Regenerative arable farming – how effective are different practices and combinations? - Research Networking Tour

Ever wondered which regenerative arable farming practices are the most effective or which combinations work best together? In 2017, researchers at Rothamsted set out to answer this question with one of the world’s first long-term experimental platforms testing multiple interventions. This platform studies the individual and collective impact of changes to crop rotation, cultivation, crop protection strategy, cover crops, and applying compost on productivity, nutrient efficiency, pests, weeds and diseases, biodiversity and soil health. As the plots near completion of their first full 7-year rotation, we would like to share with you what we have found and to hear your feedback. As well as giving you the opportunity to discuss and shape the future of the platform together as a community.

This research networking tour will introduce farmers and farm advisors to the platform, its setup, goals, and overall objectives. Please see below for event activities.

• Welcome refreshments and information gathering by Rothamsted researchers.
• A short introduction to the platform and how Rothamsted is working with its global partners.
• Platform tour and neighbouring experiments conducted by agronomist, Ian Shield, and agroecologist, Jonathan Storkey.
• Light lunch and opportunity to network with farmers, farm advisors, and Rothamsted research team.
• Varied but focused group discussions on imagining the future of regenerative farming.

The aim is to better understand what the farming community needs and to unlock ideas and practices that may be beneficial in enhancing farmer involvement in agricultural research and adoption of regenerative farming practices. This is your opportunity to give your voice to the future of regenerative farming and agricultural research.

Please contact Oli Moore (oli.moore@rothamsted.ac.uk) if you have any questions or specific dietary requirements.