2021 Awarded Scoping Projects:
|
Virtual Inclusive Farming Clusters: Addressing sustainable livelihoods & digital divide through STFC in Global South
Eapen Pothan Poothicote Mysore Malabar Trading Pvt. Ltd Click + for project summary
The aim of this project is to address the issues of sustainable livelihood and digital divide through STFC in Global South by developing Virtual Inclusive Farming Clusters. The project aims to create a viable and accessible virtual platform especially for Women and Elderly smallholder farmer who find it difficult to coordinate and collaborate due to physical distance and social norms. Using the existing knowledge of successful self-help groups/ farm cooperatives and STFC’s technology and expertise, this project aims to create virtual inclusive farming clusters to exploit economies of scale and peer network in order to address the challenges faced by otherwise invisible and isolated smallholder famers. We will be developing and pilot testing a Digital Platform prototype that will provide Digital Identity and Virtual Organizational Structure for the Clusters which will enhance the access, scale, and reach of the smallholder farmers Food-side Co-Is: Dr Manish Shukla STFC-side Co-Is: Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree) |
Developing a data-driven communication platform for improving farmed fish distribution in Kenya
Mary Opiyo Kenya Marine, Fisheries Research Institute Click + for project summary
Post-harvest losses in aquaculture account for an estimated around 40% and contribute to food insecurity in Kenya. Thus, post-harvest losses have been a critical issue in farmed fish supply chains due to its negative effects on sustainability. All supply chain actors, especially the smallholder fish farmers face challenges in terms of capacity management due to the gap between supply and demand of fish in Kenya. There are several relevant problems such as poor fish quality/freshness, fish losses & wastage, and low income and capabilities of smallholder farmers. Potential improvements on capacity management through enhancing the communication between the supply chain actors (i.e. farmers, distributors, consumers) can provide a solution to tackle the challenge. Thus, we aim to propose a data-driven proof of concept platform for improving communication linkages between fish supply chain members in Kenya. The platform will enhance the minimisation of postharvest losses and wastage by better balancing supply and demand. This project aims to provide a proof of concept by covering 2 fish producers and 2 fish retailers Food-side CoIs: Dr Oznur Yurt (Roehampton), Ms. Morine Mukami Ngarari (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute) Dr. Paul Orina (Kenya Marine, Fisheries Research Institute) Prof. Wantao Yu (University of Roehampton) Dr. Baris Yuce (University of Exeter) STFC-side CoIs: Dr Jens Jensen (STFC) |
IoT enabled cold chain for Kenya and Uganda fish market
Domitila Ndinda Kyule Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute Click + for project summary
Fish is the main animal protein for 30% of Africans. Fishing provides employment and livelihood for 9.6% of the Kenyan population and represents 1.5% GDP in Uganda. Although the fishing industry is growing in East African countries (EAC), the post-harvest and distribution losses are 56% due to the lack of cooling. In response, our project will develop a smart cooling container (SCC) equipped with modular-swappable-rechargeable cooling thermal energy storage (coolth batteries) and adopting IoT sensing technology to monitor the fish supply chain in real-time. The IoT-SCC will be mountable on motorbikes, a popular food transportation tool in EAC. We will investigate connecting the IoT-SCC with the broader food supply chain through the internet, allowing real-time information to integrate smallholder fishers with the entire fish supply chain. IoT-SCC is innovative, inexpensive, minimise fish losses, improve smallholder incomes, and improves food security in the region. It can be adopted for vaccine transportation Food-side CoIs: Dr Ahmed Rezk (Aston University) Luciano Batista (Aston Business School) Wantao Yu (Roehampton University) STFC-side CoIs: Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree) Bryan Shaughnessy (STFC) |
|
Evaluating Digital Readiness of UK-India Organic Bilateral Agri-food Trade
Ramanjaneyulu GV Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Hyderabad, India Click + for project summary
In February 2021, the UK and India signed an Enhance Trade Partnership (ETP) and expressed interest in entering into a free trade agreement (FTA), which has led to a new dynamism in trade relationship between India and UK. The ETP, part of a 10- year roadmap of bilateral cooperation, aims to double the annual trade between the UK and India by 2030. The project will explore the potential impact of agri-food trade volumes, commodities traded, prevailing legacy trade practices associated, and digital preparedness on the ability of UK and India to meet the ETP objectives. The project will extract Harmonised System (HS) 6-digit level of disaggregation agri-food products data from the UN-COMTRADE database to model international trade or factor flows that are (at least) double-indexed, involving India and the UK and pool such demand equations across cross-sectional units and time to build a panel data structure of the data. This project will evaluate the dimensions of digital agrifood trade potential between the UK and India along with the digital readiness within both the countries, and create a design for appropriate digital strategies to enhance such potential. Food-Side Co-Is: Dr Sidheswar Panda (IIT Indore, India,) Mr Rakesh Nayak (LeanSig Ltd). Dr Raymond Obayi (University of Manchester) STFC-Side Co-Is: Dr Jens Jensen (STFC) Dr Marion Samler (DAFNI) |
Genome-guided detection of non-O157 STEC
Prof Nicola Holden Scotlands Rural College (SRUC Click + for project summary
Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) are a priority foodborne (FB) bacterial pathogen that cause serious clinical disease, transmitted by a range of foodstuffs. The most common STEC is serogroup O157. However, there are multiple serogroups that have been increasing in prevalence since 2000. Non-O157 STEC now accounts for ~ 30 % of all STEC in Scotland (FSS report, 2020), with similar numbers reported across the EU (Valilis, 2018). They have diverse genomes and variable virulence gene carriage compared to STEC O157, and some are non-pathogenic making associations with clinical disease outcome challenging. This also complicates regulatory control of food-business operators by food standards authorities. Therefore, there is a pressing need for accurate and informative identification. Here, we will define the requirements for computational approaches that distinguish clinical pathotypes of nonO157 STEC, and the steps required for applications to be used in detection and surveillance Food-side Co-Is: Tim Dallman (Public Health England, Roslin Institute) STFC-side Co-Is: Martyn Winn (STFC Scientific Computing Dept) |
SeasonalDRIFT: DRought Impact Forecasting under uncerTainty
Dr Vicky Boult University of Reading Click + for project summary
