Malcolm Coull
Current research interests
I come from a background in soils (I studied Soil Science at the University of Aberdeen) and help to maintain the National Soils Database of Scotland and the National Soil Archive. The Institute continues to try and make both its data and samples more accessible to everybody, and I am in the process of working towards making our datasets compliant with the INSPIRE directive along with my colleagues Allan Lilly and David Donnelly.
I have three main personal research interests. The first is making 'technical' soils: using things which are normally sent to landfill, like construction waste and compost, to make substances which do the same jobs for us as real soils - for example growing plants, building on, and filtering pollutants. I work on this along with my colleague Luke Beesley.
The second is trying to relate environmental data to the spread and survival of diseases in the environment. I am trying to design a system to collect data to help in the early detection of the symptoms of Johnes disease in cattle, and work with my colleagues Eulyn Pagaling, Lisa Avery and Rupert Hough on anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in Scottish soils.
The third is working with spatial data to solve environmental problems. I am teaching myself QGIS and PostgreSQL to help combine different datasets in new ways to answer questions relating to soil, landcover and climate.
Bibliography
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2019) Digital mapping of soil ecosystem services in Scotland using neural networks and relationship modelling. Part 2: Mapping of soil ecosystem services., Soil Use and Management, 35, 217-231.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2019) Digital mapping of soil ecosystem services in Scotland using neural networks and fuzzy classification. Part 1: Mapping of soil classes., Soil Use and Management, 35, 205-216.
- Cerretelli, S.; Poggio, L.; Gimona, A.; Yakob, G.; Boked, S.; Habte, M.; Coull, M.C.; Peressotti, A.; Black, H.I.J. (2018) Spatial assessment of land degradation through key ecosystem services: the role of globally available data., Science of the Total Environment, 628-629, 539-555.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Cameron, C.; Gaskin, G.; Choisy, B.; Coull, M.C.; Black, H.I.J. (2018) Digital RGB photography and visible-range spectroscopy for soil composition analysis., Geoderma, 313, 265-275.
- Akoumianaki, I.; Potts, J.; Pohle, I.; Coull, M.; Adenkule, I. (2018) Developing Scotland's shellfish water monitoring programme., CREW Report, CRW2017_03.
- Sinclair, A.; Edwards, A.C.; Coull, M.C. (2017) Management of boron in soils for crops., SRUC Technical Note TN671, 28 March 2017.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Gwatkin, R.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Automated soil physical parameter assessment using smartphone and digital camera imagery., Journal of Imaging, 2, Article No. 35.
- Edwards, A.C.; Sinclair, A.H.; Coull, M.C.; Crooks, W.; Rees, R.M.; Lumsdon, D.G. (2016) Regional trends in Scottish advisory soil acidity and phosphorus results: significance of management history, land use and soil attributes., Soil Use and Management, 32, 344-53.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2016) Mapping soil carbon stocks across Scotland using a neural network model., Geoderma, 262, 187-188.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Donnelly, D.; Coull, M.C.; Gwatkin, R. (2016) Estimating soil properties with a mobile phone., In: Hartemink, A. & Minasny, B. (eds.). Digital Soil Morphometrics (Progress in Soil Science). Springer, Chapter 7, pp89-110.
- Thornton, B.; Martin, G.; Procee, M.; Miller, D.R.; Coull, M.C.; Yao, H.-Y.; Chapman, S.J.; Hudson, G.; Midwood, A.J. (2015) Distributions of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in Scotland's topsoil: a national-scale study., European Journal of Soil Science, 66, 1002-1011.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Donnelly, D.; Sutherland, L.A.; Miller, D.G.; Coull, M.C.; Black, H.I.J. (2015) Predicting Scottish topsoil organic matter content from colour and environmental factors., European Journal of Soil Science, 66, 112-120.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Campbell, G.; Coull, M.C. (2015) Using remote sensing to assess the condition of peat in drinking water catchments., CREW Report.
- Sinclair, A.; Crooks, B.; Edwards, A.; Coull, M.C. (2015) Managing soil phosphorus., SRUC Technical Note TN668.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Campbell, G.; Coull, M.C. (2015) Using remote sensing to assess the condition of peat in drinking water catchments., Report to Scottish Water.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Rhind, S.M.; Zhang, Z.L.; Kyle, C.E.; Coull, M.C. (2014) Neural network integration of field observations for soil endocrine disruptor characterisation., Science of the Total Environment, 468-469, 240-248.
