with colleagues in the UK and Australia, have gained further insight into key genes responsible for grain composition, a process facilitated by using CRISPR gene editing...
August 8, 2020
Are you involved in growing, processing or selling pulse-based products? A newly launched Rural Innovation Support Service (RISS) group is set to explore the potential of pulse supply chains in Scotland and associated challenges and possibilities...
August 8, 2020
Coinciding with their launch of World Sustainable Spirits Day today (Fri 28th August), Scottish distillery Arbikie has introduced a second addition to their climate-positive spirit range: Nàdar Vodka, crafted from the pea-based spirit...
August 8, 2020
A group of leading European academic research institutions including the James Hutton Institute have joined forces to launch the ADAPT (Accelerated Development of multiple-stress tolerAnt PoTato) project, which seeks to develop strategies to make...
August 8, 2020
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute and partner institutions are developing a suite of digital resources to help farmers harness the potential of crop mixtures to improve the sustainability of their production systems.
August 8, 2020
Scientists at the James Hutton Institute and partner organisations are working to understand the interactions between pathogen Pectobacterium atrosepticum and an array of soil-microbe-crop interactions in the development of blackleg,...
August 8, 2020
The James Hutton Institute's bioinformatics group within the Department of Information and Computational Sciences has unveiled a new version of Germinate, the Institute's open-source, fully featured plant database infrastructure and...
August 8, 2020
The programme for Fruit for the Future 2020, the James Hutton Institute’s long-running soft fruit themed industry event, has been announced. Usually a well-attended physical gathering, this year FFF is going virtual with a week’s...
August 8, 2020
The James Hutton Institute is taking part in a project led by the Scottish Organic Producers Association (SOPA), the UK’s only membership body owning Scottish organic standards, which will examine a new product that could help Scottish...
July 7, 2020
Capturing carbon in soil is a frequent feature of climate change mitigation measures, but the variability in soils and greenhouse gas emissions makes it difficult to evaluate results. A new £1 million research project led by James Hutton...
July 7, 2020
This week, UK blackcurrant farmers are harvesting a groundbreaking new crop of berries that have been bred to cope with Britain’s changing climate. Named ‘Ben Lawers’, the new variety is the fruit of a longstanding partnership...
July 7, 2020
In recognition of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Fruit for the Future – the James Hutton Institute’s long-running soft fruit themed event – is going virtual for 2020, with updates about new research and varieties delivered...
June 6, 2020
Potato is one of the world’s most important food crops, but the vulnerability of yield levels to plant stresses limit the crop’s uptake in some parts of the world, particularly in areas impacted by climate change. This reduces potato...
June 6, 2020
Agricultural scientists of the James Hutton Institute have been awarded £220,000 by Horizon 2020, the European Union’s research and innovation programme, to find ways to promote the adoption of integrated pest management strategies...
June 6, 2020
It is the year 2050. How has society reacted and adapted to climate change? A farming family have recorded three sets of video diaries. Dad (Jack), mum (Beth) and daughter (Sally). Each set of diaries decsribes life in different futures...
June 6, 2020
Lucozade Ribena Suntory (LRS) has invested over half a million pounds in a five-year project with the James Hutton Institute to develop new varieties of climate-resilient blackcurrant. LRS, which uses 90 per cent of the blackcurrants grown in...
May 5, 2020
Hyperspectral imaging, a growing area in remote sensing, holds the promise of providing a solution for crop monitoring over large areas, and scientists at the James Hutton Institute are working with partners in industry and academia to...
May 5, 2020
How have our eating, cooking and food purchasing habits changed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant lockdown measures in the UK, Europe and much of the world? Researchers at the James Hutton Institute are part of an EU consortium...
May 5, 2020
International Barley Hub scientists at the James Hutton Institute, working with colleagues in the UK, Australia and China, have identified a natural variation in a gene that influences sodium content in barley crops, a finding which may help...
May 5, 2020
The diverse and multi-faceted impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on UK and global food nutrition security are at the centre of a multi-disciplinary research initiative led by the James Hutton Institute and funded with a £341,000...
April 4, 2020
Social science at the James Hutton Institute may provide an insight into how rural Scotland can and will likely respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. These research findings bring into focus the importance of community resilience, discuss the impact...
April 4, 2020
James Hutton Institute employees have been helping efforts to provide frontline staff in Tayside and North East Scotland with much-needed personal protection equipment (PPE) during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The Institute has previously...
April 4, 2020
MycoNourish, an ambitious new biotechnology company and spin-out of the James Hutton Institute, announced today the completion of a £150K funding round led by Techstart Ventures. The funding, combined with a recent £125K Higgs Award...
April 4, 2020
The award-winning film Thank You For The Rain was the focus of the James Hutton Institute’s first ever collective 'online' film screening on the 6th of April, highlighting a range of issues including climate justice, urbanisation...
March 3, 2020
“Soil is life. We breathe the air, we drink the water and we eat the crops, we live on the soil. Soil stores twice as much carbon globally as the vegetation above ground and is a universe of microbial life working with plants to balance the...
March 3, 2020
An international research team featuring scientists from the James Hutton Institute is exploring the potential of biochar - a carbon-rich type of charcoal - to address air pollution, climate change, food security and farmers’ incomes in...
March 3, 2020
Professor Lesley Torrance, Director of Science at the James Hutton Institute, has been made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), a body which contributes to the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of Scotland through the...
February 2, 2020
An international effort to develop maize crops that don’t need fertiliser has taken Hutton scientist Euan James to the deepest reaches of the Amazon River, on a quest for samples of root nodules from legume trees to help understand how...
February 2, 2020
An initiative supported by the James Hutton Institute has set its sights on developing methods for measuring soil carbon with a cost-effective commercial tool to help UK farmers tap into the carbon credits market. Agricarbon, led by Invergowrie...
February 2, 2020
The world’s first “climate-positive” gin has been created by UK scientists — using the humble garden pea. Five years of research at Abertay University and the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, in collaboration with...
