Work Packages
NUE-Leg will provide a unique network, scientific innovation, and the new knowledge needed by farmers and commercial partners to effectively utilise new legumes and associated technologies to deliver sustainable livestock systems and help farm businesses achieve net zero production.
Innovating livestock production for the future
Global human population forecasts of 10 billion by 2050 will raise food demand by 70% against a requirement for lower environmental impacts.
England’s livestock agriculture is tasked with increasing efficiency of production while reducing environmental impacts. Thus, GHG emissions must contract by 78% (by 2035), with a livestock industry seeking net-zero (2050) against a background of escalating energy/input costs. Ruminants only capture around 25% of nitrogen ingested from grasslands and create 45% of UK methane emissions through rumen digestion, manure and slurry.
To reduce GHG/nutrient loading, more herbage protein must convert into meat and milk. NUE-Leg will directly address this challenge by developing technological solutions to reduce environmental impacts while enhancing the economics and sustainability of grassland farming.
Work Package 1: Novel forage legumes [Aberystwyth University/IBERS]
WP1: On-farm research investigating the role of novel forage legumes to deliver productive, resilient grasslands in ruminant systems – find out more.
Work Package 2: Novel legume breeding [Germinal]
WP2: Genetic improvement and small plot evaluation of forage production and utilisation of novel legume/grass mixture – find out more.
WP 3: Identifying elite rhizobia [James Hutton Institute]
Work Package 3: Identifying ‘Elite Rhizobia’ of Clover, and Birdsfoot Trefoil – find out more.
Work Package 4: Soil nutrient formulations [Origin Digital]
WP4: Development and Evaluation of Farm/Field-specific Soil Nutrient Formulations for Improved Legume N-fixation – find out more.
Work Package 5: Legume utilisation [Aberystwyth University/IBERS]
WP5: Testing Legume Utilisation and Livestock Productivity – find out more.
Work Package 6: Economic and environmental impact analysis [Aberystwyth University/IBERS; Agrecalc]
WP6: Economic and environmental impact analysis of forage legume inclusion [Aberystwyth University/IBERS; Agrecalc] – find out more.
Get in touch
Submit the form below
NUE-Leg Project Partners
