127 results on '"Hess, Tim"'
Search Results
102. Characterising urban catchments for explaining storm runoff and application in UK flood estimation
- Author
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Miller, James, Brewer, Tim R., and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
551.48 ,Landscape metrics ,catchment descriptors ,flood estimation handbook ,impervious ,urban extent ,hydrological model - Abstract
The impacts of urbanisation on catchment hydrology have been the focus of investigation over the last few decades, but quantifying and predicting the impacts remains an ongoing area of active research. One such area has been improving characterisation of urban land cover to predict urbanisation impacts whereby lumped catchment characterisation of urban land cover limits the ability of attribution and modelling methods to consider the spatial role of land cover in runoff response. This thesis evaluates the potential for spatially explicit characterisations of urban land cover based on landscape metrics, commonly employed in landscape ecology, to explain storm runoff in urban catchments and their application in UK flood estimation methods. Rainfall and channel flow monitoring across two towns containing 18 variably urbanised sub-catchments were used to provide high-resolution time-series of rainfall and runoff and to identify storm events which were quantified using a range of hydrological metrics. Analysing storm runoff along a rural-urban gradient showed a lumped measure of urban extent can generally explain differences in the hydrological response between rural and urban catchments but not between more urbanised catchments in which soil moisture does not play a contributing role. Using high resolution geospatial data can improve the representation of the urban environment and landscape metrics can better represent the form and function of urban land cover, improving estimates of the index flood QMED over lumped catchment descriptors. Regression analysis of hydrological metrics showed the potential of landscape metrics for explaining inter-catchment differences in rainfall-runoff and point to the importance of considering the location and connectivity of urban surfaces. Landscape metrics provide a workable means of overcoming the limitations inherent in using lumped characterisation of complex urban land cover and their ability to express connectivity, size and location of urban land cover promises potential applications in hydrological applications such as UK design flood estimation methods.
- Published
- 2019
103. Modelling phosphorus removal capacity and longevity in land treatment systems
- Author
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Batista Segui, María del Mar, Hess, Tim M., and Tyrrel, Sean
- Subjects
Modelling ,longevity ,retention ,soil ,wastewater tertiary treatment - Abstract
The wastewater industry is facing an increase in regulatory pressure to reduce excessive phosphorus (P) release to rivers. To address this issue there is a need for sustainable treatments, especially in small sewage treatment works (STW) (< 2000 inhabitants) which constitute 75 % of the systems in the UK. Land treatment systems (LTS) have long been used to treat wastewater, principally as a tertiary treatment at small rural sites. LTS are able to remove phosphorus but there are some uncertainties regarding their treatment capability. This research aims to address these uncertainties by developing improved estimations of P removal potential and longevity in LTS in the context of a sustainable water industry. First, the existing knowledge and tools available in long-term P removal behaviour are reviewed. Second, the soil P removal efficiency and accumulation in an LTS case study are estimated. Finally, the case study is used to develop a conceptual and mathematical model of P dynamics in LTS integrating water and solute transport in soils. The model is used to explain system behaviour in order to estimate system longevity under different soil conditions and management scenarios. This research demonstrates that LTS can contribute to P removal for a number of years as a tertiary treatment for small STW and that through a combination of hydrological and solute transport modelling it is possible to get a prediction of P removal and longevity of LTS. Results indicate the need for an alternative methodology to assess P removal capacity that does not only rely on inputs and outputs while able to detect if the system is saturated and the need of improved methodological assessment of sorption processes over time. Further development of the current model to reduce limitations, mainly related to vegetation management and P transformation in the different soil pools, will support LTS contribution to the sustainable management of wastewater treatments and the enhancement of the ecosystem services that they provide.
- Published
- 2017
104. Processes controlling the sources and transport dynamics of suspended sediment in rivers
- Author
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Vercruysse, Kim, Grabowski, Robert, and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
Timescale ,fluvial geomorphology ,connectivity ,hydro-meteorology ,sediment fingerprinting ,processes - Abstract
Human activity has disturbed the natural suspended sediment (SS) balance and the associated geomorphological and ecological functioning of many rivers. Yet, predicting and managing SS is challenging because the processes controlling SS transport over multiple timescales are not well understood. The aim of this research is to improve the prediction and management of SS by investigating the hydro-meteorological and catchment processes driving temporal variation in SS transport. The objectives are (i) to assess SS transport over multiple timescales to uncover the scale-specific processes and process interactions that determine temporal variation in SS transport; (ii) to apply and test a sediment fingerprinting approach based on infrared spectrometry to identify dominant SS sources; and (iii) to evaluate the role of variations in sediment sources in controlling SS concentrations in response to hydro-meteorological variables. The research was carried out in the River Aire, UK. The findings show that SS transport in the River Aire is highly event-driven and supply-limited, while also being influenced by long-term changes in land use. Over the studied period, the dominant SS source was grassland, and its contribution was mainly controlled by antecedent moisture conditions. On the contrary, urban street dust, which was also a dominant sediment source, was less hydrologically driven. The research also demonstrated that while infrared-based fingerprinting can be used to estimate SS source contributions with acceptable model errors, sediment apportionment is strongly influenced by the degree of discrimination between source classes. In order to improve methods to quantify SS transport and sources, and to identify sediment management needs, this research underscores the need to (i) recognise different timescales of SS transport to identify the underlying processes; (ii) develop better approaches for source classification and discrimination to accurately represent the sediment in rivers; and (iii) establish further knowledge on sediment sources variations in different contexts and over multiple spatial and temporal scales.