Droughts threaten food security across Africa and are expected to intensify under future climate change. Impact-based forecasting (IbF) aims to build the resilience of vulnerable communities to drought and prevent food insecurity. However, large uncertainties in seasonal weather predictions and associated impacts can limit the effectiveness of IbF. Better understanding how sources of uncertainty combine and propagate through IbF systems will enable decision makers to implement the most appropriate interventions to prevent food insecurity whilst minimising the risk of acting in vain. SeasonalDRIFT will make use of outputs and methodologies established under existing STFC projects to pilot a new impact-based forecast for drought in Kitui County, Kenya, specifically predicting maize yield and its associated uncertainty. Yield forecasts will support decision-making in anticipation of drought and uncertainty information will guide future efforts to minimise uncertainty in IbF. Food-side Co-Is: Dr Pedram Rowhani (University of Sussex) Dr Edward Pope (UK Met Office) STFC-side CoIs: Dr Pete Hurley, University of Sussex |
|
Circular urban vertical farming. Data, models and optimisation of waste flows
Prof Peter Ball University of York Click + for project summary
This project will model circular urban vertical farms for growing nutrient dense fruits and vegetables locally. To develop the model, we will be leveraging the data science capability of STFC-DAFNI to source and harmonise data, then create models of the waste flows in urban areas and optimise those flows to minimise carbon impact. In creating these models, we will use real data from two vertical farms and data from two companies producing valuable materials. The circularity of the vertical farm will be focused on 1. Reducing the heating demand of vertical farms by producing insulators from local brewery spent grain and 2. Feeding the vertical farm using recovered nutrients from local food waste. Overall, we will develop the science of modelling these local food systems, create a tool to model local fruit and vegetable production and provide policy makers with insight to foster local farm production. Food-side Co-Is: Denise Elliott (NIAB(, Prof. Nicola Holden, (SRUC) Dr Ifeyinwa Kanu (IntelliDigest Ltd), Dr Xiaobin Zhao (Wasware Ltd), Dr Ehsan Badakhshan (University of York) STFC-side CoIs: Dr Jens Jensen (STFC) |
Non-disruptive in situ root imaging to investigate the role of soil microbes in cowpea drought stress-adaptive responses
Dr Steve Chivasa Durham University Click + for project summary
The established importance of gut microbes in human health demonstrates the benefits a host organism derives from its resident microbial community. A similar relationship is suspected to exist between the soil microbiome and plants, given their long co-evolutionary history at the soil-root interface. Our recent results confirmed such a relationship by demonstrating that adaptive responses of cowpea plants to drought stress are controlled by soil microbes. Our hypothesis is that soil microbes control cowpea drought responses via regulating root architecture. In this project, we will use non-disruptive neutron beam imaging to visualize microbial influence on root “phenotype” during drought stress. Project outcomes have potential impact on agricultural crop value chains in a hotter and drier climate. Food-side CoIs: Dr Lynsay Blake (Durham University) Dr Kate Dobson (University of Strathclyde) STFC-side CoIs : Dr. Oxana Magdysyuk (STFC), Dr. Fernando Alvarez-Borges (STFC) |
Increasing the Nutrient-Use Efficiency and Crop Productivity of Hydroponics using SMART Sensors and 3D-Multispectral Crop Imaging
Dr Steve Grundy Nottingham Trent University Click + for project summary
Traditionally, hydroponic growers manage the nutrient concentration of their hydroponic solutions using electrical conductivity (EC), with the EC of the solution indicating the sum of all ions within the solution, which lacks accuracy of individual nutrient and real-time control . The development of ion-selective electrodes (ISE) which are able to measure macro-elemental availability solution (including N,P,K, Ca, Mg, S, Cl) in hydroponic nutrient solution in real-time, allows for precision management of individual elements throughout a crop growth cycle. Combining ISEs with SMART environmental sensory data includes (Temperature, humidity, light intensity) and highthroughput multi-spectral 3D scanning technology (Phenospex PlantEye) to phenotype crop performance, this project aims to study the effect of macro-element availability on crop growth to develop precision management strategies, allowing for the optimization of hydroponic nutrient management under fluctuating environmental conditions to reduce chemical input and increase crop yield, quality and nutritional value. Food-side Co-Is: Professor Chungui Lu, (Nottingham Trent University), Professor Wantao Yu, (University of Roehampton), Dr David Gray (University of Nottingham) STFC-side Co-Is: Dr Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre) |
|
Identify high yield protein extraction from seaweed via understanding structure-function relationship of cell wall
Dr Parag Acharya University of Greenwich Click + for project summary
The independent UK Committee on Climate Change has stressed the need for a sustainable diet shift to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As seaweed cultivation does not compete with food crops for land and natural resources, the adoption of seaweed proteins should help enabling a sustainable diet shift. However, the major barrier is poor protein extractability due to cell wall structure of seaweed which incurs high cost in use. This project will deliver initial leads for eco-innovative solutions to improve extractability and sensory quality of protein from the UK-sourced seaweed. The complimentary study plan to develop structural insights of seaweed cell wall and protein location will help building a preliminary understanding of how the cell wall structure dictates the efficacy of a particular protein extraction method. This outcome will lay the foundation for more in-depth studies via larger grants from the UKRI and/or Horizon Europe. Food-side CoIs: Dr Yixing Sui (University of Greenwich), Prof Patricia Harvey (University of Greenwich), Dr Birthe Nielsen (University of Greenwich), Dr Wayne Martindale (University of Lincoln) STFC-side CoIs: Dr Sarah Rogers (STFC) |
Understanding the role of additives in chocolate manufacture: linking molecular interactions to bulk rheology
Prof Wilson Poon University of Edinburgh Click + for project summary
A recent paradigm shift in the understanding of dense suspensions has identified interparticle friction as a key factor in modifying bulk rheological properties. This new understanding gives insight into the common industry practice of adding various molecular ‘rheology modifiers’ to different products, e.g., addition of lecithin to chocolate. Despite this development, there is limited mechanistic understanding of how these additives modify particle-particle interactions at a molecular level, and how such modification translates to the bulk rheological properties at length scales many orders of magnitude larger. In this project we will probe the link between molecular interactions and bulk rheology using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations, discrete element modelling and bulk rheological experiments. The focus will be on how lecithin molecules interact with sucrose surfaces in an oil environment and give broader insight into how functional additives can be used to modify process and mouth-feel properties of such food products. Food-side CoIs: Dr Daniel Hodgson (Edinburgh Complex Fluids Partnership - University of Edinburgh), Dr Chris Ness (University of Edinburgh) STFC-side CoIs: Richard Anderson STFC Hartree), Tseden Taddese (STFC Hartree), Patrick Warren (STFC Hartree) |