- Zhang, Z.L.; Leith, C.; Rhind, S.M.; Ker, C.; Osprey, M.; Kyle, C.; Coull, M.C.; Thomson, C.; Green, G.; Maderova, L.; McKenzie, C. (2014) Long term temporal and spatial changes in the distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Scottish soils., Science of the Total Environment, 468-469, 158-164.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Coull, M.C.; Dawson, L.A. (2014) Predicting sample source location from soil analysis using neural networks., Environmental Forensics, 15, 281-292.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Donnelly, D.; Hastings, E.J. (2014) Innovations in environmental monitoring using mobile technology - a review., International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 8, 50-58.
- Sinclair, A.; Edwards, A.; Coull, M.C. (2014) Management of copper in soils for cereals., SRUC Technical Note Series, TN657.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Towers, W.; Hudson, G. (2013) Prediction of soil characteristics and colour using data from the National Soils Inventory of Scotland., Geoderma, 200-201, 99-107.
- Rhind, S.M.; Kyle, C.E.; Kerr, C.; Osprey, M.; Zhang, Z.L.; Duff, E.I.; Lilly, A.; Nolan, A.; Hudson, G.; Towers, W.; Bell, J.; Coull, M.C.; McKenzie, C. (2013) Concentrations and geographic distribution of selected organic pollutants in Scottish surface soils, Environmental Pollution, 182, 15-27.
- Sinclair, A.; Crooks, B.; Coull, M.C. (2013) Soils information, texture and liming recommendations., SRUC Technical Note TN656.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Donnelly, D.; Coull, M.C. (2013) Innovations in aquatic monitoring., CREW Report to SEPA, CREW Project Number CD2013_04.
- Edwards, A.C.; Coull, M.C.; Sinclair, A.H.; Walker, R.L.; Watson, C.A. (2012) Elemental status (Cu, Mo, Co, B, S, and Zn) of Scottish agricultural soils compared with a soil-based risk assessment., Soil Use and Management, 28, 167-176.
- Jackson-Blake, L.A.; Helliwell, R.C.; Britton, A.; Gibbs, S.; Coull, M.C.; Dawson, L.A. (2012) Controls on soil solution nitrogen along an altitudinal gradient in the Scottish uplands., Science of the Total Environment, 431, 100-108.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Towers, W.; Hudson, G.; Black, H.I.J. (2012) Predicting soil chemical composition and other soil parameters from field observations using a neural network., Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 82, 108-116.
- Sinclair A. H.; Crooks, W.; Edwards, A.C.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Coull, M.C.; Shand, C.A. (2012) Assessing the potential risks to water quality from phosphate leaching., SEPA Contract Number R11123STA, September 2012, pp80.
- Waylen, K.A.; Eastwood, A.; Banks, E.; Black, H.I.J.; Brown, I.; Brooker, R.; Coull, M.C.; Irvine, R.J.; Kyle, C.; Macleod, K.; McVittie, A. (2012) Integrated frameworks to support the ecosystem approach., EAWG3 Workshop Report.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2012) Report on soil remediation decision support tool., External Contract Report and Software for REMEDIOS Ltd.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Westfield datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Stobshiel datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Overcairn datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Glenbervie datasheet, PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Halflawkiln datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - East Pitforthie datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Torr datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Ballintomb datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Britton, A.J.; Helliwell, R.C.; Lilly, A.; Dawson, L.A.; Fisher, J.M.; Coull, M.C.; Ross, J. (2011) An integrated assessment of ecosystem carbon pools and fluxes across an oceanic alpine toposequence., Plant and Soil, 345, 287-302.
- Eastwood, A.; Coull, M.C.; Blackstock, K.L. (2011) Ecosystem Approach Working Group: 1st Brief Discussion Paper., Ecosystem Approach Working Group.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2019) Digital mapping of soil ecosystem services in Scotland using neural networks and relationship modelling. Part 2: Mapping of soil ecosystem services., Soil Use and Management, 35, 217-231.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2019) Digital mapping of soil ecosystem services in Scotland using neural networks and fuzzy classification. Part 1: Mapping of soil classes., Soil Use and Management, 35, 205-216.
- Cerretelli, S.; Poggio, L.; Gimona, A.; Yakob, G.; Boked, S.; Habte, M.; Coull, M.C.; Peressotti, A.; Black, H.I.J. (2018) Spatial assessment of land degradation through key ecosystem services: the role of globally available data., Science of the Total Environment, 628-629, 539-555.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Cameron, C.; Gaskin, G.; Choisy, B.; Coull, M.C.; Black, H.I.J. (2018) Digital RGB photography and visible-range spectroscopy for soil composition analysis., Geoderma, 313, 265-275.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Gwatkin, R.; Donnelly, D. (2016) Automated soil physical parameter assessment using smartphone and digital camera imagery., Journal of Imaging, 2, Article No. 35.