- Published
- 2017
105. Microtopographic enhancement of land-based wastewater treatment
- Author
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Tyrrell, Sean R., Hess, Tim M., and Tyrrel, S.
- Subjects
628.3 ,Ridge and furrow ,furrow irrigation ,nutrient-removal ,vegetation-diversity ,tertiary-treatment ,phosphorus ,nitrate ,ammonia - Abstract
There is a regulatory tension within wastewater treatment, between the requirement to meet tightening consents and the need to reduce the carbon footprint of treatment processes. With 75% of wastewater treatment works serving populations of less than 2,000, low-energy tertiary treatment options suitable to small rural works need to be developed. One option that lends itself particularly well to small works is land-based wastewater treatment (LBWWT). The aim of this research was to evaluate the role of LBWWT in the UK water industry and investigate the impact ridge-and-furrow enhanced microtopography (MT) may have upon a particular type of LBWWT - slow-rate (SR) infiltration. This was achieved through meeting three objectives. Firstly, the use of LBWWT was reviewed and assessed. Secondly, the impact of ridge-and-furrow enhanced MT upon the vegetation diversity and nutrient removal of a SR- LBWWT was established by means of a three year field trial. Finally, the cost- effectiveness of SR-LBWWT and the impact of ridging and furrow irrigation upon cost-effectiveness were evaluated using Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA). The first objective comprised of a review of the historical and current use of LBWWT, a review of the relevant changing legislation to identify what may be required of LBWWT and an assessment of LBWWT’s potential to meet these requirements. The result of the evaluation found that, based upon the literature, SR-LBWWT is ‘fit-for-purpose’ as tertiary treatment for small treatment works. To meet the second objective, a SR-LBWWT system trial was established at a small wastewater treatment works in Knowle, Hampshire. The trial consisted of three clay-loam grass plots irrigated with secondary treated effluent. There were two configurations of trial plot - flat and ridge-and-furrowed. Effluent (sub- surface soil water) nutrient concentrations were monitored as was vegetation diversity. In addition a number of physical, hydrological and biogeochemical parameters were monitored and hydrological modelling carried out. Mean nutrient removal performances of 90% for ammonia, 72% for nitrate, and 91% for phosphate were observed with the ridge-and-furrowed plot. Ridging and furrow irrigation was found to not have a significantly detrimental effect upon the trial plots’ removal performance for ammonia, nitrate or phosphate. Extrapolation modelling suggested, however, that this would not be the case for LBWWT systems on predominantly clay or sand soils. Ridging and furrow irrigation was found to have a statistically significant positive effect upon the vegetation diversity of the LBWWT trial plots; with mean final year Shannon-Wiener values of 0.96 and 0.69, for the ridge-and-furrowed and non-ridged plots, respectively. For the final objective, analysis found that SR-LBWWT are cost-effective when compared to horizontal sub-surface flow constructed wetlands (HSSFCW), an established low-energy treatment option. Mean cost-effectiveness ratio values of £208.5 and £262.7 per % effectiveness were observed for LBWWT and HSSFCW, respectively. Following the field trial CEA was extended to include ridge-and-furrowed SR-LBWWT systems. This found that ridging and furrow irrigation improves the cost-effectiveness of SR-LBWWT serving small populations, reducing the mid cost-effectiveness ratio to £193 per % effectiveness. This is a result of the cost-reducing effect of ridge-and-furrowing over laser-level grading; and based upon the findings of the trial that ridging and furrow irrigation can be achieved (in clay-loam soil slow-rate systems) without significant detriment to the water treatment effectiveness of LBWWT. The main conclusions of this thesis are: that SR-LBWWT has a role to play in the UK water industry, as tertiary treatment for small wastewater treatment works. That SR-LBWWT is cost-effective in relation to HSSFCW. That ridging and furrow irrigation increases that cost-effectiveness by reducing the construction and operational costs. That ridging and furrow irrigation can be employed without significant detriment to a SR-LBWWT system’s water treatment performance. And finally, that ridging and furrow irrigation can have a positive impact upon the establishment vegetation diversity of a SR-LBWWT system.