Space technology applications for portable cold food storage in India
Dr Bryan Shaughnessy STFC Click + for project summary
The FAO estimate that around a third of the food produced globally is lost or wasted (https://bit.ly/35Ofuj7). This is both staggering and shocking! Around 90% of food wastage in developing countries occurs in the supply chain, rather than by the consumer (https://bit.ly/3gQEPz3). These are countries where cooling and refrigerated infrastructure is less likely to be employed effectively. Therefore, this focus of this study is cost effective and efficient portable cold storage for foods. An efficient ‘cold chain’ supply infrastructure is part of the solution. These solutions could be used throughout the supply chain to reduce wastage. The present study will focus on fruits and vegetable supply in Southern India. Specifically we will consider how the technologies and rigorous design approaches used for thermal control of scientific space instruments can be applied to develop better cold storage. Food-side CoIs: Sarang Vaidya (go4fresh.com) STFC-side CoIs: Dr Bryan Shaughnessy (STFC) |
|
Developing a Methodology for an Integrated Multi-attribute Sustainability Index: A Case of the UK Food System
Dr Raymond Obayi University of Manchester Click + for project summary
Despite numerous voluntary standards and eco-labels for food sustainability reporting, UK consumers’ and food chain stakeholders are unable to make informed assessments of the sustainability of food production systems and dietary choices against multiple indicators. A strategic priority of Defra, AHDB, and FSA as outlined in the Agriculture Act 2020 is the development of a comprehensive sustainability index for ranking sustainable food production and consumption in the UK against multiple criteria. One of the government Sustainable Agriculture Transition Plan for 2021-2024 is to co-develop a scalable weighting methodology for selecting, ranking and visualising alternative sustainability indicators to support sustainable food choices and other food policy initiatives like the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme and a mandatory food sustainability labelling scheme for the UK. In this project, we combine multi-attribute utility theory, citizen science and advanced data analytics and visualisation capabilities of the STFC to develop a methodology and accompanying dataset, as a decision support demonstrator for the selection, ranking and comparison of food sustainability indicators by stakeholders and a scalable Sustainability Index for food systems. Food-side Co-Is: Dr Caitlin Douglas (Kings College London), Dr Stacia Stetkiewicz (Nottingham University), Ee Von Goh, Dr Ximena Schmidt (Brunel University London), Rajneesh Dwevedi STFC-side Co-Is: Dr Martine J Barons (University of Warwick), Jens Jensen (STFC) |
Monitoring tropical pollinators in conventional and organic fruit orchards in central Thailand
Dr Alyssa Stewart Mahidol University Click + for project summary
Pollinators are vital to the reproduction of most flowering plants, including important agricultural crops. Yet pollinator populations are declining worldwide, and one of the main causes is widespread use of pesticides. Although the effect of pesticides on European pollinator species has been well studied, there is scarcity of information on tropical pollinators. Currently, there is a global drive for organic farming as an alternative to the conventional use of agrochemicals and many small-scale producers in Thailand are switching to organic farming. This project aims to employ computer vision to automatically monitor the activity of pollinator species in conventional and organic fruit orchards in central Thailand, to assess the effect of the two farming approaches on native pollinator diversity and abundance. The results of this project will provide valuable insights on the effect of pesticides on tropical pollinators and can be used to guide nation-wide and international conservation efforts. Food-side CoIs: Dr Maria Anastasiadi (Cranfield University), Blue Dusk Ltd STFC-side CoIs: Dr Jens Jensen (STFC) |
Multi-sensor Agricultural Robot for Soils (MARS)
Dr Marcelo Valadares Galdos University of Leeds Click + for project summary
Climate change and soil degradation are twin threats to food security. Improving soil health can address both problems, but the spatial and temporal variability of soil physical, chemical and biological properties poses a challenge. With no single sensor capable of effectively monitoring all relevant parameters, new multi-modal sensing methods are urgently needed to make informed crop management decisions. In this project, we will investigate the use of lower cost proximal gamma ray sensing to build spatial maps of key soil properties, using machine learning with other soil covariates. We will work to understand whether gamma ray could be combined with multi-modal sensing methodologies including ultrasound and other sensors mounted on an autonomous vehicle to reduce systematics and build a more detailed picture of soil health. We will test this multisensor framework on a field in a working farm, contributing to a more climate-smart agriculture. Food-side CoIs: Megan Povey (University of Leeds), Shane Xie (University of Leeds), Syed Zaidi (University of Leeds), Jie Xu (University of Leeds) STFC-side CoIs: Patrick Stowell (University of Durham) |
|
Identification and monitoring of fish cage aquaculture with remote sensing and machine learning
Safina Musa Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute Click + for project summary
Unregulated mushrooming of fish cages in Lake Victoria as an alternative source of fish poses a threat to lake ecosystem health. Sustainable development of the sector calls for robust, evidence based, decision on site suitability. Objective of the proposed study is to Identify and monitor cage aquaculture with remote sensing and machine learning. The method will use remote sensing of Lake Victoria by collecting and processing multi band Sentinel2 and Planet high resolution imagery, both temporal and spatial. Time series modelling and change detections techniques, often used in STFC research, will be used to model remote sensing data at locations of fish cages. We will use our learnt thresholds to identify new sites for which fish cages could be deployed. Results of this study will have broader applicability to the whole of Lake Victoria and other African Great Lakes, where fish cage culture already occurs or may occur in future. Food-side Co-Is: Rob Thomas, Dr Devendra Saroj (Surrey), Ken Mubea, Rodney Forster STFC-side Co-Is: Dr Pete Hurley (Sussex) |
Modelling, optimizing, and identifying vacant urban spaces for urban food production
