"We have to ensure that we care and nurture all soils it to keep both the human population and the planet healthy" 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 itās too late. Soil is a key component in this battle and something that we expect to provide food, feed and fibre, store and supply water, store carbon, archive geological and archaeological heritage to name but a few. World Soils Day on 5th December celebrates all that soils do for us. Press and media
āThe report outlines the recommendations for research and innovation needed to support the transition towards more sustainable agricultural systems to meet the goals of the EU Green Deal and envisions how agriculture will likely transition in the short, medium and long term." A report by a multi-stakeholder working group of the European Technology Platform āPlants for the Futureā, featuring contributions from James Hutton Institute scientists, has identified three principles that will help transition towards more environmentally and socio-economically sustainable agricultural systems. The
āDelivering equality of opportunity will make Scottish agriculture a more resilient and economically sustainable industry and this will help women realise their potential and support business innovation.ā 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 and in agricultural careers across Scotland. The virtual shift also saved time on travel and prevented childcare difficulties. Press and media
"The session aims to give a voice to scientists and stakeholders from different disciplines and regions to obtain feedback on research findings and practical applications of intercropping" Diversification of crop systems provides great opportunities to make food production more sustainable and resilient but also faces challenges along the whole value chain. A session at the World Biodiversity Forum (26th June to 1st July 2022) co-organised by a James Hutton Institute scientist will summarise current knowledge about the benefits of intercropping and draw attention to ongoing challenges
āThe impact of plant pests and pathogens on associated biodiversity is rarely considered when risk assessments for plant pests and pathogens new to the UK are madeā Diseases affecting different UK tree species have been shown to have a multiplying effect on the loss of associated biodiversity, new research by James Hutton Institute scientists and partners in the UK and Portugal has found. In a study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Ecology, the research team reveal that the decline of ash and oak trees may affect more species than just the ones that only use oak or only use ash
āWe are over the moon to have won this fantastic award, exactly one year after the Easter Beltie restoration was completed." The Dee Catchment Partnership, a collective of organisations tasked with looking after the river Dee catchment in north east Scotland, has won the Nature and Climate Action award at the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards. The highest accolade for nature conservation in the country, the awards recognise excellence, innovation and outstanding achievements in Scottish nature conservation. The 10th annual ceremony was held virtually this year, hosted by BBC Landwardās Arlene