- Published
- 2016
106. The influence of catchment characteristics on river flow variability
- Author
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Chiverton, Andrew, Hannaford, Jamie, Holman, Ian P., Prudhomme, Christel, Hess, Tim M., and Bloomfield, John
- Subjects
551.48 - Abstract
Hydrology is yet to fully understand the role that catchment characteristics have in determining a river’s response to precipitation variability. This thesis assesses the influence that catchment characteristics have on modulating a river’s response to changes in precipitation throughout the UK. Central to this aim is the concept of the precipitation- to-flow relationship (the transformation of precipitation into river flow), which is characterised using the Variogram, a way of indexing temporal dependence (i.e. the average relationship between river flow on a given day and river flow on the previous days). Firstly, 116 catchments were grouped into four clusters, based on the shape of their variogram, which significantly differed in their catchment characteristics demonstrating that catchment characteristics control how, on average, precipitation is transformed into river flow. Furthermore, over 70% of un-gauged catchments could be clustered correctly using information about their soil type, slope and the percentage of arable land. Secondly, a new method which identifies the changes in the variogram parameters over 5-year overlapping moving windows was developed to investigate temporal changes in the variogram parameters. This method was successfully demonstrated to detect changes in multiple aspects of artificially perturbed river flow time series (e.g. seasonality, linear changes and variability). On average >70% of the variability in the catchment variogram parameters was explained by the precipitation characteristics, although there was large variability between catchments. Finally, the influence that the catchment characteristics have on the temporal changes in the variogram parameters was analysed, demonstrating that rivers in relatively impermeable upland catchments have a relationship with precipitation which is closer to linear and less variable than lowland, permeable catchments. This thesis contributes significant new knowledge that can be used for both assessing how individual catchments are likely to respond to projected changes in precipitation and in informing data transfer to un-gauged catchments.
- Published
- 2015
107. Accumulation, transport and potential treatment of surface sediment on car parks with channel drains
- Author
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Barlow, James Vincent, Harris, Jim, and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
363.73 ,Urban Pollution ,Wash-off ,Runoff ,Particulate Matter ,Heavy Metals ,PAH ,SUDS - Abstract
Urban pollutants have been identified as a significant source of environmental pollution, posing a risk to human health, the environment, and are toxic to flora and fauna. Highways are recognised as one of the key sources of pollution, from both vehicles, and surrounding infrastructure. A number of studies have investigated accumulation of sediment and the associated pollutants on highways, and the runoff generated as a result of rainfall. Car parks share many potential contributory sources of pollutants with highways, but there is a lack of studies regarding car parks, despite them being identified as a significant percentage of urban land use. A series of experiments were undertaken in order to develop an understanding of the characteristics of car park sediment. The physical and chemical characteristics of sediment were analysed at different stages throughout the drainage system. Firstly on the sediment accumulated on car park surfaces, followed by that mobilised and transported into a channel drain during simulated rainfall events. Finally, potential treatment of pollutants within sediment in a channel was quantified. The physical and chemical characteristics of car park sediment was shown to be similar during both the accumulation (build-up) and wash-off stages, suggesting that the accumulated sediment is generally mobilised and transported to the channel drain (wash-off). Furthermore, both the physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment were shown to be similar to those found on highways, thorough the build-up and wash-off phases. Finally, potential treatment of organic pollutants (PAH) by biodegradation was demonstrated, but not comprehensively proved.
- Published
- 2015
108. Application of integrated models to assess the impacts of floodplain connectivity on ecosystem services : a case study at Tempsford, UK
- Author
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Taktikos, Niko, Hess, Tim M., and Gill, A. B.