- Edwards, A.C.; Sinclair, A.H.; Coull, M.C.; Crooks, W.; Rees, R.M.; Lumsdon, D.G. (2016) Regional trends in Scottish advisory soil acidity and phosphorus results: significance of management history, land use and soil attributes., Soil Use and Management, 32, 344-53.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2016) Mapping soil carbon stocks across Scotland using a neural network model., Geoderma, 262, 187-188.
- Thornton, B.; Martin, G.; Procee, M.; Miller, D.R.; Coull, M.C.; Yao, H.-Y.; Chapman, S.J.; Hudson, G.; Midwood, A.J. (2015) Distributions of carbon and nitrogen isotopes in Scotland's topsoil: a national-scale study., European Journal of Soil Science, 66, 1002-1011.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Donnelly, D.; Sutherland, L.A.; Miller, D.G.; Coull, M.C.; Black, H.I.J. (2015) Predicting Scottish topsoil organic matter content from colour and environmental factors., European Journal of Soil Science, 66, 112-120.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Rhind, S.M.; Zhang, Z.L.; Kyle, C.E.; Coull, M.C. (2014) Neural network integration of field observations for soil endocrine disruptor characterisation., Science of the Total Environment, 468-469, 240-248.
- Zhang, Z.L.; Leith, C.; Rhind, S.M.; Ker, C.; Osprey, M.; Kyle, C.; Coull, M.C.; Thomson, C.; Green, G.; Maderova, L.; McKenzie, C. (2014) Long term temporal and spatial changes in the distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Scottish soils., Science of the Total Environment, 468-469, 158-164.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Coull, M.C.; Dawson, L.A. (2014) Predicting sample source location from soil analysis using neural networks., Environmental Forensics, 15, 281-292.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Donnelly, D.; Hastings, E.J. (2014) Innovations in environmental monitoring using mobile technology - a review., International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 8, 50-58.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Towers, W.; Hudson, G. (2013) Prediction of soil characteristics and colour using data from the National Soils Inventory of Scotland., Geoderma, 200-201, 99-107.
- Rhind, S.M.; Kyle, C.E.; Kerr, C.; Osprey, M.; Zhang, Z.L.; Duff, E.I.; Lilly, A.; Nolan, A.; Hudson, G.; Towers, W.; Bell, J.; Coull, M.C.; McKenzie, C. (2013) Concentrations and geographic distribution of selected organic pollutants in Scottish surface soils, Environmental Pollution, 182, 15-27.
- Edwards, A.C.; Coull, M.C.; Sinclair, A.H.; Walker, R.L.; Watson, C.A. (2012) Elemental status (Cu, Mo, Co, B, S, and Zn) of Scottish agricultural soils compared with a soil-based risk assessment., Soil Use and Management, 28, 167-176.
- Jackson-Blake, L.A.; Helliwell, R.C.; Britton, A.; Gibbs, S.; Coull, M.C.; Dawson, L.A. (2012) Controls on soil solution nitrogen along an altitudinal gradient in the Scottish uplands., Science of the Total Environment, 431, 100-108.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Towers, W.; Hudson, G.; Black, H.I.J. (2012) Predicting soil chemical composition and other soil parameters from field observations using a neural network., Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 82, 108-116.
- Britton, A.J.; Helliwell, R.C.; Lilly, A.; Dawson, L.A.; Fisher, J.M.; Coull, M.C.; Ross, J. (2011) An integrated assessment of ecosystem carbon pools and fluxes across an oceanic alpine toposequence., Plant and Soil, 345, 287-302.
- Helliwell, R.C.; Davies, J.J.L.; Jenkins, A.; Evans, C.D.; Coull, M.C.; Reynolds, B.; Norris, D.; Ferrier, R.C. (2007) Spatial and seasonal variations in nitrogen leaching and acidity across four acid-impacted regions of the UK., Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 185, 3-19.
- Helliwell, R.C.; Coull, M.C.; Evans, C.D.; Davies, J.J.L.; Norris, D.; Ferrier, R.C.; Jenkins, A.; Reynolds, B. (2007) The role of catchment characteristics in determining surface water nitrogen in four upland regions in the UK, Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 11, 356-371.
- Rowe, E.C.; Evans, C.D.; Emmett, B.A.; Reynolds, B.; Helliwell, R.C.; Curtis, C.J.; Coull, M.C. (2006) Vegetation type affects the relationship between soil carbon to nitrogen ratio and nitrogen leaching., Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 177, 335-347.
