The effects of conventional tillage operations vs. innovative alternatives on soil health and crop yields in potato production

This project aims to assess the potential of novel soil management systems, namely reduced tillage and advanced crop rotation, to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and soil damage, during the production of potato crops and in the subsequent follow-on crops in the rotation. Additionally, to establish whether regenerately managed soils have more resilience and faster recovery rates after a potato crop than conventionally managed soils.
The objectives of this project are to:
1. Conduct detailed assessment of the impact of cultivation systems on soil health, resilience and ecosystem functions.
2. Conduct detailed assessment of the impact of crop rotation on soil health, resilience and ecosystem functions.
3. Conduct detailed greenhouse gas emission measurements from potato production under different cultivation and crop rotation systems.
4. Define the term 'soil recovery' and establish what it means for a soil to 'recover' after a potato crop.
5. Monitor the effect of different cultivation systems on soil health, recovery and consecutive crop growth at both conventional and regenerative field sites.
6. Recommend improved soil management practices for both potato and arable production to maintain crop yields and quality, and improve soil health, resilience and ecosystem functions.