February 2, 2020
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) is holding their Potato Winter Meeting at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie. The event is open to anyone in the potato industry and other interested parties. CPD Points BASIS and NRoSO...
February 2, 2020
Adopting a systems perspective is essential to help agriculture contribute to Europe’s own policy objectives and also international targets such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. That was one of the key messages of a presentation...
January 1, 2020
A new report co-authored by a James Hutton Institute scientist and published in Nature Sustainability examines the potential impacts on food production of zero-budget natural farming, a farming system that is sweeping India. Zero-budget...
January 1, 2020
2020 is the International Year of Plant Health and Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, bringing public attention to two huge global challenges and for good reason, say scientists at the James Hutton Institute.
December 12, 2019
Our soils are under threat from ever more intensive agriculture and climate changes. Extreme rainfall events such as Storm Frank in 2016 are predicted to become more common: a recent report from the Met Office suggested that there is a 34% chance...
November 11, 2019
James Hutton soft fruit breeder Dr Dorota Jarret has been appointed chair of the International Society for Horticultural Science’s (ISHS) Rubus and Ribes Species and Management working group - the first female scientist, and the...
November 11, 2019
Two researchers based at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee have been named as Highly Cited Researchers in the Highly Cited Researchers 2019 list published by the Web of Science Group.
November 11, 2019
Research by agricultural scientists in Scotland and beyond has shown that intercropping, i.e. growing two or more crop species together in ‘plant teams’, can improve agricultural sustainability by stabilising or increasing crop yields...
November 11, 2019
Scientists of the James Hutton Institute recently visited China on a fact-finding mission to see how the Institute might collaborate with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) to improve soybean cropping in China through better...
November 11, 2019
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) and the James Hutton Institute to promote cooperation in research on plant crop and soil science, agriculture,...
October 10, 2019
The James Hutton Institute was delighted to welcome Her Excellency Ms Linda Scott, High Commissioner of Namibia to the UK. The visit to the Hutton Dundee site, set up through James Hutton Limited’s membership of the Scottish Africa Business...
October 10, 2019
An innovative research project aims to demonstrate the benefits of using crop species mixtures as a sustainable crop production system. The Sustainability in Education and Agriculture using Mixtures (SEAMS) initiative is providing a platform for...
October 10, 2019
Given the urgency of the climate crisis, it is past time to start driving large-scale change and the James Hutton Institute is well-placed to focus on the implementation of land management options that we know are beneficial for soil organic...
October 10, 2019
Could Farm Business Incubators provide a route into the industry for new entrants in Scotland? This question is set to be the focus of a special NEWBIE business seminar at AgriScot on 20th November. The NEWBIE project is a pan European...
October 10, 2019
A blog created in celebration of Deeside’s wildlife, and Inspired by the BBC’s ‘Watches’ series has been launched by the Dee Catchment Partnership. “DeeWatch”, aims to encourage locals to explore Deeside by...
October 10, 2019
Agri-tech centre Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) and farming technology company Liberty Produce have launched the Innovation Hub for Controlled Environment Agriculture (IHCEA) at the James Hutton Institute’s site in Invergowrie near...
October 10, 2019
Policy translation from the international down to the local scales can be rather like a game of Chinese whispers: what you end up with is often not what was intended. Part of the problem is that the best laid plans become ruthlessly exposed to...
September 9, 2019
Join us for another special crofting meeting of our Plant Teams field lab, looking at growing multiple crops together for better outcomes.
September 9, 2019
The workshop aims to demonstrate the innovations and cutting edge research for reducing water and nutrient stress in crops across Europe, namely in wheat, potato and tomato production. It also aims to facilitate discussion with those in the...
September 9, 2019
After 40 years of reform and ‘opening up,’ China has made remarkable economic progress. However, prosperity has been coupled with environmental degradation and the country has a considerable way to go toward achieving the Sustainable...
August 8, 2019
A ground-breaking research trial conducted by the James Hutton Institute and Kings Crops, a division of Frontier Agriculture, into the impact of green cover crops in Scotland has demonstrated notable benefits for spring barley yields, soil and...
August 8, 2019
Arable Scotland 2 July 2020 Online
August 8, 2019
Scientists of the James Hutton Institute will meet with European colleagues to discuss all scientific aspects of diversifying agricultural and food systems, on the practical implementation of crop diversification in value chains and on policy-...
August 8, 2019
Euan Caldwell, the James Hutton Institute’s Head of Farm, Field and Glasshouses, has been shortlisted in the Arable Innovator of the Year category of the British Farming Awards, organised by AgriBriefing. The winners will be revealed at a...
August 8, 2019
Maize is the most important cereal crop in southern Africa but without new management practices and with the increased risk of drought, yields which are already low are predicted to further decline. It is therefore critical that new approaches...
August 8, 2019
Rewilding in the Scottish uplands could take decades without the intervention of land managers, a new long-term grazing experiment at Glen Finglas has shown. The experiment, the first of its kind in Scotland, was set up in 2002 to explore how...
July 7, 2019
The Orskov Foundation, created to support students from developing countries to further their education in subjects related to agriculture, land use or the environment, has announced its grant awards for 2019. They include support for four...
July 7, 2019
Food security and livelihoods for a majority of Ethiopians depends on smallholder farming, and barley is an important crop grown by over 4 million smallholder farmers for multiple uses as food, feed and as a cash crop for an emerging malting and...
July 7, 2019
The James Hutton Institute has contributed to a body of evidence compiled by the Scottish Industrial Biotechnology Development Group to demonstrate Scotland’s global competitiveness in biorefining and attracting inward investment.
July 7, 2019
Scientists of the James Hutton Institute have discussed the latest research on arable crops as part of the launch of new event Arable Scotland, including renewed breeding efforts aimed at developing quality crops for defined markets, innovative...
July 7, 2019
An independent report focussing on Scotland’s progress against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals has found that, despite some advances, the country is not on target to achieve a number of the goals and further action is...