- Subjects
577.6 - Abstract
Floodplains in the United Kingdom have evolved from natural landscapes to artificially modified ecosystems through managing lateral and vertical floodplain connectivity leading to synergy or trade-offs in ecosystem service delivery. Research methods have been limited in understanding the processes by which ecosystem service values are formed and the data required to support ecosystem service assessment. Developing a methodology while complex and challenging is necessary in order to take the ecosystem approach forward to support decision making for policy makers, planners and stakeholders. The aim of this research was to develop a method to assess the delivery of ecosystem services in response to changes in floodplain connectivity and evaluate the performance. A case study floodplain was selected at Tempsford, downstream of the River Ivel in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom as an example for opportunities to deliver multiple ecosystem services. A sequential integrated modelling system was applied utilising a linked ISIS 1D-2D hydrodynamic model and WaSim, a 1D soil water balance model to simulate changes in floodplain connectivity and generate model data to improve estimates of ecosystem services indicators. A non- monetary multi-criteria analysis methodology was applied to further develop indicators for ecosystem services assessment and to assess the impacts of the model scenarios on ecosystem services delivery. The integration of the WaSim model was unsuccessful as the model performed poorly in the calibration and validation process and was not fit for its intended purpose. It was deduced that potential groundwater seepage in the regional aquifer occurs outside of the field study site, which cannot be modelled in WaSim. To demonstrate the impact of lateral connectivity controls on the water table position, an empirical method was developed using the mean observed water table position to represent a ‘no drainage system’ vertical connectivity scenario. The results showed that in low frequency/high magnitude flood events, increasing the lateral connectivity by lowering embankments provides synergy and benefits to flood alleviation, water supply and freshwater fish habitat and trade-offs and disbenefits to flood damage, agricultural productivity, terrestrial habitat and recreation. In high frequency/low magnitude flood events, decreasing the lateral connectivity by raising embankments still provides the same synergy and trade-offs yet lower benefits and disbenefits. Marginally decreasing the lateral connectivity creates a higher level of benefits and a lower level of disbenefits to promote multi-functional land use in the floodplain. Managing the control of floodplain connectivity needs to be carefully planned to enable multifunctional land use in a floodplain.
- Published
- 2015
109. Optimising nutrient potential from compost and irrigation with wastewater to meet crop nutritional requirements
- Author
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Chipula, Grivin, Sakrabani, R., and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
631.8 ,Nutrient integration ,irrigation ,compost ,effluent ,nitrogen mineralisation - Abstract
Globally agricultural production is facing serious challenges to provide adequate food supply to meet a growing population. However, the reduced capacity of soil to support and sustain agricultural production as a result of soil fertility decline is impacting negatively on agricultural growth. Increase in the price of inorganic fertilisers and limited availability of nutrients from organic amendments has reduced progress in improving soil fertility. This research therefore aims at contributing knowledge towards evaluating the maximisation/optimisation of nutrients in compost and secondary treated sewage effluent (STSE) amended soils to meet the nutritional requirements of crops for sustainable crop production and environmental protection. STSE was irrigated on soils (sandy loam and clay loam) amended with greenwaste compost in soil incubation, glasshouse/pot and lysimeter studies. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was grown in the pots and lysimeter studies. The incubation experiment showed that for a clay loam, N mineralisation in treatments with STSE alone and combinations of compost and STSE was higher than the applied N. Increasing compost quantity in compost and STSE nutrient integration resulted in reduced net N mineralisation in the clay loam soil. In the sandy loam, increasing compost contribution in compost and STSE nutrient integration resulted in an increase in net N mineralisation. Cation exchange capacity, microbial diversity, quality of available carbon and drying and rewetting cycles influenced the net nitrogen mineralisation dynamics in both soil types. Increasing the contribution of STSE while reducing compost quantity resulted in increased nitrogen use efficiency and ryegrass dry matter yield. The environmental threat to ground and surface water pollution through NO3 --N leaching may be enhanced by the inclusion of STSE in integrated compost and STSE nutrient supply to plants. Similarly, the threat to eutrophication due to phosphorous leaching is likely to be higher with integration of compost and STSE. Ryegrass dry matter yield reduced with increasing compost contribution while the concentration of N in ryegrass herbage for the combinations of compost and STSE was above the minimum requirement for N in herbage for productive grazing and dairy cattle in the pot experiment. Using compost and STSE of similar characteristics, the ideal approach to maximise nutrient potential from compost through irrigation with STSE is when 25% compost is integrated with 75% STSE with respect to nitrogen supply.
- Published
- 2013
110. Evaporation in fen wetlands
- Author
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Kelvin, J. and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
551.4 - Abstract
Wicken Fen represents a remnant of the once extensive peat fenlands of East Anglia, which survived large-scale drainage efforts intended to bring land into agricultural production due to its importance within the local economy and subsequently as a site of interest to scientists. Wicken Fen is managed so as to conserve a variety of habitats lost as a result of drainage and therefore does not represent a truly natural environment. Traditional management practices on Sedge Fen, the largest part of Wicken Fen, involve maintaining a 3 – 4 year harvesting cycle and controlling soil water levels. Previous hydrological studies of Wicken Fen have determined that soil water levels are strongly influenced by precipitation and evapotranspiration. The evaporative flux at Sedge Fen is commonly estimated by using meteorological data within empirical formulae such as the Penman Monteith equation owing to measurement difficulties. Furthermore, there has been little investigation of the evaporative loss from fens within the UK. This study aims to investigate the evaporative loss from Sedge Fen so as to better inform hydrological management and to describe evapotranspiration estimation techniques which may be employed at other fen sites. Eddy covariance measurements demonstrated that evapotranspiration from Sedge Fen was typically less than reference evapotranspiration estimates. Evapotranspiration estimates may be improved by consideration of surface parameters which can be described using meteorological data. Meteorological differences existed between Sedge Fen and the surrounding area, resulting in differing evapotranspiration estimates depending on where data was collected. Evapotranspiration measurements were used within a simple water budget model of Sedge Fen and demonstrated the lateral movement of soil water, a hydrological flux previously assumed to be of little consequence within the hydrological balance of Sedge Fen.
