1. Faculty of Environment
  2. School of Geography
  3. Research and innovation
  4. River Basin Processes and Management
  5. Research projects
  6. Using Critical Zone Science to Enhance Soil Fertility and Sustain Ecosystem Services for Peri-Urban Agriculture in China

Research project

Using Critical Zone Science to Enhance Soil Fertility and Sustain Ecosystem Services for Peri-Urban Agriculture in China

  • Start date: 4 January 2016
  • End date: 3 January 2019
  • Funder: NERC
  • Value: £245,993
  • Co-investigators: Professor Paul Kay

This research project focuses on sustainable intensification of agriculture in highly productive peri-urban farming areas in China. This agricultural base is essential to meet China’s increasing food production demands but is under pressure from urban pollution inputs, soil and water pollution from farming practices – particularly extensive use of mineral fertilisers and pesticides, and urbanisation. We will quantify the benefits and risks of a substantial step-increase in organic fertilizer application as a means to reduce the use of mineral fertiliser.