June 6, 2019
Richard Gospel, of Hassiewells Farm near Rothienorman, has been announced as the winner of Best Soil in Show at the Royal Highland Show 2019, with Alistair Brunton, of Balmonth Farm by Carnbee in Fife, scooping the Young Farmers prize for a...
June 6, 2019
The James Hutton Institute celebrated its Tay Cities Deal success at this year's Royal Highland Show alongside industry guests and stakeholders, with the support of the Rt Hon David Mundell, Secretary of State for Scotland. The...
June 6, 2019
Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, has congratulated the Scottish-based vertical farm technology business Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd (IGS) on attracting £5.4m Series A funding, led by US-based S2G...
June 6, 2019
The James Hutton Institute welcomed over 1300 visitors to its Dundee site during Open Farm Sunday in Invergowrie, the celebration of farming and nature that gives everyone the opportunity to discover the story behind their food. Managed by...
June 6, 2019
A large outdoors model of Scotland, showing where our vegetables are typically grown, will be unveiled at the James Hutton Institute's Living Field in Invergowrie on Open Farm Sunday 2019, 9 June, 11 am to 4 pm. The map was created by...
June 6, 2019
Ambitious plans for the establishment of two open science campuses at the James Hutton Institute’s sites in Dundee and Aberdeen were outlined by the Institute’s Chief Executive, Professor Colin Campbell, at the Scottish Society for...
May 5, 2019
Hutton board member George Lawrie is embarking on a tractor tour across Scotland to mark a major milestone for The Royal Highland Education Trust: 20 years 'taking the classroom to the countryside' and raising the awareness of children...
May 5, 2019
An online, user-friendly plant health information resource will be launched at Scotland's first-ever Plant Health Conference, which is set to gather representatives from industry, public bodies, government and scientists, all around the...
May 5, 2019
Capacities for completely replacing animal protein in the human diet are limited and would require “major changes” in the structure of global agricultural food systems, according to new research. A study carried out by Scottish...
May 5, 2019
Join Soil Association Scotland, SRUC and us on the Isle of Lismore for a special crofting meeting of our Plant Teams field lab, looking at growing multiple crops together for better outcomes, also called intercropping.
May 5, 2019
Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history — and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people around the world now likely, warns a landmark new report from the Intergovernmental...
April 4, 2019
  Case Studies in the UK TEXT     Key contacts Lee-Ann Sutherland    Adam Calo Follow @newbieuk
April 4, 2019
Come and spend a fun family day at Mylnefield Farm! The Institute will be taking part in Open Farm Sunday 2019 on 9 June.
April 4, 2019
​Scientists from the James Hutton Institute will shortly take part in the world’s largest festival of public science talks, a Pint of Science. The three-day festival begins on 20 May and aims to encourage everyone to head down to a pub to...
April 4, 2019
April 4, 2019
NEWBIE Events At Newbie UK, we're working to be abreast of the ongoing work of farmers, advisory services, and governments to support and research new entrant farming. Any questions about events you see? Send an email to Adam Calo.
April 4, 2019
In NEWBIE, “new entrants” are defined as anyone who starts a new farm business or becomes involved in an existing farm business. They comprise a wide range of ages, agricultural experience and resource access. Newcomers and successors...
April 4, 2019
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
March 3, 2019
A Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the James Hutton Institute and Scottish-based agritech business Intelligent Growth Solutions Limited (IGS), has been distinguished with the highest grade of “Outstanding” by the Knowledge...
March 3, 2019
There has never been a more important time to talk with others about farming. Farmers and researchers need to share best practice, show techniques, explain production, reveal trade-offs faced and demonstrate where farming creates and sustains...
March 3, 2019
Interested in sustainable agriculture in Scotland? Come to this workshop to learn about the practical improvements that long-term research has provided for Scottish agriculture. This meeting will feature discussions on:
February 2, 2019
While Brexit can be viewed as a very real threat to the future of Scottish agriculture, it must also now be viewed as an opportunity, albeit not an easy one to grasp. That was one of the main messages of the Soft Fruit Winter Meeting of the...
February 2, 2019
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) is holding their Potato Winter Meeting at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie. The event is open to anyone in the potato industry and other interested parties. CPD Points A total of 4 BASIS...
December 12, 2018
  What is the story with woodlands in the Cairngorms National Park? Or should we say, what are the stories, as there are many threads of stories of actual, former or speculative woodlands weaving in and out that make this area what it...
December 12, 2018
Arable Scotland 2 July 2019 Balruddery Farm, Dundee
November 11, 2018
The James Hutton Institute has today welcomed the signing of the heads of terms of the Tay Cities Deal, which is expected to bring a £700 million investment into Tayside and Angus and create 6,000 direct jobs in the area. Included...
November 11, 2018
Hutton Android app Buntata has been featured in the first issue of Global Potato News, a newly launched international business-to-business magazine serving the entire potato industry from farm to fork. Originally unveiled in 2017 and named...
November 11, 2018
Researchers from the James Hutton Institute have contributed to a briefing produced by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) which outlines key drivers of global agricultural trends and the challenge of safeguarding both food...
November 11, 2018
A new report by James Hutton Institute scientists has found that climate change, along with variations in machinery and farming practices, is likely to increase the susceptibility of Scottish soils to erosion or damage by compaction. The...
November 11, 2018
A new research study aims to demonstrate how the combination of digital X-ray signatures with data-driven approaches can replace the time-consuming elements of expert led mineral identification and allow for new insights into the role of soil...
October 10, 2018
The James Hutton Institute's Information and Computational Sciences group have announced a web version of Buntata, the free mobile application launched last year to help potato growers identify plant pests and diseases in the field....
October 10, 2018
Our actions are our future. That is the theme of this year’s World Food Day, which highlights the global goal of zero hunger by 2030. With over 820 million people suffering chronic undernourishment and with that number on the rise, the...
September 9, 2018
  Join the staff at the James Hutton Institute as they bring to life the activities of the creatures great and small that make their home within the grounds of Craigiebuckler. A week of free events providing a window on the wildlife at the...
September 9, 2018