- Published
- 2011
111. Reedbed hydrology and water requirements
- Author
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Peacock, Catherine and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
551 ,Evapotranspiration - Abstract
Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve includes the largest reedbed in Southern England and is an important habitat for breeding waders and several rare bird species, including Bitterns. A succession of drought years in the 1990s brought the issue of the hydrology and water requirements of the wetland to the attention of managers and there is concern about future water supplies to the reserve. This study aims to calculate the amount of water required by the site in order to maintain optimum habitat conditions. The greatest area of uncertainty in the water balance is the evapotranspiration rate of the reedbeds and therefore a secondary aim is to increase understanding of this flux. Detailed hydrological measurements were carried out over two years to establish the water balance of the site. Evapotranspiration was measured using the Bowen ratio technique, accompanied by additional physiological and meteorological measurements. Results showed that evapotranspiration from reeds was generally less than reference evapotranspiration and that stornatal resistance was the most important factor controlling evapotranspiration rates. The hydrology of the site was modelled using a thirty year historical data series to quantify the return periods of flood and drought conditions of different severity. These were used to predict water resource requirements and availability and confidence limits were attached to the results. In 70% of years, summer deficits in the rainfall-evapotranspiration balance require the addition of water from the Lampen Stream. In 10% of these years, the entire surmner discharge of the Lampen Stream would be insufficient to meet site water requirements and an additional source of water is required. Competition with other water users and limits on abstraction will increase the number of years an additional water source is required. In addition future climate change is likely to increase summer water requirements whilst decreasing resource availability.
- Published
- 2003
112. Development and application of runoff model for water harvesting in north east Nigeria
- Author
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Audu, Idriss and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
631.709669 - Abstract
Rainfall in the northeast arid zone of Nigeria is limited and has been found to be declining over the last three decades (Hess et al., 1995). This problem of inadequate rainfall is further exacerbated by runoff especially on the degraded lands (fako). Such runoff-prone lands are potential areas for water harvesting. In dry years, harvested runoff water can considerably improve the environmental conditions for plant growth and can make the difference between death and survival. However, water conservation techniques will only show a benefit if the soil is able to hold the extra water within the root zone of the crops. A clear understanding of soil properties and moisture variations on these lands should provide the baseline information needed for applied soil and water management research. Aerial photographs and photo mosaics were used to identify several fako lands out of which three sites were selected for detailed study. The three sites were located at Jawa (12° 48.71’ N, 11° 02.21* E), Zurkaya (12° 49.15’ N, 11° 05.52’ E) and along Dumburi road (12° 54.31!N, 11° 07.49!E). The fako lands have compacted loamy and clay loamy soils with low infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity. Dry bulk density values range between 1.34 gem ̄3 to 1.61 gem ̄3 and saturated hydraulic conductivity obtained were between 1 mm/h and 6 mm/h. Water retention characteristic curves revealed that the fako soils have good water holding capacity. Slopes are generally gentle and range from 0.1% to about 1%. Volume of water harvested depends on the runoff yield of an area. Models can be used to estimate runoff on the fako lands. The model to be used will depend upon the available information, the required accuracy and the resolution of the output and the time resources that can be directed at the modelling exercise. As the rainfall data available for the area is in daily time step, a model that can use daily rainfall as input to estimate runoff is required. In order to develop such a model, accurate rainfall-runoff records for several years should be obtained. High-resolution rainfall data for 13 site-years were collected between 1992 and 1994. The EUROSEM model (Morgan et al., 1992) was applied to simulate the rainfall events and partition them into overland flow and infiltrated water. The model was however calibrated and validated before being used for the simulations. For the calibration and validation, a rainfall simulator (USDA, 1972) was constructed and 32 rainfall-runoff events at intensities of between 25 mmh ̄1 and 169 mmh ̄1 were artificially generated on the three sites. A graph of measured versus simulated runoff events showed good agreements in both calibration and validation. Coefficients of determination and efficiency were 0.82 each in calibration and 0.83 and 0.74 in validation. Predicted runoff by the EUROSEM model was regressed against daily rainfall to obtain a linear regression model for predicting runoff from daily rainfall for the fako lands of north-east Nigeria. The model can be regarded as an integral expression of the physiographic and climatic characteristics that govern the relations between rainfall and runoff on the fako areas. Runoff coefficient and threshold value obtained for the area were 0.44 and 16 mm respectively. The linear model was compared to the curve number model and the runoff estimates by both models were similar. The developed linear model was combined with a water balance model, BALANCE (Hess, 1994) and applied to microcatchment water harvesting investigations. The BALANCE model was used to estimate the water balance components for the area. The Ritchie equation in the BALANCE model was calibrated and validated with field data. Measured versus predicted soil moisture plot gave R2 values of 0.90 and 0.89 in calibration and validation respectively. Growth of neem tree (Azadirachta indica) on a typical fako land was simulated with different microcatchment sizes in three categories of years (dry, average and wet). Simulation results indicated that augmenting rainfall through runoff water harvesting technique could provide enough water to sustain growth and ensure rapid establishment of the neem tree seedlings. However, due to reduced dry spell some deep percolation may result during the peak of the rainy season (August - mid September) especially in wet years. A microcatchment size of 12m2 (basin-runoff area ratio of 1: 2) was found to sustain year round survival of the tree and minimum drainage for all categories of years. Complementary to water harvesting in the conservation measure, effect of three soil cover treatments (bare, perforated polyethylene cover and solid polyethylene cover) on soil evaporation was investigated. As expected, the solid cover was found to have the most effect in reducing soil evaporation but this is not suitable in the current situation because it limits infiltration of rain and free air circulation. The perforated cover treatment is preferred as it can also significantly reduce soil evaporation and at the same time allow unrestricted infiltration of rain and free exchange of gases between the soil and atmosphere.
