Research
Practical findings from AHDB trials, plus summaries of academic research and scientific trials, compiled by Dr Ken Cockshull.

‘Urban crops can have higher yields than conventional farming’
Some city crops – like cucumbers, potatoes and lettuces – yield at least twice as much as their rural counterparts, a new study finds.

M&S and AgriSound join forces to boost pollinator activity on British farms
The high street retailer and York-based AgriSound have teamed up on an in-field sensor trial to help farmers with pollinator management to maintain quality of produce and improve crop yields.

10 ways Britons coped with the cost-of-living crisis this summer, according to Barclaycard
From re-using back-to-school items to starting side projects, new data from Barclaycard reveals the changing spending habits of Brits to make their money go further during the cost-of-living crisis.

Dementia risk slashed by gardening, says study
Gardening can reduce the risk of dementia as the exercise involved may keep the brain healthy, says a new study conducted by the UK Biobank.

DEFRA publishes review of automation in horticulture
The ‘Automation in horticulture review’ argues for the need to reduce the seasonal labour needs of horticulture through increased adoption and accelerated innovation of automation, agritech and robotic technologies.

‘Perfect storm’ of crises is hitting food and farming, says food expert
It is time to invest in natural capital and agrifood tech as a solution to food insecurity in times of conflict and inflation, says the founder of the Cibus funds.

Designing roots could help carbon storage in soil
Scientists have discovered how to potentially design root systems to grow deeper by altering their angle growth to be steeper and reach the nutrients they require for growth.
Science into Practice - European apple canker control
Improving the control and management of European apple canker caused by Neonectria ditissima continues to be one of the principal research aims for the AHDB tree fruit sector.

Research Matters
Click here to see an archive of 199 Research Matters articles by Dr Ken Cockshull.
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