The James Hutton Institute is teaming up with the Soil Association Scotland on a field lab, part of a Europe-wide project, to trial crop mixtures or ‘plant teams’. Researchers want to test the potential that inter-cropping peas and...
September 9, 2018
The James Hutton Institute and its commercial subsidiary, James Hutton Limited, have welcomed a deal which will allow the UK to export seed potato to China. The agreement, signed by International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox during a recent...
August 8, 2018
After a four-year trial which saw the first harvest of Scottish hops in recent decades, scientists from the James Hutton Institute have created a practical guide booklet for farmers interested in growing the crop, which highlights its commercial...
August 8, 2018
Scottish-based agritech business Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd has unveiled its first indoor vertical farming demonstration building at the James Hutton Institute near Dundee. The facility, formally opened by John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire...
August 8, 2018
Researchers from the James Hutton Institute were named winners in a contest which is considered by some as the world championship in mineralogy. The results and the winners of the 2018 Reynolds Cup edition were presented at the Annual Clay...
May 5, 2018
Scientists from the James Hutton Institute are supporting the Asian Agricultural Long-Term Experiment (ALTER) with the aim of providing scientific basis and management options for soil sequestration and agricultural sustainability in Asia and...
May 5, 2018
More than 60 experts and stakeholders from the diverse worlds of forestry, horticulture, the environment and agriculture gathered at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to hear about the aims and vision of a new virtual Plant Health Centre for...
May 5, 2018
Land access issues, including limited availability of tenancies, are a critical barrier for new entrants to agriculture in Scotland, according to a new report commissioned by the Scottish Land Commission and authored by James Hutton Institute...
May 5, 2018
A new Knowledge Transfer Partnership involving the James Hutton Institute, its commercial subsidiary James Hutton Limited and the newly launched Scottish Honeyberry Cooperative aims to create a new ‘superfruit’ industry in Scotland...
April 4, 2018
Mr Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity, today visited the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen to hear about our world leading scientific research in crops and climate change, as well as its commercial impact in...
April 4, 2018
The James Hutton Institute's Information and Computational Sciences group has announced a new version of Buntata, a free Android app to help potato growers identify plant pests and diseases in the field. Produced with support from the...
April 4, 2018
The James Hutton Institute has partnered with Syngenta and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to develop and test a run-off tool app. The tool will advise land managers on the best management practices to reduce run-off and trap...
March 3, 2018
Orla Shortall of the James Hutton Institute’s Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences group has been awarded a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship. The Fellowship enables early-career academics in the humanities and social sciences...
March 3, 2018
Come and spend a fun family day at Glensaugh Farm! The Institute will be taking part in Open Farm Sunday 2018 on 10 June.
March 3, 2018
We are pleased to invite you to a screening of “10 Billion What’s on your plate?”, on Thursday 22 March 2018. Doors will be open at 6:30 pm with the event starting at 7:00. The film follows the director,...
March 3, 2018
For generations, rice has been a key crop for the Kelabit people who populate the highlands of Malaysian Borneo – so much so that the slow-growing variety grown in the area shares a name with the region and its main town, Bario. However,...
March 3, 2018
Please note that this event is now fully booked and no more registrations are being taken. Turning up without having registered first is not recommended as you may be turned away. Please accept our apologies. The Scottish Society for Crop...
February 2, 2018
Scientists from the James Hutton Institute have developed a screening system which uses transparent soil technology to help fight nematodes - microscopic worms that are harmful to plants, damaging about 10% of susceptible crops and causing...
January 1, 2018
China's North Plain is one of the country's most important - and densely populated - agricultural regions, producing crops such as corn, cereals, vegetables and cotton. A research project led by the James Hutton Institute and China...
January 1, 2018
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) Combinable and Energy Crops Sub-committee will hold its Winter Meeting at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee. The event is open to anyone in the cereals industry and other interested parties. BASIS...
January 1, 2018
Euan Caldwell, Head of Farm, Field and Glasshouses at the James Hutton Institute, has been recognised with the prestigious Royal Agricultural Society of England’s Technology Award at the Society’s 2017 award presentation for his and...
January 1, 2018
Evidence of significant barriers to women’s careers in Scottish agriculture has been presented at the Scottish Parliament by social researchers from Newcastle University and the James Hutton Institute. The presentation, sponsored by MSPs...
January 1, 2018
Cereals in Practice is the annual showcase of variety trials and research organised by the James Hutton Institute, SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) and the Scottish Society for Crop Research.
December 12, 2017
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
December 12, 2017
Sustaining agriculture to improve food production whilst reducing the pressure on the environment are now important considerations. Research supported by the Scottish Government aims to address these issues. Organised by the James Hutton...
November 11, 2017
Scottish farming needs to attract a steady flow of young farmers and new entrants to maintain the vitality of its agricultural sector. The available statistics show that most farmers (54.92%) are over 55 years of age. The proportion of young...
November 11, 2017
Research from the James Hutton Institute will be utilised in a new initiative, with a potential spend of 1.2 billion dollars, aimed at tackling climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in India. One of the major impacts of...
September 9, 2017
NEFERTITI will establish an EU-wide highly connected network of well-specified demonstration and pilot farms, which is designed to enhance thematic knowledge exchange, cross fertilisation among actors and efficient innovation uptake in the...
September 9, 2017
A research collaboration between REMIN, the James Hutton Institute, James Hutton Limited and a group of Tayside soft fruit growers led by Arbuckle's of Invergowrie has been awarded funding to investigate the economic potential of honeyberries...
August 8, 2017
Plans to establish a £3m partnership between China’s Xisen Potato Industry Group Co. Ltd and our commercial subsidiary James Hutton Limited were announced at this year’s Potatoes in Practice event. The collaboration seeks to...
August 8, 2017