- Published
- 1999
113. Fogwater harvesting for community water supply
- Author
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Furey, Sean and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
Water ,Fog - Abstract
Fogwater Harvesting has been demonstrated to be able to provide water for small rural communities in arid and semi-arid regions. Fog droplets coalesce on mesh screens and flow by gravity into a supply network. The technology is simple and can be maintained and managed by the users. The challenge is identifying suitable communities, environmental conditions and ensuring the system meets user demand sustainably. Following the First International Conference on Fog and Fog Collection (19-24 July 1998), a general project cycle for fogwater harvesting for domestic water supply is proposed and discussed. Methodologies and examples are reviewed and placed in an interdisciplinary project framework.
- Published
- 1998
114. The meat of the issue.
- Author
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KAY, MELVYN, KNOX, JERRY, and HESS, TIM
- Subjects
- *
MEAT industry & the environment , *GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *EMISSION control - Published
- 2018
115. Modelling the impact of climate change on avocados future irrigation requirements in South Africa
- Author
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Mendori, Thomas, Hess, Tim M., and Holman, Ian P.
- Subjects
LARS WG ,Groot letaba ,mitigation scenarios ,wasim ,climate model - Abstract
Climate change will affect worldwide weather and crop development. Agriculture is a major concern around Groot Letaba catchment (South Africa), and future irrigation supply for avocado crops is at risk but remains unclear. This research focused on the impact of climate change on future irrigation demand of avocados, with a case study in Limpopo province, South Africa. The objective was to compare water demand between the baseline data (1982-2010) and projections for 2050 and 2080 and determine the potential effect of climate change on avocados’ irrigation requirements in the future. First, a weather generator was used to create 1000 future daily time-series of rainfall and temperature, following nineteen different General Climate Models, for two emissions scenarios. The outputs were used in a soil-water balance model to simulate irrigation requirements of avocados according to the different scenarios and years studied. Models’ average irrigation demand was found to increase by at least 8.7% by 2050, and up to 17.4% by 2080, with a notable dispersion of values and few models predicting a decrease. The frequency of exceeding annual irrigation capacity could reach 45% with mitigation and 58% without mitigation by 2080. Farmers are expected to have more difficulties providing sufficient irrigation to avocados trees and facing possible multi-year droughts. Mitigation appeared as essential to ensure the sustainability of avocado business. MSc in Environmental Engineering
- Published
- 2021
116. Modelling catchment scale response to drought risk, a case study in South Africa
- Author
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Lulane, Zanele, Hess, Tim M., and Holman, Ian P.
