Fieldwork
Here are some examples of current fieldwork projects being conducted
The Role of Methanotrophs in Mitigating Methane Emissions at Landfill and other Sources
The following is a brief description of fieldwork at Kilsby Landfill Site, Rugby, Warwickshire.
Figure 1 Kilsby Landfill Site
Soil samples required for DNA analysis were drawn off using a thumper and a 25cm corer (Fig 2).
Figure 2 Sampling Soil
As the corer was removed, a bung was immediately placed in the hole to prevent soil gas escaping (Fig 3).
Figure 3 Bung With Gas Sampling Tap
A tap was fitted to the external end of the tube through the bung which can be seen in the photograph, to facilitate gas sampling. This was left for approximately 10 minutes to allow the gas to equilibrate and a sample was drawn off from the tap using a Landfill Gas Analyser. This equipment showed concentrations (in %) of O2, CO2 and CH4 in each sample taken. Soil temperature was also measured.
Acknowledgements to BBSRC for funding this project and to Biffa plc for funding and site access.
Identification of Optimum Practice for Seedbed Preparation and Establishment using Soil Structural Visualisation
Research Summary
HGCA funded project aimed at determining the effects of cultivation strategies on cereal crop establishment through the effects of soil structural conditions. This is achieved through a series of glasshouse and field experiments. Field experiments are designed in randomized split plots with differing degrees of cultivations from intensive (Ploughing) to reduced (Discing), with a variety of secondary cultivations from Power Harrowing and Rolling. In situ undisturbed samples are collected from the field using Kubiena tins, these are impregnated using an epoxy resin and structural imaging is acquired with the use of X-ray computed tomography, Ultra Violet Imaging and Thin Sections to attain structural scale variations from Macro to Micro, and their effect upon crop establishment. This approach provides data not obtainable by other means, and may, ultimately, provide the basis for developing seedbed management practices that can be used as guidelines for soil management/conservation directives.
Quantification of the effects of organic farming practices on soil structure
PhD research funded by BBSRC (Rothamsted (Silsoe Soil Group)) and The University of Nottingham (Biosciences)
Research Summary
Soil structure is one of the most important soil properties influencing physical, chemical and biological processes within the soil. It is also one of the most difficult to measure and consequently is often neglected. Soil structure determines the accessibility of air, water and nutrients; drainage of the soil and its resistance to erosion; seedling emergence and root penetration. The threat of soil deterioration is of particular concern since if the structure of any soil is lost it is not easily replaced. Organic farming practices have been associated with improved soil properties through a number of considerations including the addition of soil organic matter, increased earthworm population, biodiversity, soil fertility etc. Also, plant rooting systems and management practices can cause substantial changes in soil structure and may significantly improve soil physical properties acting through soil enmeshment, carbon inputs, and the stimulation of microbial biomass. Previous investigations have primarily focused on the chemical and biological effects of organic farming practices. Various authors concluded that organic and conventional farming practices created significant differences in terms of soil organic matter and biological life but others did not obtain significant results. The limited studies on soil structure to date have provided only qualitative insights. The present study involves implementing a quantified analysis of soil structure at a number of scales of observations (macro to micro) in both two and three dimensions to examine those mechanisms associated with soil structural development. The results will contribute to current efforts in optimisation of agricultural farming practice and soil structural quantification. An understanding of how soil structure is affected by the various farming practices and which processes relate specifically to structural development will allow a better land management obtaining all the benefits of a healthy soil and promote a sustainable environment.
Heavy Metal Geochemistry of Contaminated Fenland Soils.
Research Summary
In the nineteenth century, peat mosslands around Manchester had large amounts of city waste introduced to them. This was to ease the problem of waste disposal within the city but also to provide farmland for growing food crops. The introduction of large amounts of city waste to these mosses was likely to cause significant contamination of the soils by heavy metals. This has been indicated by a British Geological Survey (BGS) study, which found elevated levels of lead, zinc and copper. This project was set up to re-investigate the area surveyed by the BGS, to study in detail the contamination, including mobility of the metals and potential availability to plants. Samples have been taken from farms around Manchester using a Dutch Auger to sample to depths of 1 m. These samples will then e analysed for metal content and mobility. Each period of fieldwork at a site lasts for 1 day, with return visits made if necessary.