An enterprising plant scientist and master distiller with links to the James Hutton Institute and Abertay University has been chosen as one of Farmers Weekly’s first-ever Rising Stars. At just 35, PhD student Kirsty Black manages Arbikie...
August 8, 2017
A Blueberry Breeding Consortium including members from three European countries held its inaugural meeting at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee yesterday. The new consortium will fund a blueberry breeding programme which will deliver new and...
August 8, 2017
Potato industry representatives, growers and influencers from all over the UK and beyond are expected to descend on Dundee to take part in Potatoes in Practice (PiP) 2017, a technical potato field event featuring a high-standard mix of science,...
July 7, 2017
The blueberry aphid, Ericaphis scammelli, has been detected during routine aphid surveys by SASA and is thought to be widespread across Scotland. It is also known to occur in other parts of the United Kingdom and Europe. The pest can be found...
June 6, 2017
Research by Newcastle University and the James Hutton Institute has found that women play a major role in Scottish agriculture, participating in the full range of farming activities. However, barriers remain to their entry into the industry,...
June 6, 2017
Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, has announced plans to establish a James Hutton Foundation which will celebrate James Hutton’s contributions to science and become a new membership organisation for...
June 6, 2017
Potato is the third most important food crop in the world after rice and wheat; more than a billion people worldwide eat potato, and global crop production exceeds 300m tonnes each year. However, the crop is particularly vulnerable to increased...
June 6, 2017
The James Hutton Institute welcomed over a thousand visitors to its Dundee site during Open Farm Sunday, the celebration of farming and nature that gives everyone the opportunity to discover the story behind their food. Managed by Linking...
June 6, 2017
A new research initiative led by Scotland’s James Hutton Institute is set to explore innovative mixed-species crop systems, or ‘plant teams’, in a drive to tackle a global challenge: how to feed a growing population from finite...
June 6, 2017
Legumes are a very special type of crop; they are not only a source of highly nutritious food and feed but legumes require no inorganic nitrogen fertiliser, which means they have major advantages as a more sustainable crop. Despite their benefits...
May 5, 2017
  Come and spend a fun family day on the farm!
April 4, 2017
As one of the world's most important food crops, potatoes are grown for many different markets. It is fundamental for farmers to know when to halt crop growth to achieve optimal tuber size for market and so maximize profits. Until now,...
April 4, 2017
Plant Power - a fascinating day for all the family!
April 4, 2017
According to recent media reports the European Commission seems poised to ban some of Europe’s most widely used pesticides to protect bees and other pollinators, but is the move likely to have an impact on food production and security?...
March 3, 2017
Fungi are immensely important to humanity and the planet we live on. They belong to their own kingdom, provide powerful medicines including antibiotics, regulate many processes in soils and also provide society with numerous food and drink...
February 2, 2017
The Commonwealth Potato Collection (CPC), a unique repository of potato germplasm held in trust by the James Hutton Institute with support from the Scottish Government, has made the first-ever seed deposit by a UK institution into the Global Seed...
February 2, 2017
Consumption of berries may have beneficial effects on health related to type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases and cancers. The beneficial effects may be due to the presence of protective polyphenol...
January 1, 2017
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute and collaborators from across Europe have announced the start of a project which aims to increase farmers’ access to demonstrations of best practices and innovation in agriculture. Funded by the...
January 1, 2017
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) Combinable and Energy Crops Sub-committee will hold its Winter Meeting at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee. The event is open to anyone in the cereals industry and other interested parties. BASIS...
December 12, 2016
Mrs Sheena Lamond, a longstanding member of staff and part of the James Hutton Institute’s Cell and Molecular Sciences group in Dundee, has been recognised in the 2017 New Year Honours list.
December 12, 2016
Planting peas and other legumes alongside cereal crops could help make farming greener, ecologists at the James Hutton Institute say. Intercropping, as it's known, could cut greenhouse gas emissions by reducing dependence on fertiliser, as...
December 12, 2016
The Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) is holding their Potato Winter Meeting at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie. The event is open to anyone in the potato industry and other interested parties. BASIS points have been applied for...
December 12, 2016
New risk criteria which aim to transform the performance of potato late blight alert systems were revealed today (7th December) at AHDB’s Agronomists’ Conference in Peterborough. Arising from research undertaken by the James Hutton...
December 12, 2016
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
November 11, 2016
The inventiveness and effort of staff at the James Hutton Institute were recognised with a score of awards - including the top prize - at the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Business Star Awards, held at the Crieff Hydro with over 300 guests from...
November 11, 2016
Scientists, plant health officials, representatives from farmers’ organisations and potato growers from Scotland and Kenya participated in a workshop held in Nairobi to discuss findings from BBSRC and Scottish Government funded research on...
November 11, 2016
A research consortium including the James Hutton Institute and the University of Southampton is to tackle the problem of greening in potato, the world’s fourth most important food crop, in a drive to reduce field and supply chain losses...
November 11, 2016
As one of the world's most important food crops, potatoes are grown for many different markets. It is fundamental for farmers to know when to halt crop growth to achieve optimal tuber size for market and so maximize profits. Until now,...
October 10, 2016
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS), China, and the James Hutton Institute, during a visit of a SAAS delegation to the Institute's Dundee site.  SAAS previously held...
October 10, 2016
What is anaerobic digestion? Anaerobic digestion is a process by which micro-organisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen, leading to the production of biogas and bio-fertilisers. Anaerobic digestion technologies convert...
October 10, 2016
Women who are current or former students of agriculture and related courses (including agricultural economics, rural business management, equine and horse care, and large animal veterinary practice) at college or university level in Scotland are...
September 9, 2016
More needs to be done to promote sustainable food production if we are to solve the apparent conflict between the interests of nature and those of modern agriculture, according to researchers at the James Hutton Institute. This warning comes in...
September 9, 2016

