Kenneth Loades

Research

Soil physics and soil quality

• Soil physical characterisation – Currently we are investigating the use of novel tools to predict soil water properties, such as water holding capacity and pore size distribution, in arable fields. Historically soil physcial property characterisation has been an expensive and time consuming measure of soil quality.
• Proxy measures of soil physics – In the long term we are hoping to develop a proxy to measure of soil physical properties which would enable not only quicker, but also lower cost, measurement of key soil parameters missing in many soil quality measurements.
• Composts – The circular economy is a growing area with the production and use of compost requiring further research in understanding the optimal requirements for differing production systems. European funding is allowing us to investigate, and develop, ‘bespoke’ composts with the intention of increasing the use of such materials.

Plant and soil interactions

• Root failure mechanisms – Roots enmesh themselves into the soil matrix with stress taken up by roots during failure events, such as landslides. Understanding the way in which stress is taken up by roots will enable better predictions of their contribution to soil stabilisation and resistance of agricultural crops to lodging.
• Root biomechanics – The structure of the root tissue underlies the strength and elasticity of plant roots. Lignin and cellulose potentially hold the key to where changes in strength and elasticity, between species, is derived from and one of my key research interests.
• Impacts of different root traits – Root hair traits have been shown to increase resource efficiency but they may also increase plant anchorage, increasing soil resistance to failure.Through increasing understanding we are working towards improving soil stabilisation and mitigating potential effects of climate change, reducing soil erosion, and ensuring sustainable food production.