16 de Abril, 2025

Modern agriculture is under increasing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, and declining natural resources. To ensure food security while meeting Net Zero and environmental goals, farming systems must evolve toward sustainable, low-input practices that do not compromise productivity.

Increasing domestic legume production is a key strategy for achieving Net Zero targets in agriculture. By reducing reliance on mineral nitrogen fertilizers and imported feed, legumes such as faba beans (Vicia faba L.) and peas (Pisum sativum L.) can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while improving soil health and ecosystem services. Additionally, with growing demand for plant-based proteins, expanding homegrown legume cultivation can strengthen food and feed security in the UK.

Agriculture faces growing challenges, including soil degradation and the unsustainable use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, whose costs have surged in recent years. A shift towards ecological intensification—enhancing ecosystem services (ES) to reduce dependency on external inputs—is essential for long-term sustainability.

The Hutton’s Centre for Sustainable Cropping (CSC) is conducting Pilot Study 1, focusing on the role of legumes in regenerative arable systems. This study compares conventional and regenerative cropping practices to assess the benefits of legumes as cash crops (faba bean), cover crops (white clover), and companion crops (vetch, white clover, and berseem clover).