Scotland's Soil Data (Research Page)

To view a wide range of soil and land capability maps online please visit Scotland's Soils website or the National Library of Scotland where you can view a selection of the published 1:63,360 (1 inch to the mile) scale maps. A number of soil...
September 9, 2016

Our Science (Research Page)

Our work covers much of the terrestrial environment and involves soils, water and crop production. Soils Physical, chemical and biological processes within soils underpin a vast range of ecosystem services. Our work deals with the fundamental...
August 8, 2016
Climate change and forestry research from James Hutton Institute scientists has been featured in two influential publications: Forestry for a low-carbon future – integrating forests and wood products in climate change strategies, edited by...
August 8, 2016
More than 100 potato scientists from all across Europe and beyond descended on Dundee to discuss crop pests and diseases that cost millions in annual losses to farmers and industry. The European Association for Potato Research (EAPR) Pathology...
July 7, 2016
A collaboration involving the James Hutton Institute and the University of Aberdeen has been awarded approximately £450K to carry out two research projects into building resilience to drought in Ethiopia and the interaction between organic...
July 7, 2016
Four new projects addressing challenges in soil and water management across whole rotations have been awarded £1.2m in funding from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). The interrelated projects will form a five-year...
June 6, 2016
The James Hutton Institute and vertical farming entrepreneurs Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) have agreed on plans to establish a futuristic farming facility at the Institute’s site in Invergowrie near Dundee. It is predicted that the...
June 6, 2016
The James Hutton Institute is delighted to once again be inviting visitors to join them at their marquee during the Royal Highland Show where we will be showcasing the contribution our science and research makes to the continuing success of...
June 6, 2016
Parasitic nematode worms are the 'hidden enemy’ of farmers worldwide, causing billions of pounds worth of crop damage every year. Now an international research collaboration led by the University of Dundee and the James Hutton...
May 5, 2016
As part of its commitment to environmentally sustainable farming, the James Hutton Institute, one of Scotland’s LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Innovation Centres, invites farmers to attend the LEAF Technical Day 2016, on 9th June...
March 3, 2016
The Scottish Government has today announced the re-commissioning of EPIC, the Pan-Scottish Centre of Expertise on Animal Disease Outbreaks. For the next 5 years EPIC will be led from the University of Glasgow by Professor Dominic Mellor,...
March 3, 2016
Scotland will remain at the forefront of ground-breaking advances in farming and food production as a result of continued Scottish Government funding for scientific research, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has said. More than £...
March 3, 2016
Is the land-based sector in North East Scotland resilient enough to face future challenges? This question, along with many others, is at the centre of a report commissioned by the North East Scotland Agricultural Advisory Group (NESAAG) and...
February 2, 2016
Work carried out at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee aiming to tackle environmental challenges will be explored at a conference next week. The Centre for Environmental Change and Human Resilience (CECHR) will hold its...
January 1, 2016
The Combinable and Energy Crops Committee regret to advise that this meeting has been postponed. A new date will be announced later in the year. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this might cause to our members....
January 1, 2016
The Winter 2016 meeting of the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR) Potato Sub-committee will be held at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee on 24 March 2016. Programme Programme can be found by clicking the link below:
January 1, 2016
The croplands around Scotland’s coasts are an ancient form of managed land. Hunting communities occupied the area after the last ice retreated. Farmers arrived 5000-6000 years ago, bringing their crop seed with them. For thousands of years...
January 1, 2016
A new study from researchers at the James Hutton Institute, the University of Aberdeen, the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and the Alpen-Adria University in Vienna shows that the UK’s food self-sufficiency has decreased...
December 12, 2015
Farming systems across Scotland, the UK and Europe can vary markedly from place to place. A range of factors can influence what types of production are practiced in any one place. However, climate and soil type are especially important in...
December 12, 2015
The Aberdeen-based Slopefield Allotment Association have achieved the top award of 'Outstanding' once again in the It's Your Neighbourhood 2015 assessment. This is the third year in a row that the Association has been awarded an '...
December 12, 2015
Will intensification continue to degrade soils and even start to drive down output? Is our food supply now too vulnerable to external influence – disruption by global terrorism, variation in world cereal harvests, future phosphate wars and...
December 12, 2015
Diverse climatic and geographical zones in Peru are home to a great variety of crops (e.g., potatoes, quinoa, asparagus, and coffee). Recent advances in genomics and biotechnology offer great potential to address biotic and abiotic challenges to...
October 10, 2015
Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are a significant threat to the UK fresh and processing potato markets, with an annual estimated cost of £50 million to the potato industry. A new study by UK scientists has brought us one step closer towards...
September 9, 2015
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety demonstrations, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
July 7, 2015
The next meeting of the European Association for Potato Research (EAPR), Pathology and Pests Section, will be held in Dundee, Scotland, UK, 7th to 11th August 2016. This meeting covers research into potato pests and diseases with...
June 6, 2015
Cereals in Practice, the annual showcase of variety trials and research organised by the James Hutton Institute and Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), is again taking place on 2 July 2015. The event offers a range of advice and information for...
June 6, 2015
Do you have what it takes to run a barley farm? Can you make the right decisions? No need to buy land or change careers – just pick up your smartphone and have a go.
June 6, 2015
In this seminar, hosted by Dr Tim George from our Ecological Sciences group, Dr Alan Richardson (CSIRO) will discuss ways of managing farming systems on phosphorus (P) deficient soils. Abstract
May 5, 2015
Fancy a great day out in Dundee? Do you want to learn where your food comes from? Then don’t miss Open Farm Sunday on 7 June, 10am to 4pm, when the James Hutton Institute will open its site in Invergowrie to visitors of all ages.
May 5, 2015
In this seminar, hosted by Courtney Giles and Tim George from our Ecological Sciences group, ​Dr Federica Tamburini (ETH Zurich) will discuss a novel technique that uses oxygen stable isotopes to investigate the P cycle in the soil/plant...
May 5, 2015
In times of changing political conditions and increasing pressure from markets and citizens, innovation is more important than ever for farmers throughout Europe. This is precisely the focus of a group of social scientists who have for the past...
May 5, 2015
The James Hutton Institute is delighted to once again be inviting visitors to join them at their marquee during the Royal Highland Show where we will be showcasing the contribution our science and research makes to the continuing success of...
April 4, 2015
Top-level academics from the University of Lomé in Togo and the Togolese Ambassador to the UK visited the James Hutton Institute’s Dundee site this week as part of a four day visit which also included Abertay University.
March 3, 2015
The Scottish Government has unveiled today the 2015 edition of its Rural Scotland Key Facts publication, which includes a reference to a report on Socio-Economic Performance (SEP) authored by two researchers from the Social, Economic and...
March 3, 2015
Land use and ecological surveys are urgently required to assess the ecology of pollinating insects within and around agricultural systems in India. That is one of the aims of the UK-Indian Initiative in Agroecology, whose first meeting at the...
March 3, 2015
Hosted by Dr Vivian Blok from our Cell and Molecular Sciences group, this seminar by Dr Timothy Mauchline (Rothamsted Research) will discuss microbial interactions in the wheat rhizosphere, specifically looking into the influence of nitrogen...
March 3, 2015
Dr Jack A Gilbert, leader of the Hospital Microbiome Project, Earth Microbiome Project, Home Microbiome Project, and co-founder of American Gut will be visiting Dundee to deliver the 2015 CLS/Hutton Distinguished Lecture on Tuesday 21 April...
March 3, 2015
This seminar by Professor Gabriele Bammer will discuss our ability to contribute effectively to the resolution of complex real-world problems, and will propose the development of a new science discipline around integration and implementation....
February 2, 2015
The soil around roots of plants such as barley – one of our most important crops - is a battleground where only certain bacteria can survive, suggests evidence gathered by an international team including a scientist based at the James...
February 2, 2015
We all think we have some idea of what ‘natural’ is, whether it’s the green meadows we pass by on the train or the fresh and colourful vegetables we pick out in the market. However, our countryside and the food we eat are the...
February 2, 2015
Plant diseases cost the world enough food to feed at least half a billion people, equivalent to 100 times the population of Scotland, every year. The interaction between plants, microbes and insects is a key battleground in the global fight for...
February 2, 2015
Global wheat production can be expected to fall by 6% for each degree centigrade of temperature increase together with increased variability of yield across regions and seasons; that is the main finding of an international consortium of...
January 1, 2015
With 2014 reported as the warmest year since records began, continuing a strong trend in recent years, we ignore the implications for agriculture in the UK in the medium to long term at our peril. The issue is not just the rising average...
January 1, 2015

