Branston, the UK’s largest potato supplier, is leading a pioneering project funded by Innovate UK that aims to reduce carbon emissions in potato production. Working in collaboration with partners such as agritech firm B-hive Innovations, the University of Lincoln, crop storage technologists Crop Systems, and multiple growers, Branston’s Net Zero project is focused on achieving the lowest possible greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining a commercially viable crop.
Now in its second of three years, the Net Zero project is currently conducting field trials with David Armstrong Farms in Lincolnshire and Arbikie Farming in Scotland with the aim of optimizing crop nutrition. Nitrogen fertiliser is vital for potato growth but also contributes significantly to the potato carbon footprint. To address this, Branston is exploring various trials, including the use of novel sources of fertiliser and the potential for reducing fertiliser inputs and recycling nutrition in the field.
Andrew Blair, field technical manager at Branston, explains that nitrogen application is being varied in different plots to assess the impact on crop yield. Notably, Blair mentions the evaluation of R-leaf, a new technology developed by Crop Intellect. R-leaf works as a photosynthetic catalyst sprayed onto the leaf, converting atmospheric NOx gases into nitrate that can be used by the plant. This technology could potentially reduce the need for excessive fertiliser application at planting, allowing for supplementation throughout the growing season.
Real-time nutrient analysis is also being explored through a new system developed by Piketa. This system could save on lab analysis costs and enable growers to immediately respond to the crop’s needs. Moreover, Branston is collaborating with the University of Lincoln to study soil health and gaseous emissions at a field scale throughout the growing season. Of particular interest is the measurement of nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas released as synthetic nitrogen-based fertiliser breaks down in the soil.
The project also examines the role of different potato varieties in reducing the carbon footprint of production. New varieties from plant breeders are being assessed to determine their ability to perform well with low nitrogen levels, reduced irrigation, and on lower-quality land.
While the focus is on reducing inputs, Branston acknowledges the importance of maintaining yield and quality. Any reduction in marketable yield could potentially offset gains made in reducing carbon emissions. Therefore, striking the right balance is crucial for achieving truly sustainable potato production.
Andrew Blair emphasizes the need for a collective effort from the potato industry to achieve ambitious net-zero targets. He emphasizes that a business-as-usual approach is no longer sufficient, and it requires consistent and concerted actions to find data-backed, sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, Branston’s Net Zero project is driving innovation in the potato industry, aiming to reduce carbon emissions throughout the entire production process. Through collaborations, field trials, and the evaluation of novel technologies, the project seeks to find sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the industry’s bottom line.
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