Scientists at the James Hutton Institute, world leaders in agricultural ecology research, seek farmers to participate in trials to measure legume-related benefits following easy-to-use monitoring methods.
The project aims to provide evidence for the ecosystem benefits of legume crops – such as peas, beans, clover etc. – and monitor their impact, according to a press release.
The legumES research project tackles critical challenges in modern agriculture by highlighting the environmental, economic, and social benefits of legume crops. It advocates for increased legume cultivation to reduce reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, cut greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil health, and promote diverse, resilient cropping systems.
The project also focuses on boosting biodiversity, advancing sustainable food systems, and supporting rural communities by creating alternative economic opportunities through legume-based agriculture. Its research spans various European regions, addressing diverse ecological and agricultural contexts.
By delivering practical, scalable solutions, the project aims to enhance agricultural sustainability while informing policy and governance strategies across Europe. The initiative is coordinated by Professor Pete Iannetta of the James Hutton Institute, through his joint role as Senior Research Fellow at Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Porto, Portugal.
“The legumES project looks beyond how legume crops such as peas, beans or clover may be included in crop rotations. It also examines how legume crops might mitigate the impacts that are already being experienced from climate change and biodiversity loss — including crop biodiversity loss — and their effects on nutritional security,” Professor Iannetta said.
The four-year project has received €6.2 million in funding from the European Commission and the governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It is being implemented by a multidisciplinary consortium of 22 partners from 12 EU countries, along with Switzerland and the UK. The consortium includes research and technology organizations, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, large companies, and non-governmental organizations.
Farmers can register their interest by emailing legumES@hutton.ac.uk. Financial support and trial guidance will be provided.
More details of the project can be found at https://legumesproject.eu
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