Tegan Darch

I’ve been working as a researcher at the North Wyke (Devon) site of Rothamsted Research for over a decade now, after joining for what I thought would be just a summer student project! As an organisation we’re producing scientific evidence to determine the most sustainable farming systems – for the farmer, the environment, and the consumer, and our site has a focus on livestock and pasture agriculture. My research mainly focuses on nutrients (phosphorus, trace minerals) in soils and herbage. For example, how much fertilizer should be applied, and how can we ensure that plants get the maximum benefit from it?

I was lucky enough to grow up on a livestock farm, and after studying for a science degree I got interested in soil health, and this led me back round to working in agricultural research. I understand the financial and practical realities of farming and want to find the sustainable farming practices that are win-win for the environment and for businesses. I’m always excited to work with farmers and advisors to understand how my research can help them, and the questions they want answers to.