Having the Morley Farm and access to TMAF funding means we are in a unique position to host and fund long term arable crop research projects.
Also, we make the results and observations from the studies available to all in the Morley Library.
Carbon monitoring in sugar beet
Measuring carbon emitted and captured from a growing crop is not common. Most of the values shared with farmers and used in carbon calculators are based on assumptions and use statistical modelling rather than actual measurements. In the face of pressures to grow low carbon beet, and even produce zero carbon sugar for the food supply system, farmers need to have science-based evidence.
At Morley, from early 2023, we are financing research by Dr Georgina Barrett of BBRO using two flux towers to measure levels of carbon dioxide around sugar beet before and during growth under two different crop management systems.
You can read more about our Carbon monitoring in sugar beet, where we will provide regular updates about this research. These will follow the research as it happens in order to explain the challenges and decision making, the results and potential implications for sugar beet growers across the region.
Morley SAMS
One of our interesting pieces of current research is the Morley Soil and Agronomic Monitoring Study (SAMS).
Our interest in yield mapping has meant that we have rolled this out across the farm at Morley. The next step, we feel, is to integrate the information we get on yields with other information about each field over time.
We will provide regular updates on SAMS. In the meantime you can read our summary Explaining the Morley Soil and Agronomic Study in TMAF news.
TMAF-funded PhD
For many years TMAF has helped to finance the research work by PhD students. In 2020, we decided to start to wholly fund some PhD studies.
TMAF intends to fully fund a PhD student each year. This will mean that we build up a supportive cohort of fully-funded, farmer-led, research studentships over a four-year PhD training cycle. These students will form a strong relationship with TMAF – and the farming community we serve – into the future.
If you would like to be considered for a TMAF-funded PhD then get in touch.
New Farming Systems (NFS)
The New Farming Systems (NFS) project consists of a set of four experiments funded by TMAF and the JC Mann Trust. These mainly examine three inter-related themes:
- Fertility building
- Tillage
- Soil amendment use
These experiments are fully replicated, large plot studies using farm scale equipment and techniques. The core NFS work has enabled a number of other research projects funded and supported by other organisations.
Read the NFS reports in the Morley Library.