- Subjects
Groot letaba ,drought response ,WEAP ,Drought risk - Abstract
South Africa is a water scarce country with future water availability threatened by climate change, an increasing population leading to urbanization, increasing agricultural production, and industrialization. Past droughts have highlighted the country’s vulnerability to drought leading to economic losses in the Agricultural sector, inadequate water, and supply for basic domestic needs and failure to meet ecological water requirements. A case study was carried out in the water scarce, 4,937 km² agricultural intensive Groot Letaba catchment located in the Limpopo province. Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model was used to simulate the water supply system in the catchment, from 1981 to 2016. The Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency was used to validate the model’s accuracy providing a value of 0.91 and 0.86 during calibration (1981-2000) and 0.69 and 0.65 during validation (2001-2016) for streamflow and Tzaneen reservoir levels, respectively. A reference scenario to assess water resources and water demand sites’ vulnerability should droughts experienced between 1981 to 2016 be repeated under current demand was developed. 10% Agricultural water supply reduction, 50% per capita use rate reduction, Tzaneen reservoir storage increase and rerouting domestic return flow to the river were explored as drought adaptation measures. Drought response measures prevented reservoir drawdown in moderate droughts and delayed drawdown in severe droughts, reducing their temporal extents. Improvements in water resources availability correlated with improving demand coverage and reliability. Pairing drought response scenarios amplified benefits realized resulting in 100% demand coverage and reliability for two demand sites. All drought response measures were insufficient to fully circumvent droughts with a magnitude like the 1992-1996 drought. These findings show that effectiveness of response measures is dependent on the intensity and duration of the drought. MSc in Advanced Water Management
- Published
- 2021
117. Building consensus on water use assessment of livestock production systems and supply chains: Outcome and recommendations from the FAO LEAP Partnership.
- Author
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Boulay, Anne-Marie, Drastig, Katrin, Amanullah, Chapagain, Ashok, Charlon, Veronica, Civit, Bárbara, DeCamillis, Camillo, De Souza, Marlos, Hess, Tim, Hoekstra, Arjen Y., Ibidhi, Ridha, Lathuillière, Michael J., Manzardo, Alessandro, McAllister, Tim, Morales, Ricardo A., Motoshita, Masaharu, Palhares, Julio Cesar Pascale, Pirlo, Giacomo, Ridoutt, Brad, and Russo, Valentina
- Subjects
- *
WATER use , *LIVESTOCK productivity , *SUPPLY chains , *ENVIRONMENTAL reporting , *WATER shortages , *ENVIRONMENTAL standards - Abstract
• This paper is built on the outcome and recommendations from FAO LEAP guidelines. • An international consensus on water use assessment is presented. • Water footprint concepts and water use information are detailed and connected in relation with each other. • Water scarcity footprint and water productivity are recommended for the assessment of water use. • Water productivity is reported with fractions of green and blue water consumed. The FAO Livestock Environmental Assessment and Performance (LEAP) Partnership organised a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to develop reference guidelines on water footprinting for livestock production systems and supply chains. The mandate of the TAG was to i) provide recommendations to monitor the environmental performance of feed and livestock supply chains over time so that progress towards improvement targets can be measured, ii) be applicable for feed and water demand of small ruminants, poultry, large ruminants and pig supply chains, iii) build on, and go beyond, the existing FAO LEAP guidelines and iv) pursue alignment with relevant international standards, specifically ISO 14040 (2006) / ISO 14044 (2006) , and ISO 14046 (2014). The recommended guidelines on livestock water use address both impact assessment (water scarcity footprint as defined by ISO 14046, 2014) and water productivity (water use efficiency). While most aspects of livestock water use assessment have been proposed or discussed independently elsewhere, the TAG reviewed and connected these concepts and information in relation with each other and made recommendations towards comprehensive assessment of water use in livestock production systems and supply chains. The approaches to assess the quantity of water used for livestock systems are addressed and the specific assessment methods for water productivity and water scarcity are recommended. Water productivity assessment is further advanced by its quantification and reporting with fractions of green and blue water consumed. This allows the assessment of the environmental performance related to water use of a livestock-related system by assessing potential environmental impacts of anthropogenic water consumption (only "blue water"); as well as the assessment of overall water productivity of the system (including "green" and "blue water" consumption). A consistent combination of water productivity and water scarcity footprint metrics provides a complete picture both in terms of potential productivity improvements of the water consumption as well as minimizing potential environmental impacts related to water scarcity. This process resulted for the first time in an international consensus on water use assessment, including both the life-cycle assessment community with the water scarcity footprint and the water management community with water productivity metrics. Despite the main focus on feed and livestock production systems, the outcomes of this LEAP TAG are also applicable to many other agriculture sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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118. Assessing the impacts of drought on UK wheat production
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Clarke, David, Knox, Jerry W., and Hess, Tim M.