MANECO (Project)

Managing ecosystem services in low alpine cultural landscapes through livestock grazing Current tree-lines in Norway are heavily depressed by land uses associated with traditional (agri-) cultural practices, but reduced intensity of land use...
January 1, 2015

RURALREIN (Project)

Reindeer herding and commodification of the outfields in Southern Sami areas- Challenges to established rights and practices (RURALREIN)
December 12, 2014
Increasingly unpredictable global weather, changing consumer perceptions and an ageing workforce make sustainability a core concern for the agricultural industry. A new book co-edited by a James Hutton Institute social scientist aims to improve...
December 12, 2014
The Scottish Food Security Alliance-Crops (SFSA-C), a collaborative venture between the University of Aberdeen, the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee, has been awarded prestigious funding to research the global links between...
December 12, 2014
Potatoes in Practice is the largest field-based potato event in the UK. The event brings together variety trials, research and trade exhibits in one place making it an essential date in the potato industry calendar.
November 11, 2014
Researchers from the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia (AIS) visited the James Hutton Institute as part of the CropSustaIn project, which looks into alternatives for sustainable crop production in Slovenia in the face of global change. The...
November 11, 2014

Soils Maps of Scotland (Research Page)

To celebrate World Soils Day on the 5th December and the start of the International Year of Soils, we have made available for download scanned copies of the original seven 1:250,000 scale soil maps of Scotland and the accompanying handbooks. The...
October 10, 2014
Researchers from the James Hutton Institute and Kenyan institutions have successfully introduced popular UK potato cultivar Mayan Gold in Kenya, in an effort to boost food security and strengthen potato production systems in the East African...
October 10, 2014
National Soils Database
October 10, 2014
Soils & Sustainable production
October 10, 2014
Soil and Virus Research
October 10, 2014
Learn more about soils & climate change
September 9, 2014
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute have endorsed and repeated the view of this week’s high-profile Development Dialogues conference in New York that work to ‘climate-proof’ agriculture lies at the core of sustainable...
September 9, 2014
International agricultural journalists had a unique opportunity to see environmental science in action at the James Hutton Institute farm at Glensaugh, as part of the activities organised during the International Federation of Agricultural...
September 9, 2014
What are the challenges faced by policy developers in Scotland, at a time of increasing calls on decision makers to base their conclusions more firmly on the underlying science and avoid inefficient use of resources? These issues, and many others...
September 9, 2014
Crofting projects on the Isle of Lewis have the opportunity to benefit from a share of £5,000 distributed annually by the Lewis Endowment Fund. The fund, managed by the James Hutton Institute, is open to applications from projects that...
August 8, 2014
Management to mitigate pollutant swapping Buffer strips are useful for mitigating diffuse pollution. As riparian buffers perform their role in sediment trapping, P accumulates with no loss mechanism (as in wetland denitrification for N)....
August 8, 2014
A scientist from the James Hutton Institute has been named the best young mycologist in Europe and joined an elite group of only six researchers around the world to be awarded a similar accolade for their continent. Dr Alison Bennett, a...
August 8, 2014
Potato growers and industry representatives will be able to learn about novel research being conducted at the James Hutton Institute and how it contributes to Integrated Pest Management at Potatoes in Practice on 7 August 2014.
July 7, 2014
TRANSGRASS innovatively combined collaborative video, interactive Touchtable technology, and ecological surveys with a series of workshops to develop a transdisciplinary platform for the integration of contested forms of knowledge...
July 7, 2014
A young horticultural scientist who has implemented changes to growing practices, which are already bringing financial benefits as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, has been nominated for the prestigious Business Leader of Tomorrow Awards...
July 7, 2014
Mr John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, visited yesterday the James Hutton Institute in Invergowrie to learn about ongoing world leading scientific research in crops and climate change, as well as its commercial impact in local communities and...
June 6, 2014
How to protect cereal crops from the increased disease pressure caused by the mild winter and spring and early drilling was a key point of interest at this year’s Cereals in Practice event, co-hosted by the James Hutton Institute, Scotland...
June 6, 2014
Two researchers based at the James Hutton Institute have been recognised for their contribution to plant science. Professor Philip J. White has been listed by Thomson Reuters as one of 176 Highly Cited Researchers in Plant and Animal Science over...
June 6, 2014
The future of Scotland’s national drink is being boosted by scientists at the James Hutton Institute. Their work across many fronts aims to ensure the sustainability and continued success of Scotch whisky, one of the world’s best-...
May 5, 2014
Background Over 85% of land plants are obligate associated with mycorrhizal fungi illustrating the importance of the symbiosis. Fungi provide water and essential nutrients to their host plants in exchange for carbohydrates derived from...
May 5, 2014
Farmers could improve the efficiency of phosphorus in crop production by coupling plants with complementary traits, which would allow them to harness the ‘phosphorus bank’ already present in soils.
April 4, 2014
   
