Research

Reducing pesticide usage without risking yield

Nested within regenerative and lower input systems are the integrated pest management practices which reduce the risks of pest and disease outbreaks and yield losses. Sustainable and stewarded use of pesticides is integral to our current crop production systems, where they are used to protect yields and, by extension, food security.…

Fiona Burnett
19/06/2024

Harnessing nature for more resilient agriculture

Healthy ecosystems that support a diversity of species are more effective at recycling nutrients, at providing pollination services, and at regulating pests. In arable systems, focus is typically on actions to improve soil health; cover crops, livestock integration, reduced tillage, incorporating organic matter and reducing synthetic inputs.…

Lorna Cole
17/06/2024

New project to map landowners in Scotland

With concentration of landownership in Scotland the highest in Europe, new research aims to understand whether recent land transactions are leading to - and fuelled by - land use change, such as towards achieving net zero.…

SRUC
30/04/2024

Value of Scottish potato industry more than just ‘small potatoes’

From roast and mashed to chips and crisps, potatoes are eaten in many different forms. They can also be used in a variety of other ways including in beauty products and for household cleaning tasks.…

SRUC
25/04/2024

Partnering across continents to improve livelihoods

The work of scientists and farmers in Scotland to breed more productive dairy cows has paid off both at home and on the African continent – thanks to support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.…

SRUC
15/04/2024

Forgotten food crops work wins Cozzarelli Prize

A research team including scientists from SRUC has won a coveted National Academy of Sciences’ 2023 Cozzarelli Prize, alongside five other winners.…

SRUC
10/04/2024

Scottish ‘land rush’ shows signs of slowing down

Following a dramatic increase in the value of land in Scotland in recent years due to demand from commercial forestry and natural capital investors, new research has now recorded a slowdown in parts of the market.…

SRUC
08/04/2024

Report calls for short leash for dogs – and owners

Following a workshop with countryside rangers, dog training experts and farmers among others, new report by researchers at SRUC has called for changes to legislation and for guidance around livestock worrying to be reviewed.…

SRUC
28/03/2024

SeedPod marks construction milestone

The new SeedPod industry innovation hub for north-east Scotland’s £2.4 billion food manufacturing sector has marked a major construction milestone. …

SRUC
27/03/2024

Research highlights importance of cooling hot dogs

In a bid to prevent the suffering that commonly results from the potentially fatal disorder of heatstroke, researchers at SRUC and the Royal Veterinary College investigated the effectiveness of different cooling methods for dogs after exercise.…

SRUC
20/03/2024

SRUC researchers win £300k to help farmers achieve net zero

Researchers at SRUC have been awarded nearly £300,000 to support the UK Government’s goals in meeting net zero targets for land use and farming.…

SRUC
20/03/2024

Renewing Partnership: SRUC and Teagasc cultivate agricultural sustainability

SRUC's and Teagasc's meeting last week was not just a courtesy call; it was a testament to the enduring relationship that has been cultivated over the years, underscoring the vital role of ongoing collaboration in tackling contemporary agricultural challenges together.…

Professor Wayne Powell
13/03/2024