Dr Dan Evans Cranfield University Click + for project summary
Current projections suggesting that the global urban population will rise to five billion by 2030 presents a growing dilemma: urban land cover expansion will encroach on the soils required to meet increasing food demands. Making more efficient use of urban spaces for agriculture is therefore critical. To date, urban agriculture has been largely adopted in bespoke food growing sites (e.g., allotments and community gardens). In order to meet rising food demands without intensifying agricultural practices at these sites, we now need to consider other under-utilized, or vacant urban spaces. However, we have virtually no knowledge about the potential of different vacant urban spaces for food production. Building on existing STFC-developed crop growth models, and assembling soils, climate, and socio-economic datasets, this project will develop a decision-making platform to identify the most effective vacant urban spaces for sustainable, resilient, and nutritious food growing. Food-side Co-Is: Spencer Leung, (GO Organics Peace International) Mehroosh Tak (Royal Veterinary College, University of London), Pareena Prayukvong (Wastegetable, Bangkok) STFC-side Co-Is: Peter Hurley (University of Sussex) |
A tool to predict optimum harvest maturity of apples
PI – Deborah Rees (National Resources Institute, University of Greenwich)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Lori Fisher (NRI, University of Greenwich), Richard Colgan (NRI, University of Greenwich)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Hugh Mortimer (STFC RAL Space)
PI – Deborah Rees (National Resources Institute, University of Greenwich)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Lori Fisher (NRI, University of Greenwich), Richard Colgan (NRI, University of Greenwich)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Hugh Mortimer (STFC RAL Space)
The UK grown apple market is worth more than £220M per annum. Quality is critically dependent on timing the harvest so that the fruit is at optimum maturity, especially where fruit are stored long-term, as growers seek to extend their marketing season.
The current system for determining harvest time depends mainly on following the breakdown of starch to sugars, by sampling fruit from across an orchard and using iodine staining to indicate presence or absence of starch within areas of the fruit tissue. This method is time consuming and also gives very little advanced warning of fruit maturation.
This project seeks to develop a tool using hyperspectral imaging that will detect the breakdown of starch into sugars at an earlier stage, thereby providing growers with the potential to manage their crop harvest more efficiently and have fruit of better quality for long-term storage.
The current system for determining harvest time depends mainly on following the breakdown of starch to sugars, by sampling fruit from across an orchard and using iodine staining to indicate presence or absence of starch within areas of the fruit tissue. This method is time consuming and also gives very little advanced warning of fruit maturation.
This project seeks to develop a tool using hyperspectral imaging that will detect the breakdown of starch into sugars at an earlier stage, thereby providing growers with the potential to manage their crop harvest more efficiently and have fruit of better quality for long-term storage.
Combination of FT-IR, Fluorescence and Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) for the determination of botanical origin and provenance of monofloral UK honeys
PI - Maria Anastasiadi (Cranfield University)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Fady Mohareb (Cranfield University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Pavel Matousek (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
PI - Maria Anastasiadi (Cranfield University)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Fady Mohareb (Cranfield University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Pavel Matousek (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
UK honey production covers ~14% of the local demand with many bee farmers striving to produce monofloral honeys with unique flavour characteristics which are highly prized by the consumers and allow higher profit margin. However, the quality traits of UK monofloral honeys are not yet well established and often fail to meet the criteria of the 2001 EU directive. Moreover reliable authentication (botanical and geographical origin) requires costly and time consuming analytical techniques not readily available to the producers. This project will explore the combination of rapid non-invasive techniques including Fluorescence, Infrared and Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) coupled with Machine Learning algorithms for the authentication and quality control of UK monofloral honeys. All the above techniques are potentially deployable in field. STFC unique expertise in SORS can provide the added benefit of through-container analysis of honey, with applications in both adulteration detection and quality monitoring throughout storage.
DryGro Hi-Resolution Spectrometric Crop Monitoring
PI – Sean Peters (DryGro CO2i LTD)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Brendan Cawley (DryGro)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Kadmiel Maseyk (The Open University), Stephen Serjeant (The Open University)
PI – Sean Peters (DryGro CO2i LTD)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Brendan Cawley (DryGro)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Kadmiel Maseyk (The Open University), Stephen Serjeant (The Open University)
This project is a collaboration between DryGro (CO2i Ltd.) and Open University to investigate the use of spectrometry to measure quality and other vegetative indexes of the high-protein macrophyte crop Lemna.
DryGro has developed technology to grow a low-cost animal feed using 99% less water than conventional feed. Our ability to do this in arid and semi-arid regions alleviates their need to import this key resource. High-quality crop metrics are a significant enabler for this process given that, unlike conventional grows, we grow in harsh conditions and harvest daily.
We will use spectrometry to identify quality properties in two varieties of Lemna, grown at three temperatures and two fertilizer concentrations. Wet-laboratory analysis will be used to quantify nutrient content. The results of this project will then be translated into a field trial, followed by commercial operations if results are compelling.
DryGro has developed technology to grow a low-cost animal feed using 99% less water than conventional feed. Our ability to do this in arid and semi-arid regions alleviates their need to import this key resource. High-quality crop metrics are a significant enabler for this process given that, unlike conventional grows, we grow in harsh conditions and harvest daily.
We will use spectrometry to identify quality properties in two varieties of Lemna, grown at three temperatures and two fertilizer concentrations. Wet-laboratory analysis will be used to quantify nutrient content. The results of this project will then be translated into a field trial, followed by commercial operations if results are compelling.
