Robert W. Simmons
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View article: Can the physical‐hydraulic properties of degraded soil be improved using polymers?
Can the physical‐hydraulic properties of degraded soil be improved using polymers? Open
For a degraded soil it is assumed that improvements in key physical‐hydraulic properties occur at an optimum superabsorbent polymer (SAP) application rate, following repeated wetting and drying cycles. A column experiment was carried out i…
Arsenic contamination of rainfed versus irrigated rice Open
Arsenic (As) contamination of rice remains a major human health issue in Asia. Most research has been on irrigated rice. However much of the projected increase in global rice demand over coming decades must be met by rainfed lowland system…
Understanding seasonal variability in shrink-swell clay soils and the impact on parameterisation of soil-water mass transfer models Open
In soils exhibiting bi-modal porosity, such as shrink-swell clays, understanding the impact of seasonal variability on water movement is crucial for stakeholders. These clay soils alter their structure based on moisture content, bulging an…
Drainage models: An evaluation of their applicability for the design of drainage systems in arid regions Open
Only 5%–10% of irrigated lands in least developed countries (LDCs) are currently drained. Although drainage simulation models (DSMs) are used to evaluate alternative designs, it is unclear which drainage model is suitable for LDCs' arid an…
View article: A DNA-barcode biodiversity standard analysis method (DNA-BSAM) reveals a large variance in the effect of a range of biological, chemical and physical soil management interventions at different sites, but location is one of the most important aspects determining the nature of agricultural soil microbiology
A DNA-barcode biodiversity standard analysis method (DNA-BSAM) reveals a large variance in the effect of a range of biological, chemical and physical soil management interventions at different sites, but location is one of the most important aspects determining the nature of agricultural soil microbiology Open
There are significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of how to sustainably manage agricultural soils to preserve soil biodiversity. Here we evaluate and quantify the effects of agricultural management and location on soil microbiology…
View article: Towards net zero in agriculture: Future challenges and opportunities for arable, livestock and protected cropping systems in the UK
Towards net zero in agriculture: Future challenges and opportunities for arable, livestock and protected cropping systems in the UK Open
The agricultural sector faces multiple challenges linked to increased climate uncertainty, causing severe shocks including increased frequency of extreme weather events, new pest and disease risks, soil degradation, and pre and postharvest…
Best Management Practices to Alleviate Deep-Seated Compaction in Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) Interrows (UK) Open
Field operations associated with UK asparagus production (re-ridging and intensive foot and vehicular trafficking of the wheelings) can result in severe deep-seated compaction in interrows, impacting on crop health and productivity. In thi…
Application of artificial neural networks to the design of subsurface drainage systems in Libyan agricultural projects Open
Study region \nThe study data draws on the drainage design for Hammam agricultural project (HAP) and Eshkeda agricultural project (EAP), located in the south of Libya, north of the Sahara Desert. The results of this study are applicable to…
Efficacy of selected phosphorus sorbing materials (PSMs) to enhance the orthophosphate sorption capacity of filter socks Open
Agricultural phosphate (PO 4 3− ) is a major cause of water quality compliance failures. Filter socks (FS) are a sediment‐control method proven to be effective at removing sediment and sediment bound‐P. Within the water and wastewater trea…
Selecting plant traits for soil erosion control in grassed waterways under a changing climate: A growth room study Open
Grassed waterways are used to mitigate the offsite transport of sediment generated by soil erosion. This study used a novel trait‐based ranking approach as a method to screen potential candidate grass monocultures and mixes based on their …
Using frost‐sensitive cover crops for timely nitrogen mineralization and soil moisture management Open
Cover crops can be utilized to lower soil nitrate leaching. However, depending on the species grown and cover crop termination management, this may lead to nitrogen (N) immobilization and/or depletion of soil moisture available to the foll…
The efficacy of a novel polyacrylamide spray application method to mitigate soil crusting and enhance seedling emergence on crust susceptible soils Open
Over 36% of the arable area in England is at moderate to very high risk of surface sealing/crusting and erosion, including much of the better-drained and more easily worked land, especially sandy soils (Evans, 1990).The intensive productio…
Grass species selection to control for concentrated flow erosion in grassed waterways. Open
Grassed waterways reduce water runoff, prevent scouring and encourage sediment deposition from erosion prone land. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of conventional and novel grass species (as monocultures and mixtures) to c…
GRAVES' DISEASE Open
INTRODUCTIONGraves’ disease is an uncommon disease in childhood with prevalence of 0.02%. It accounts for most of the thyrotoxicosis in paediatric population. Treatment option is limited and the reported remission rate is low. METHODOLOGYT…
LIPID PROFILES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS Open
INTRODUCTIONThe incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in children has increased significantly over the last two decades. T2DM is associated with high morbidity and mortality secondary to cardiovascular disease. This association has …
A UK survey of the use and management of cover crops Open
There is a growing trend in the use of cover crops in the United Kingdom, and whilst research shows there are many soil and environmental benefits, little is known about the farmer's perspective of cover cropping. A survey was designed and…
Public concerns about water pollution between 2002 and 2017 in the pacific northwest, USA Open
Water is considered the most important natural resource in the four Pacific Northwestern states (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington).Public attitudes about water resource issues and needs were determined using a mail-based survey instrum…
Do cover crops give short term benefits for soil health Open
Cover crop use in the UK is increasing with establishment often before spring cereal crops. Therefore trials were implemented to assess two different cover crop mixtures for i) their ability to remediate soil compaction, ii) aid water mana…
The use of cover crops in the UK: a survey Open
A sustainable soil management survey targeting UK arable farmers was distributed via online platforms throughout the winter of 2016–2017. The main focus of the survey was the use and management of cover crops along with tillage practice an…
Soil water and available nitrogen during cover crop growth Open
A field trial in Ely, Cambridgeshire was set up to investigate the soil moisture and nitrogen dynamics of a frost sensitive cover crop compared to a control of an over winter stubble. Cover crops were established in late summer following w…
TopCap: A Tool to Quantify Soil Surface Topology and Subsurface Structure Open
Core Ideas A new ImageJ plugin, TopCap, automatically captures soil surface complexity from CT images. TopCap can quantify the immediate subsurface structure, highlighting soil crusting and sealing. Crust thickness varies under different s…