Event
Roots to Regenerative Agriculture
This conference is an exciting collaboration between the AAB ‘Soil and Root Biology’ and ‘Cropping and the Environment’ specialist groups to bring together two broad yet highly interconnected topics across a three-day event.
From Day 1 until a lunchtime poster session on Day 2 the conference will focus on the 1st AAB Soil and Root Biology conference. From the afternoon of Day 2 through Day 3 the conference will focus on wider topics related to Regenerative Agriculture.
We encourage delegates to attend the entire 3-day meeting but will provide options to attend on select days.
Event schedule
Day 1: Roots, soil Organisms And Rhizosphere – a ROARing success?
Nov 18th
Root systems, the rhizosphere (the soil around the roots) and soil biota are increasingly topics of conversation and research in agriculture, and especially in regenerative agriculture. Root systems are crucial for the exploration and exploitation of soil resources and contribute to avoiding soil degradation and play an active role in regenerating the soil. Regenerative practices focus on building ‘healthy and functional’ soils, which are full of biological life. Understanding how these micro- and macro-organisms interact with each other and plants via their root systems and in turn how these are affected by different agricultural practices and stresses (e.g. waterlogging or drought) is an important part of meeting the global challenges of food security, biodiversity loss and climate change.
- Soil organisms, biodiversity & plant interactions – including micro and macro-organisms, and interactions with plants. Confirmed Speaker: Sharon Zytynska (University of Liverpool, UK)
- Root & soil interactions – The rhizosphere & microbiome, including methods and the impact of different practices. Confirmed Speaker: Tim George (James Hutton Institute, UK)
- Roots in the soil and field – Including methods for measuring roots, important root traits for resource capture and resilience, root responses to different agricultural practices and stresses. Confirmed Speaker: Maria Hernandez-Soriano (John Innes Centre, UK)
Days 2 and 3: Regenerative Agriculture: Managing Soils and Resources
Nov 19th – Nov 20th
The concept of Regenerative Agriculture is successfully engaging the agricultural community, food industry and policy makers to consider how to utilise agricultural land to maximise the delivery of ecosystem services. Regenerative practices are intended to mimic natural processes in order to deliver, productive and healthy ecosystems, enhance soil health, minimise environmental impacts, enrich social value, increase carbon sequestration and improve resilience to climate, water availability (flood and drought).
November 19th:
Confirmed Speaker: Patrick Holden, Founder CEO, Sustainable Food Trust
- Soil management practices impacting soil health
- Including: Tillage practices, cover cropping, climate adaptation (e.g. flooding and drought) and mitigation practices, carbon sequestration or stewardship
- Regenerative agriculture and the importance of integrated nutrient Management
- Precision agriculture, adaptive nutrient planning, novel fertilisers, diverse rotations, integrative manure management
November 20th:
Keynote Speaker: Professor Ken Giller (Wageningen University): The Perils of Populism and Precarious Promises. Supported by the Rank Prize. Confirmed Speaker: David Miller (Brick Kilm Farm)
- Regenerative Practices
- Companion cropping, Mob grazing, Regen and horticulture crops,
- Current and emerging weeds and pests, beneficial and natural enemies for biological control, soil food webs
- The Regen mindset, behavioral change, market and policy drivers
- Farmer preferences, managing risk on farm, supply chains, policy support and drivers of change