Earlier detection of campylobacter on chicken farms
PI – Geraint Morgan (The Open University)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Gemma Bray (Applied Group), Ashley Ball (Applied Group), David Speller (Applied Group)
Lynn McIntyre (Harper Adams University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Simona Nicoara (The Open University), Sonia Garcia-Alcega (The Open University)
PI – Geraint Morgan (The Open University)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Gemma Bray (Applied Group), Ashley Ball (Applied Group), David Speller (Applied Group)
Lynn McIntyre (Harper Adams University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Simona Nicoara (The Open University), Sonia Garcia-Alcega (The Open University)
Campylobacter is the major cause of food borne illnesses in the UK, causing sickness in over 300,000 people each year. Around 15,000 people are admitted to hospital and ~80 people die every year. Poultry is the major source in the food chain, responsible for ~70% of cases. The 2010-15 UK Research and Innovation Strategy for Campylobacter - in the Food Chain, identified the need for the development of a rapid, on-farm test.
So far, no such solution exists; however, approaches such as measuring metabolites or excretion profiles with e-noses have shown potential. The Applied Group and Harper Adams University have separately investigated this route, with mixed results.
It is our hypothesis that by applying lessons learnt from these studies and from the development of Ptolemy (a miniature GC-MS that successfully sniffed the chemical composition of a comet as part of ESA’s Rosetta Mission), a rapid, on-farm test could now become a reality.
So far, no such solution exists; however, approaches such as measuring metabolites or excretion profiles with e-noses have shown potential. The Applied Group and Harper Adams University have separately investigated this route, with mixed results.
It is our hypothesis that by applying lessons learnt from these studies and from the development of Ptolemy (a miniature GC-MS that successfully sniffed the chemical composition of a comet as part of ESA’s Rosetta Mission), a rapid, on-farm test could now become a reality.
Exploring application of STFC sensing technology to automate food quality management and enhance food manufacturing efficiency within the food industry - A case study of Mondelēz International
PI – Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Rossana Caccamo (Mondelez Int), Diogo Monteiro (University of Newcastle), Wantao Yu (University of Roehampton), Tao Chen (University of Surrey), Raymond Obayi (University of Manchester), Seyed M Ebrahimim (University of Sheffield)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Jens Jensen (STFC Scientific Computing Department), Dr Daniel Gerber (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre)
PI – Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Rossana Caccamo (Mondelez Int), Diogo Monteiro (University of Newcastle), Wantao Yu (University of Roehampton), Tao Chen (University of Surrey), Raymond Obayi (University of Manchester), Seyed M Ebrahimim (University of Sheffield)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Jens Jensen (STFC Scientific Computing Department), Dr Daniel Gerber (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre)
Our project aims at combining the technological capabilities and potential know-how of STFC’s sensor technology and data sciences with Mondelēz’s state-of-the-art food manufacturing process to prevent food quality defects through automation. The food industry is looking for new digital and inferential tools to improve product’s quality and maximise production line’s efficiency. Current offline analytical methods could be time-demanding and complex, error-prone, which limits the industry’s potential to achieve maximum operational excellence. Using STFC’s proven expertise in sensing technology, big data analytics, AI and image processing, this project would explore how tailor-made sensors could be installed within Mondelez’s production line to collect real-time data and use big data analytics and image processing to enable real-time process decisions - preventing quality defects and resultant food waste. It also aims to build a technology prototype that can be scalable to other industry sectors for bigger impact on issues such as food quality, waste and sustainability.
Exploring applications of STFC sensor technologies and data analytics for enhancing sustainable production and food safety in the Indonesian shrimp aquaculture industry
PI – Miying Yang (University of Exeter)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Martino Luis (University of Exeter), Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre)
PI – Miying Yang (University of Exeter)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Martino Luis (University of Exeter), Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre)
According to the FAO 2018, Indonesia is the second largest shrimp producer in the world. However, Indonesian Directorate General of Aquaculture reports that around 40% of shrimps in Indonesia die or are wasted during the cultivation, production and logistics due to the changing water quality, diseases and cannibalism among shrimps. This might cause various food safety issues due to the bacteria in shrimps and the use of banned antibiotics. This project will explore the applications of different STFC sensor technologies and data analytics to address such challenges in productivity and food safety in Indonesian shrimp aquaculture industry. In particular, the project will develop a feasibility study on applying non-invasive STFC sensor technologies and RAL space geospatial data analytics to monitor, predict the real-time environment change of shrimp cultivation and production in Indonesian shrimp farming firms. Such applications can prevent the potential shrimp disease and death, improve food safety, maximise the shrimp quality and productivity, and reduce waste.
Integrating STFC data science, IoT and AI capabilities for standardising and automating food waste (food surplus) data collection in Thailand
PI – Sonal Choudhary (University of Sheffield)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Christian Reynolds (University of Sheffield), Lenny Koh (Sheffield University Management School), Bob Doherty (The York Management School), Anurag Tewari (Cranfield University), Chris Oestereich Thammasat University), Suntichai Kotcharin (Department of International Business, Logistics and Transport), Pichawadee Kittipanya-ngam (Department of Operations Management)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Jens Jensen (STFC Scientific Computing Department), Robin Pinning (STFC Hartree Centre), Tom Kirkham (STFC, Hartree Centre)
PI – Sonal Choudhary (University of Sheffield)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Christian Reynolds (University of Sheffield), Lenny Koh (Sheffield University Management School), Bob Doherty (The York Management School), Anurag Tewari (Cranfield University), Chris Oestereich Thammasat University), Suntichai Kotcharin (Department of International Business, Logistics and Transport), Pichawadee Kittipanya-ngam (Department of Operations Management)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Jens Jensen (STFC Scientific Computing Department), Robin Pinning (STFC Hartree Centre), Tom Kirkham (STFC, Hartree Centre)
Our project aims to explore capabilities and potential of STFC data science, IoT devices and AI for recording and monitoring food surplus data in the supply chain so that it can be efficiently and effectively redistributed. Thailand generates 27.06MT of waste per year and 64% of this is food waste. Most of such waste occurs because of insufficient real-time information about availability of surplus food and lack of connectivity between source of surplus food and places of potential utilisation. There is a huge opportunity to minimise food waste by redirecting the food surplus to needy people in Thailand and contribute to achieving SDGs for Thailand towards zero hunger (SDG 2), good health & Well-being (SDG 3) and reduce climate change impacts (SDG 13). Using STFC’s proven expertise in data analytics, AI and IoT sensor technologies, this project would study the infrastructure requirement for real-time food surplus/ waste data collection, develop standards for food waste data collection in Thailand and identify implementation challenges, market and knowledge gap, in Thailand from multi-stakeholders perspective.