March 3, 2014
The inaugural 'Rising to the challenges' conference will explore the advances that science and industry are making in providing long term solutions to the pressing global challenges of food security, climate change, sustainable resource...
March 3, 2014
Researchers at the James Hutton Institute and partner organisations are working to understand how seed potato becomes infected with Pectobacterium atrosepticum, the pathogen that causes blackleg; a disease that has been one of the most...
March 3, 2014
Policy makers across Europe will get a helping hand to identify ways to reach farmers with new information and rethink advisory services, thanks to a project which is mapping the many different information sources available to farmers.
February 2, 2014
Introduction
February 2, 2014
A case study on sustainable agriculture and the environment at the James Hutton Institute
January 1, 2014
This project aims to provide a better understanding of barriers to the adoption and implementation of natural flood management (NFM) in Scotland. 
January 1, 2014
A workshop was held at Birnam Arts and Conference Centre on 20 November 2013 to provide an update on research being conducted as part of the Vibrant Rural Communities theme of the Food, Land and People Strategic Research programme, funded by...
January 1, 2014

LandSFACTS downloads (Research Page)

The LandSFACTS software is available in several formats: with graphical interface, helpfile and tutorial [XP, W7], cf. below command-line [XP, W7, W7 x64, Linux x64], by request dynamic libraries [XP, W7, W7 x64, Linux x64], by request...
January 1, 2014
The LandsFACTS model was originally (v1.6) set up to simulate cropping systems at the landscape scale. Since 2007, it was further developed to allow modelling land uses at multiple scales within an evolving environment. The diagram below presents...
January 1, 2014

LandSFACTS (Research Page)

LANDscape Scale Functional Allocation of Crops Temporally and Spatially
January 1, 2014
Environmental, economic and social issues associated with agriculture are often fundamental for rural prosperity and sustainability, with consequent implications for any debate about future land use. A key to supporting the planning of change is...
January 1, 2014
Stakeholder engagement events relating to theme topics Health and wellbeing conferences and workshops Date Title Theme role Venue 25 November 2013
December 12, 2013
Project aim This aim of this project was to aid consideration of thinking of policy and practice linked to well-being and water. Funding was provided by Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (CREW) and it ran from 2011-2012.
December 12, 2013
The overall goal of FarmPath is to identify and assess future transition pathways towards regional sustainability of agriculture in Europe, and the social and technological innovation needs required to initiate and progress along these pathways....
December 12, 2013
In times of changing conditions, with strong pressure from markets and citizens to adjust and innovate, farmers need timely access to knowledge and information, to training and education, and to facilitating and supporting services. Hence the...
September 9, 2013
Principal Investigators working on IPM at the James Hutton Institute.
September 9, 2013
Centre for Sustainable Cropping
September 9, 2013
Several funded projects at the James Hutton Institute are either specifically about IPM or the toolbox components.
September 9, 2013
At the James Hutton Institute we carry out research in several areas to create a toolbox of flexible solutions, that when deployed together, are more effective, that is, components of sustainable integrated pest management (IPM), also known as...
September 9, 2013

IPM in the agroecosystem (Research Page)

IPM is also about managing the other species in agroecosystem and not just the crop and visible weeds, pathogens, pests and their symptoms. It should also include management of:
September 9, 2013
September 9, 2013

What is IPM? (Research Page)

July 7, 2013
March 3, 2013
Peatlands provide vital services to society, such as helping to mitigate climate change, providing clean water and supporting biodiversity and tourism, but are currently under threat. Peatlands are an ideal case study for valuing nature...
March 3, 2013
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) aims to deliver good ecological status (GES) for Europe’s waters. It includes economic principles, such as the use of cost-effectiveness analysis of measures to achieve GES and of derogation on grounds of...
March 3, 2013
Guidance and advice for improving implementation and increasing uptake of measures to improve water quality in Scotland The Scotland River Basin Management Plan (2010) requires implementation of programmes of measures to support achievement of...
October 10, 2012

Peter Skelsey (Member of Staff)

October 10, 2012
August 8, 2012
What affect do intestinal parasites and food availability have on mountain hare population dynamics?
July 7, 2012
Background Small mammals, such as the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), are a known food source for birds of prey such as barn owls and species of harrier, and rare large mammals such as pine marten, polecats and wildcats. Wood mice may also...
July 7, 2012
Background and rationale
May 5, 2012
Since the release of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, ecosystems have become widely recognised as natural capital assets supporting and supplying services which are highly valuable to humans. There is a growing appreciation of the important...
February 2, 2012

Soil diversity (Research Page)

The complexity of the soil system with many large gradients including nutrients and gases such as oxygen drive a massive diversity below ground. It has been estimated that there are over 40,000 different organisms contained within a gram of soil...
February 2, 2012
Soil plays a vital role in controlling the flow of water and chemicals between the atmosphere and the earth. As water passes through the soil it is filtered by plants, bacteria, fungi and soil particles, which remove various minerals and...
February 2, 2012

Soils and climate change (Research Page)

The climate is changing in response to the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. While the burning of fossil fuels has made a major contribution to the levels of carbon dioxide, soils have been responsible for part...
February 2, 2012

Soils Database (Research Page)

What happens to the information recorded in the field by soil surveyors, and the results of all the analysis carried out on the samples they collect? Once it has been collated, it is stored securely so people from all over the world can use it as...
February 2, 2012

Soil science (Research Page)

We conduct a wide range of soil-related research. Read more on the following pages.
November 11, 2011

Soil forensics (Research Page)

November 11, 2011

Land capability (Research Page)

Soil is a fundamental part of land and is key in determining what activities can be undertaken and supported on different types of land; how capable is land is sustaining different farming systems, different woodland types, valued habitats, as a...
November 11, 2011

Root-soil interactions (Research Page)

This interdisciplinary research examines below ground interactions between plants and soil, focusing on root growth and the rhizosphere. Research includes root growth processes in relation to environmental stresses, nutrient and water capture by...
November 11, 2011
November 11, 2011

Improving the plant (Research Page)

Better use of water and nutrients, increased resistance to stresses and less wastage in production are major research challenges we address. A combination of genetics and agronomy provides an in-depth understanding of favourable plant traits and...
September 9, 2011
March 3, 2011

Gary Polhill (Member of Staff)

March 3, 2011

Sharon Flanigan (Member of Staff)


Printed from /category/tags/agriculture on 19/03/24 08:17:42 AM

The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.