Search
Led by Dr Francis Rayns, this cluster pioneers agroecological, organic and biological farming practices, encompassing research on soil fertility, agroforestry and certified organic technologies for horticulture and agriculture. We have been pioneering this work for decades from Ryton Organic Gardens and continue to edit the longest standing international academic journal in this area - Biological Agriculture and Horticulture (Taylor and Francis). Combining natural and social sciences we emphasise the importance of engaged science and democratization of knowledge – co-creating knowledge with farmers, agroforesters, pastoralists, indigenous peoples, peri-urban growers and other citizens. Our key topics include:
Francis Rayns has degrees in biological sciences from Bangor University and De Montfort University. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience at Coventry University and was previously Horticulture Research Manager at Garden Organic (the Henry Doubleday Research Association). His research focuses on sustainable management of soil fertility (particularly the use of green manure crops and the utilisation of waste materials in the form of soil amendments such as compost, anaerobic digestate and biochar). He also has interests in the development of peat-free growing media, intercropping, agroforestry, the use of heritage vegetable varieties, alternatives to the use of plastics in agriculture and citizen science as a method for improving agricultural practice.
The members of this cluster regularly publish articles, monographs, book chapters, and other media on this multidisciplinary subject. For the most recent publications, please see outputs on the Coventry University Pure page.
PublicationsThe members of the cluster lead and collaborate on a number of research projects and additional projects are available on the Coventry University Research Portal.
Projects
The production of field vegetables and salad crops is highly dependent on transplanted seedlings that are grown in media often containing peat. The mining of peat has adverse environmental consequences including the release of CO2, biodiversity loss and increased risk of flooding and is consequently being phased out by the UK government.
The AGROMIX project aims to deliver participatory research to drive the transition to a resilient and efficient land use in Europe. It focuses on practical agroecological solutions for farm and land management and related value chains.
The overall aim of the ‘Organic-PLUS project’ (O+) is to provide high-quality, trans-disciplinary, scientifically informed decision support to help all actors in the organic sector, including national and regional policy makers, to reach the next level of the organic success story in Europe.
This study seeks to quantify the effectiveness of these practices by measuring changes in vegetation, soil quality and wildlife and livestock use, associated with livestock corral sites. Linked to this, we will also examine the capacity of existing local community institutions and governance structures to sustainably implement these approaches over the longer term, with minimal external support.
Growing Connections investigates the potential of alternative, more agroecological approaches to tree production in which many small community nurseries produce a diverse range of locally sourced, locally adapted trees. Community tree nurseries may form a small proportion of the tree production sector but they provide many social and environmental benefits in their local area and their contribution to the diversity of tree stock produced is invaluable.
Priory Street
Coventry CV1 5FB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)24 7765 7688