Microstructural design of snack food products for predictive control of nutritional textural and flavour properties
PI –Elena Simone (University of Leeds)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Mark Auty (Mondelez Intl), ben Gardner (Exeter University), Steve Euston (Heriot-Watt University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Jens Jensen (STFC Scientific Computing Department), Claire Pizzey (Diamond Light Source), Sarah Rogers (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source)
PI –Elena Simone (University of Leeds)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Mark Auty (Mondelez Intl), ben Gardner (Exeter University), Steve Euston (Heriot-Watt University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Jens Jensen (STFC Scientific Computing Department), Claire Pizzey (Diamond Light Source), Sarah Rogers (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source)
The project aims at evaluating and applying synchrotron radiation techniques to understand the link between molecular, nano and microstructure of snack food products and their macroscopic properties such as flavour and texture. Food products are complex materials, whose properties depend on the interactions among ingredients at the nano and micro scales. For example, biscuits are made of flour, butter and sugar but the typical crunchiness and characteristic taste of this snack food is the results of a series of chemical and physical transformations among sucrose, starch, triglycerides and water during the manufacturing process and subsequent storage. Investigating these interactions within actual food products requires the use of non-destructive techniques that enable 3D imaging of multicomponent systems and the chemical identification of each component. Synchrotron neutron and x-ray tomography and diffraction are among the few technologies that have these features, but they have never been used on complex food matrixes
My Digital Twin
PI – Charlotte Mills (University of Reading)
Food Side Co-Investigators -Julie Crenn (University of Greenwich), Jason Halford (University of Liverpool), Jo Harrold (University of Liverpool), Kerry Whiteside (Samworth Brothers), Diogo Monteiro (Newcastle University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – David Bogg (STFC Hartree Centre), Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre)
PI – Charlotte Mills (University of Reading)
Food Side Co-Investigators -Julie Crenn (University of Greenwich), Jason Halford (University of Liverpool), Jo Harrold (University of Liverpool), Kerry Whiteside (Samworth Brothers), Diogo Monteiro (Newcastle University)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – David Bogg (STFC Hartree Centre), Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre)
The chronic nature of non-communicable diseases makes it easy for consumers to overlook their progression. Some of these diseases are preventable by making changes to diet and lifestyle which both reduces disease risk, as well as individual and societal financial burdens (e.g. NHS costs). Behaviour change is challenging; there are internal and external obstacles to any intervention. A potential stronger motivator of behaviour change is the realisation of consequences of current choices on future health. If individuals could see now, the long-term consequences of their choices, they might be keener to make behaviour changes. This project will test whether a digital platform that projects current choice patterns onto likely future health status is feasible and capable of motivating behaviour change. Using big data analytics and complex systems modelling, information about diet and/or lifestyle will predict future heath, presented as a ‘Digital Twin’. Using state-of-the-art imaging, this could be a visual representation of the individual users.
Remote sensing led monitoring and forecasting of global banana production
PI – Daniel Bebber (University of Exeter)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Varun Varma (University of Exeter)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Seb Oliver (University of Sussex), Raphael Shirley (University of Sussex)
PI – Daniel Bebber (University of Exeter)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Varun Varma (University of Exeter)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Seb Oliver (University of Sussex), Raphael Shirley (University of Sussex)
Bananas are a globally important agricultural commodity. However, despite facing similar overarching challenges from climate change, pests and diseases, bananas have not received much research emphasis compared to other crops, such as rice, wheat, etc. Poor quality data on extent of cultivation, its dynamics over time, and productivity of plantations at fine enough spatio-temporal scales, poses a major limitation for such research. The application of remote sensing tools has the potential to fill these data gaps. This project will use satellite data combined with plantation scale production data to map past changes in global banana cultivation area and track plantation productivity at fine temporal scales. Outputs will enable a better understanding of climate and disease impacts on plantation productivity, and the prototyping of a near-term (6-9 months) forecasting model for production volume.
Resilience of Livelihoods in a Climate Change Context: Scoping study to identify datasets, models and knowledge frameworks
PI - Lisa Emberson (Stockholm Environment Institute at York, University of York)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Eleanor Jew (University of York), Naresh Magan (University of Cranfield), Wayne Martindale (The National Centre for Food Manufacturing), Christian Thierfelder (The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center - CIMMYT)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Althea Wilkinson (Jodrell Bank), Dawn Geatches (STFC Daresbury), Peter Allan (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
PI - Lisa Emberson (Stockholm Environment Institute at York, University of York)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Eleanor Jew (University of York), Naresh Magan (University of Cranfield), Wayne Martindale (The National Centre for Food Manufacturing), Christian Thierfelder (The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center - CIMMYT)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Althea Wilkinson (Jodrell Bank), Dawn Geatches (STFC Daresbury), Peter Allan (STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory)
Climate smart agriculture aims to reduce emissions, enhance yields and improve livelihoods. To date, considerable effort has gone into understanding how physical datasets and modelling methods developed by STFC can support estimates of emissions from agricultural systems and associated yields of arable crops. Far less attention has been given to exploring how this physical environment might influence socio-economic conditions and how environmental change ‘plays out’ in the overall context of farmers’ livelihoods. This project will explore this knowledge gap, focusing on data-poor environments in Southern Africa, identifying a wide range of physical and socio-economic datasets and associated modelling methods that will combine to influence farmers’ livelihoods. Specifically, we will look for past trends in correlations between key indicators that describe physical and socio-economic systems to develop a framework to provide a better understanding of how future perturbations of physical systems will influence livelihoods and hence the sustainability of food systems.