- Evans, C.D.; Reynolds, B.; Jenkins, A.; Helliwell, R.C.; Curtis, C.J.; Goodale, C.L.; Ferrier, R.C.; Emmett, B.A.; Pilkington, M.; Caporn, S.J.M.; Carroll, J.A.; Norris, D.; Davies, J.; Coull, M.C. (2006) Evidence that soil carbon pool determines susceptibility of semi-natural ecosystems to elevated nitrogen leaching., Ecosystems, 9, 453-462.
- Cooper, D.M.; Helliwell, R.C.; Coull, M.C. (2004) Predicting acid neutralising capacity from landscape classification: application to Galloway, South West Scotland., Hydrological Processes, 18, 455-471.
- Langan, S.J.; Sverdrup, H.U.; Coull, M.C. (1995) Calculation of base cation release from the chemical weathering of Scottish soils using the PROFILE model., Water, Air and Soil Pollution, 85, 2497-2502.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Coull, M.C.; Dawson, L.A. (2014) Predicting sample source location from soil analysis using neural networks., Environmental Forensics, 15, 281-292.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C.; Towers, W.; Hudson, G. (2013) Prediction of soil characteristics and colour using data from the National Soils Inventory of Scotland., Geoderma, 200-201, 99-107.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Donnelly, D.; Coull, M.C.; Gwatkin, R. (2016) Estimating soil properties with a mobile phone., In: Hartemink, A. & Minasny, B. (eds.). Digital Soil Morphometrics (Progress in Soil Science). Springer, Chapter 7, pp89-110.
- Dawson, L.A.; Towers, W.; Owen, J.; White, D.; Coull, M.C.; Ross, J.M.; Donnelly, D.; Cooper, P. (2010) Soils of the crofts., In: Dawson, L.A., Morrice, J. & Rodway, P. Soils of the Crofts. The James Hutton Institute Publication with Crofting Connections, Aberdeen, 130pp.
- Blackstock, K.L.; Cooksley, S.L.; Langan, S.J.; Marshall, K.B.; Coull, M.C. (2009) CATCH: Integrated catchment planning: a handbook for project officers., Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, 97p.
- Akoumianaki, I.; Potts, J.; Pohle, I.; Coull, M.; Adenkule, I. (2018) Developing Scotland's shellfish water monitoring programme., CREW Report, CRW2017_03.
- Sinclair, A.; Edwards, A.C.; Coull, M.C. (2017) Management of boron in soils for crops., SRUC Technical Note TN671, 28 March 2017.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Campbell, G.; Coull, M.C. (2015) Using remote sensing to assess the condition of peat in drinking water catchments., CREW Report.
- Sinclair, A.; Crooks, B.; Edwards, A.; Coull, M.C. (2015) Managing soil phosphorus., SRUC Technical Note TN668.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Campbell, G.; Coull, M.C. (2015) Using remote sensing to assess the condition of peat in drinking water catchments., Report to Scottish Water.
- Sinclair, A.; Edwards, A.; Coull, M.C. (2014) Management of copper in soils for cereals., SRUC Technical Note Series, TN657.
- Sinclair, A.; Crooks, B.; Coull, M.C. (2013) Soils information, texture and liming recommendations., SRUC Technical Note TN656.
- Aitkenhead, M.; Donnelly, D.; Coull, M.C. (2013) Innovations in aquatic monitoring., CREW Report to SEPA, CREW Project Number CD2013_04.
- Sinclair A. H.; Crooks, W.; Edwards, A.C.; Lumsdon, D.G.; Coull, M.C.; Shand, C.A. (2012) Assessing the potential risks to water quality from phosphate leaching., SEPA Contract Number R11123STA, September 2012, pp80.
- Waylen, K.A.; Eastwood, A.; Banks, E.; Black, H.I.J.; Brown, I.; Brooker, R.; Coull, M.C.; Irvine, R.J.; Kyle, C.; Macleod, K.; McVittie, A. (2012) Integrated frameworks to support the ecosystem approach., EAWG3 Workshop Report.
- Aitkenhead, M.J.; Coull, M.C. (2012) Report on soil remediation decision support tool., External Contract Report and Software for REMEDIOS Ltd.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Westfield datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Stobshiel datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Overcairn datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Glenbervie datasheet, PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Halflawkiln datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - East Pitforthie datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Torr datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Elliott, G.N.; Avery, L.M.; Thomas, N.; Coull, M.C.; Hough, R.L. (2012) Environmental factors and Johne's disease - Ballintomb datasheet., PARABAN Champion Farmers - Report Datasheet.
- Davis, J.; McKenzie, B.M.; White, P.; Towers, W.; Coull, M.C. (2011) Agricultural applications for calcium sulphate filter cake and reclaimed gypsum in Scotland., Report for William Tracey Recycling and Resource Management Group.
Scientific posters/conferences
Share our content
