Browsing by Author "Simmons, Robert"

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    Cover crop survey responses
    (Cranfield University, 2018-11-14 15:50) Storr, Tom; Hannam, Jacqueline A.; Simmons, Robert
    Anonymised responses from the cover crop survey
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    Cover crops for timely nitrogen mineralisation and soil moisture management
    (Cranfield University, 2019-05-07 11:45) Storr, Tom; Hannam, Jacqueline A.; Simmons, Robert
    This fileset contains the following information from research field trials: 2017 - soil moisture - maize yield 2018 - soil moisture - cover crop above-ground biomass - soil available nitrogen - cover crop tissue analysis (Carbon and nitrogen) - maize yield
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    Data supporting the publication 'Best Management Practices to Alleviate Deep-Seated Compaction in Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Interrows (UK)'
    (Cranfield University, 2022-01-25 12:03) Maskova, Lucie; Simmons, Robert; Deeks, Lynda
    Attached files include data on infiltration (mm hr-1) and penetration resistance (MPa) data from 2016 to 2020. In this project, we investigated the long-term efficacy of a range of Best Management Practices (BMPs) targeted at preventing or remediating soil compaction in asparagus interrows as compared to conventional practice. BMPs included (1) companion crops - Rye (Sereale cecale L.), Mustard (Sinapis alba L.), (2) interrow surface mulch applications (straw mulch and PAS 100 compost in combination with shallow soil disturbance (SSD)) and (3) a combination of conventional tillage practices (re-ridging (R) and SSD) against (4) a zero-tillage option. Treatment codes: Bare soil = no interrow application; SSD = shallow soil disturbance; R or NR = re-ridging or non-ridging. Depths are recorded in cm unless different units are specified.
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    Data underpinning "Soil seal development under simulated rainfall: structural, physical and hydrological dynamics"
    (Cranfield University, 2018-02-05 09:26) Simmons, Robert; Armenise, Elena
    Data used in the linked publication
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    Drainage models: an evaluation of their applicability for the design of drainage systems in arid regions
    (Wiley, 2023-07-18) Ellafi, Murad; Simmons, Robert; Deeks, Lynda K.
    Only 5%–10% of irrigated lands in least developed countries (LDCs) are currently drained. Although drainage simulation models (DSMs) are used to evaluate alternative designs, it is unclear which drainage model is suitable for LDCs' arid and semi-arid regions. This study evaluates selected DSMs (ADAPT, RZWQM2, DRAINMOD, EPIC, HYDRUS-1D, WaSim and SWAP) and critically assesses their applicability to arid and semi-arid areas. Also, establish and apply selection criteria based on the availability of data in LDCs with Libya as a case study, and identify the most suitable model for application in Libya. DRAINMOD had the highest overall score, and alternative methods to predict missing input parameters for DRAINMOD are discussed. Evaluating the feasibility of using predicted input parameters for DSMs to design drainage systems in LDCs would help farmers, planners and decision-makers to reduce the overall cost of drainage system and, also, make DRAINMOD a more accessible tool to evaluate different drainage designs.
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    Durability indicatives of hydrogel for agricultural and forestry use in saline conditions
    (Elsevier, 2021-09-06) Nascimento, Carla Danielle Vasconcelos do; Andrade Feitosa, Judith Pessoa de; Simmons, Robert; Dias, Carlos Tadeu dos Santos; Nascimento, Ícaro Vasconcelos do; Mota, Jaedson Cláudio Anunciato; Costa, Mirian Cristina Gomes
    This research tested the hypothesis that the interaction between time and salinity reduces the water absorption potential of a hydrogel – Poly (Acrylamide-co-Potassium Acrylate) and influence the degradation of residual acrylamide monomer. The experimental design was completely randomized split-plot with four replications. The treatments were time periods (30, 60, 90 and 120 days) and levels of salinity of the hydrating solution (distilled water = 0.003, 0.5; 1.5; 3.0 and 6.0 dS m−1). Swelling, hydrogel composition, and residual acrylamide monomer concentration were evaluated. The hydrogel showed lowest water absorption potential (8.1 g g−1) in a saline solution of 4.20 dS m−1 after 120 days. The C/N ratio of the hydrogel increased by up to 47% in a hydrating solution with an EC of 4.4 dS m−1 at 120 days. Additionally, there was an observed shift in the wavelength of methylene, amide, and acrylate bands, that indicates degradation. Residual acrylamide monomer concentration was <0.5 mg g−1 (safe for agricultural use). After 120 days up to 85% of the residual acrylamide monomer was degraded. About the water absorption potential, the results suggest that under semi-arid conditions hydrogel durability for forestry and crops applications may be impaired by the salinity of the hydrating solution.
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    Supporting data for the publication "Efficacy of mulch and tillage options to reduce runoff and soil loss from asparagus interrows"
    (Cranfield University, 2020-12-03 14:23) Niziolomski, Joanna; Simmons, Robert; Rickson, Jane
    In the UK, conventional asparagus cultivation practices on sloping land, erodible soils and increased frequency of extreme rainfall events combine to promote runoff generation and soil loss, particularly from interrows. This instrumented field study investigated the interactive effect of mulch and shallow soil disturbance (working depth of 0.175 m) on reducing runoff and soil loss.
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    Towards net zero in agriculture: future challenges and opportunities for arable, livestock and protected cropping systems in the UK
    (SAGE, 2023-06-12) Sakrabani, Ruben; Garnett, Kenisha; Knox, Jerry W.; Rickson, R. Jane; Pawlett, Mark; Falagán Sama, Natalia; Girkin, Nicholas T.; Cain, Michelle; Alamar, M Carmen; Burgess, Paul; Harris, Jim A.; Patchigolla, Kumar; Sandars, Daniel; Graves, Anil; Hannam, Jacqueline A.; Simmons, Robert
    The agricultural sector faces multiple challenges linked to increased climate uncertainty, causing severe shocks including increased frequency of extreme weather events, new pest and disease risks, soil degradation, and pre and postharvest food losses. This situation is further exacerbated by geopolitical instability and volatility in energy prices impacting on fertiliser supplies and production costs. Net zero strategies are vital to achieve both food security and address negative environmental impacts. This perspective paper reviews and assesses the most viable options (actions) to achieve net zero with a focus on the arable/livestock and protected cropping sectors in the UK. The methodology was based on a synthesis of relevant literature, coupled with expert opinions using the holistic PESTLE (Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) approach to categorise actions, leading to formulation of a roadmap to achieve net zero. The PESTLE analysis indicated that there are technically and economically viable actions available which need to be prioritised depending on the ease of their implementation within the two crop sectors investigated. These actions include (i) policy changes that are better aligned to net zero; (ii) circular economy approaches; (iii) connectivity and accessibility of information; (iv) increased resilience to shocks; (v) changing diets, nutrition and lifestyles; (vi) target setting and attainment; and (vii) farm economics and livelihoods. The outputs can be used by stakeholders and decision makers to inform policy and drive meaningful changes in global food and environmental security.