Satellite-based UK Soil Organic Carbon Observatory
PI – Marcelo Valadares Galdos (University of Leeds)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Lizzie Sagoo (ADAS), Daniel Morton (CEH)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Martin Hardcastle (University of Hertfordshire)
PI – Marcelo Valadares Galdos (University of Leeds)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Lizzie Sagoo (ADAS), Daniel Morton (CEH)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Martin Hardcastle (University of Hertfordshire)
Fertile soil is being lost at the rate faster than it can recovered, primarily from inadequate agricultural management practices and by climate change. Monitoring soil organic carbon (SOC), a key indicator of soil health, is challenging due to difficulties in sampling soils with enough frequency and spatial coverage. Remote sensing data has been used to identify the location of specific crops and estimating yields from those crops. This information can be used in computer models to estimate the impact of land use and agricultural management on SOC. This project will synthetize methods for combining remote sensing and modelling to assess SOC changes in agricultural systems at regional scales. It will involve collecting and organizing spatial data on climate, soil properties, crop yields and agricultural management practices, and proposing methodologies that can be used to inform national greenhouse gas inventories, agri-environmental policy and sustainability assessments in the food supply chain
The Food Policy Impact Simulator
PI - Jason Halford (University of Liverpool) & Bob Doherty (University of York)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Steve Brewer (University of Lincoln), Panos Louvieris (Brunel University), James Pattison (University of Nottingham), Diogo Monteiro (Newcastle University), Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull), Wantao You (University of Roehampton)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre), Robin Pinning (STFC Hartree Centre)
PI - Jason Halford (University of Liverpool) & Bob Doherty (University of York)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Steve Brewer (University of Lincoln), Panos Louvieris (Brunel University), James Pattison (University of Nottingham), Diogo Monteiro (Newcastle University), Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull), Wantao You (University of Roehampton)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre), Robin Pinning (STFC Hartree Centre)
The project will investigate the potential to create a food policy impact simulator. Focusing on specific elements of the food supply chain linked to N8 and Nottingham academics the project will create a feasibility study. This study will be supported by two workshops to define the simulator from both a business technical perspective.
We will guide the project with input from an advisory board led by DEFRA. This board will set the policy context for the simulator, enabling the project to set policy goals linked to the business and technical work.
We will guide the project with input from an advisory board led by DEFRA. This board will set the policy context for the simulator, enabling the project to set policy goals linked to the business and technical work.
SIM Farm 2030
PI – Jake Bishop (University of Reading)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Edward Pope (Met Office), Lisa Emberson (University of York)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Seb Oliver (University of Sussex), Raphael Shirley (University of Sussex)
PI – Jake Bishop (University of Reading)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Edward Pope (Met Office), Lisa Emberson (University of York)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Seb Oliver (University of Sussex), Raphael Shirley (University of Sussex)
The effective assessment of new crop cultivars is an essential part of ensuring food security in a changing climate. The current assessment for UK wheat relies on a simple yield comparison of cultivars at a small number of sites. This approach is unlikely to adequately quantify variations in crop performance, particularly the dependence on weather and soil conditions at the test sites and the anticipated performance across the UK environment, nor does it address the anticipated performance under climate change scenarios. Building on the heritage of the SFN+ funded project FACYNation, we propose to develop a simulation tool that will learn a yield model for existing and new UK wheat cultivars and map that model across the UK to predict performance (and spatio-temporal variability) for current and future environments using UKCP18 climate projections. This tool will also allow us to investigate hypothetical cultivars to guide crop breeders in their design.
Tackling Challenges to Water Reuse in Agri-Food Sector [Water-Food]
PI – Devendra Saroj (University of Surrey)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Donna Pittaway (STFC Daresbury Laboratory), Tina Geraki (Diamond Light Source)
PI – Devendra Saroj (University of Surrey)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Donna Pittaway (STFC Daresbury Laboratory), Tina Geraki (Diamond Light Source)
The availability of freshwater is essential for sustaining the agri-food sector and its climate resilience. Recent studies have shown that the freshwater requirement of the agri-food sector to feed the growing population can be supported by the reuse of wastewater. The composition of wastewater is complex, particularly when it contains the constituents of industrial origin. There are existing evidences of the potential of water reuse in agri-food sector. However, I order to make a step change in water reuse in agrifood sector, a deeper understanding and an assessment of both advanced wastewater treatment and accumulation of contaminants in seeds and plants is essential. As a first approach, we seek to identify complex contaminants which can be degraded using electron beam, in combination with conventional wastewater treatment methods. Furthermore, we seek to identify any accumulation or formation of contaminants in sprouting seeds using high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy.
Technology and climate change: a review of STFC Food Network+ projects and future potential
PI – Elta Smith (RAND Europe)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Sonal Choudhary (University of Sheffield), Lisa Emberson (University of York), Marcin Glowacz (University of Greenwich), Courtney Hood (RAND Europe), Manoj Menon (University of Sheffield), Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull), Simon Pearson (University of Lincoln), Ed Pope (Met Office), Christian Reynolds (University of Sheffield), Lizzie Sagoo (ADAS)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Sarah Bridle (University of Manchester), Martin Hardcastle (University of Hertfordshire), Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre), Seb Oliver (University of Sussex), Stephen Serjeant (The Open University), Angela Walsh (STFC Hartree Centre)
PI – Elta Smith (RAND Europe)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Sonal Choudhary (University of Sheffield), Lisa Emberson (University of York), Marcin Glowacz (University of Greenwich), Courtney Hood (RAND Europe), Manoj Menon (University of Sheffield), Rakesh Nayak (University of Hull), Simon Pearson (University of Lincoln), Ed Pope (Met Office), Christian Reynolds (University of Sheffield), Lizzie Sagoo (ADAS)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Sarah Bridle (University of Manchester), Martin Hardcastle (University of Hertfordshire), Tom Kirkham (STFC Hartree Centre), Seb Oliver (University of Sussex), Stephen Serjeant (The Open University), Angela Walsh (STFC Hartree Centre)
How can new technologies address the challenges of reducing agri-food greenhouse gas emissions? This project serves as a pilot for identifying innovations with this potential future impact. The pilot focuses on projects funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Food Network+ (SFN) over two years, bringing together innovations from astro, nuclear and particle physics to identify opportunities at the intersection of emerging technology (data science, hardware and facilities), climate change mitigation, and food systems
The Role of Biochar in Climate-Smart Agriculture
PI – Manoj Menon (University of Sheffield)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Sylvia Toet (University of York), Masoud Babaei (University of Manchester), Joseph Hufton (University of Sheffield), James MacPhail (Carbon Gold, UK)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Genoveva Burca (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source) Shashidhara Marathe (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source), Oxana Magdysyuk (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source),Claire Pizzey (Diamond Light Source)
PI – Manoj Menon (University of Sheffield)
Food Side Co-Investigators - Sylvia Toet (University of York), Masoud Babaei (University of Manchester), Joseph Hufton (University of Sheffield), James MacPhail (Carbon Gold, UK)
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Genoveva Burca (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source) Shashidhara Marathe (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source), Oxana Magdysyuk (STFC ISIS Neutron & Muon Source),Claire Pizzey (Diamond Light Source)
Soils are essential for food production, and they also provide several valuable ecological functions including regulation of global climate through the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Both soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are essential for improving soil quality, health and crop yields and they also contribute significantly to the global GHG (CO2, nitrous oxide (N2O) & methane (CH4)) emissions. Therefore, building climate-smart agricultural soils is crucial for addressing global food security and climate change. One of such strategies is the addition of biochar in soils which is known to increase C, N and other nutrients stocks leading to better crop yields. To maximise the benefits of biochar, we will need an integrated and mechanistic understanding of the impacts of biochar on soil C and N transformations including their losses as GHGs which will be addressed in this project through a newly developed collaboration between universities, STFC facilities and an industry partner (Carbon Gold UK).
Virtual Food Labels and Retail: Promoting healthy and sustainable food choices
PI – Jason Halford (University of Liverpool)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Jo Harrold (University of Liverpool), Paul Christiansen (University of Liverpool), Christian Reynolds (University of Sheffield), Panayiota Julie Alevizou (University of Sheffield), Julie Crenn (University of Greenwich), Charlotte Mills (University of Reading), Bob Doherty (University of York)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Angela Walsh (STFC Hartree Centre), David Bogg (STFC Hartree Centre)
PI – Jason Halford (University of Liverpool)
Food Side Co-Investigators – Jo Harrold (University of Liverpool), Paul Christiansen (University of Liverpool), Christian Reynolds (University of Sheffield), Panayiota Julie Alevizou (University of Sheffield), Julie Crenn (University of Greenwich), Charlotte Mills (University of Reading), Bob Doherty (University of York)
STFC Side Co-Investigators – Angela Walsh (STFC Hartree Centre), David Bogg (STFC Hartree Centre)
Consumers are interested in food labelling and the Food industry must meet commitments on sustainability and health. Environmental labelling is on the increase with more space on product packaging being devoted to it. But consumers don’t/can’t pay attention to it all and it may be failing to influence choice. The project examines what do consumers look at when constrained on space, price and time? Current lab based visualisation systems are abstract and findings don’t reliably translate to real world (commercial risk); however, we will use STFC advanced visualisation systems to look at the optimum product labelling in a retail environment.
Climatic influences on strawberry disease epidemics
PI - Helen Cockerton - NIAB EMR
Food Side Co-Investigators - Christopher Nankervis - Weather Logistics
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Peter Allan - STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
PI - Helen Cockerton - NIAB EMR
Food Side Co-Investigators - Christopher Nankervis - Weather Logistics
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Peter Allan - STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) is rated the most important aerial disease for UK strawberry growers, with an untreated epidemic leading to severe yield loss and unmarketable fruit. Climate change is predicted to influence the frequency and prevalence of disease incidence. We propose to survey and analyse pesticide application alongside yield data collected from strawberry growers based across the UK. Data collection will allow us to investigate the link between pesticide application and climatic change over the last decade. This will be achieved through analysing the association between the application of contact fungicides, meteorological data and North Atlantic circulation patterns. The project will combine advanced statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms and existing data to predict the impact of climate change on powdery mildew disease incidence and total marketable strawberry yield. Ultimately, climate change can be used to contextualize and improve existing finer scale weather based disease prediction models.
Enhancing the Potential of the Rhizosphere for Sustainable Food Production: understanding microhabitats around roots with neutron imaging19
PI - Xavier Portell-Canal - Cranfield University
Food Side Co-Investigators - Kai H. Luo - University College London, Carol Verheecke-Vaessen - Cranfield University, Wilfred Otten - Cranfield University
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Genoveva Burca - STFC ISIS Neutron
PI - Xavier Portell-Canal - Cranfield University
Food Side Co-Investigators - Kai H. Luo - University College London, Carol Verheecke-Vaessen - Cranfield University, Wilfred Otten - Cranfield University
STFC Side Co-Investigators - Genoveva Burca - STFC ISIS Neutron
The root microbiome holds the key to sustainable food production. Exploitation is however hampered by the absence of a predictive understanding of which traits organisms need for successful introduction into the rhizosphere. For this, we need to better understand the physical environment in the rhizosphere. We will explore neutron scanning to visualise the physical environment surrounding roots. We will develop an experimental system that will allow us to quantify the distribution of water, air and solids surrounding roots and explore suitability of the IMAT beamline and establish the spatial resolution that can be obtained. We will use the data as proof of concept to develop a predictive approach to the rhizosphere. The vision is that the combination of neutron imaging with a pore scale modelling approach can be used to describe the physical microhabitat to inform microbiological rhizosphere models, guiding industry towards optimal ways to introduce microorganisms to the rhizosphere