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Sirius crop model ,Drought severity indices ,Cereals ,Agricultural drought ,Simulation - Abstract
Water limitations typically reduce UK wheat yields on average by 1-2 t ha- 1 , although this can be considerably more in extreme drought years. With the frequency and intensity of droughts expected to increase under a changing climate, an improved understanding of the impacts of drought and better systems for agricultural drought monitoring are required. Previous studies, however, have found no significant relationship between UK wheat yields and commonly employed drought severity indices (DSI). Using historical (1911-2015) daily weather data for Cambridge the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the Potential Soil Moisture Deficit (PSMD) were calculated on various time steps (e.g. 1-12 months for SPI and SPEI) to provide a drought record for the site. A wheat crop growth simulation model (Sirius) was then used to simulate the effects of the identified historic droughts on wheat yields. The use of the Sirius crop model removed the non-drought related yield losses (e.g. disease, pests, and lodging) present in national yield records. Using the Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient (r) the simulated yield record was then correlated against the different DSIs. The droughts of 1921, 1976 and 2010 were found to be the most extreme in term of yield reduction. In addition, there were also two noticeable periods of successive yield loss in the early 1940s and between 2009 and 2013. All DSIs showed significant (p = 0.05) correlations on monthly time steps between April and August. The SPI, SPEI and PSMD showed a strong correlation to wheat yields (r = 0.64 to 0.66) on time steps incorporating the end of the ‘construction’ and the entirety of the ‘production’ phases for wheat growth. The PDSI showed the weakest correlation (r = 0.55), although it may be helpful in identifying yield-limiting droughts earlier in the year. The research has contributed new scientific insights and understanding of the impacts of historic droughts on wheat productivity, and demonstrated the application of DSIs in monitoring potentially yield-limiting droughts. The research also provides new evidence to support developments in UK food security and drought management for agriculture.
- Published
- 2017
119. Effect of greenspaces on soil hydrology within urban ecosystems
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Piwuna, Raulatu Munidang, Hess, Tim M., and Burgess, Paul J.
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Infiltration rate ,soil moisture content ,urban vegetation type ,species richness ,hydraulic conductivity ,ecosystem service - Abstract
Urban greenspaces provide a regulatory ecosystem service for some of the hydrological processes within urban ecosystems. However, soil hydrological properties can vary with variations in urban vegetation type having an impact on the hydrological balance. This study was carried out to determine the effect of urban vegetation type, species and its management within urban ecosystems to deliver a water regulatory service (with soil moisture content, water infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity as indicators). The research combines data from field and plot measurement. At the field scale, 78 fragments located in Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes, UK, over a range of soil textures (clay, clay loam, sandy loam and silty clay loam) were investigated. The vegetation types were categorised as managed grass, managed herbaceous, shrubs, trees over managed grass, trees over unmanaged herbaceous, unmanaged herbaceous and woodland/trees. Infiltration rate was not different for the different vegetation types while unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was greater for the managed grass 308 ± 223 mm d⁻¹ than the unmanaged herbaceous 88 ± 51 mm d⁻¹on sandy loam soil. Experimental treatments at plot scale were investigated. A combination of floristic (3 levels: “no”, “some”, “many”) and structural (3 levels: “short”, “medium”, “tall”) manipulation on each plot and 1 non-manipulated plot, located in Cranfield, UK, on a clay soil. There was no difference in infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture content related to species richness or plant height. The results of the study show that urban vegetation type, increased species richness, and plant height do not negatively impact infiltration rate, and soil moisture content, while hydraulic conductivity is increased using the managed grass on a sandy loam soil. Therefore, the planting of mixed and species rich and different urban vegetation type is encouraged for its other values in the society. Mphil in Research
- Published
- 2016
120. Soil variability effects on the yield of winter wheat under variable-rate nitrogen applications
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Miles, Daniel and Hess, Tim M.
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GPS ,Precision farming ,Remote sensing ,Fertiliser ,UK agriculture - Abstract
Seven UK fields located across Oxfordshire, Southampton and W. Berkshire, five cropped in winter wheat in 2014 and two in 2013 were investigated to assess the effect of soil variability on mean yield and yield variance under flat-rate and variable- rate nitrogen applications. The high level aim being to provide information to help guide growers on how best to apply nitrogen fertiliser to increase yield and enhance yield uniformity. Data layers were collated for shallow Electrical-Conductivity (EC), Leaf Area Index, nitrogen application and yield. Yields were neither significantly higher under flat-rate nor variable-rate treatment (p = 0.8356). Variation in shallow EC was neither significantly more different in the variable-rate treatments or the flat- rate treatments (p = 0.7862). Variability in EC held a positive relationship with yield variability under both flat-rate (R2 = 0.2102) (p = 0.0213) and variable-rate treatment (R2 = 0.1507) (p = 0.0176). This suggests that variable-rate treatment provided no significant benefit in reducing yield variability.
- Published
- 2016
121. Modelling the impacts of in-field soil and irrigation variability on onion yield
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Perez Ortola, Marta, Knox, Jerry W., and Hess, Tim M.
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yield ,onion ,uniformity ,irrigation - Abstract
Globally, onion (Allium cepa L.) represents an extremely important crop in terms of production, value and consumption. Similarly, in the UK onion production is considered to be one of the most important high-value field vegetables, with ca. 300,900 tonnes being produced from 8,448 ha (DEFRA 2010). However, a great variability in onion productivity (yield) has been identified due to a combination of environmental, genotypic, management and agronomic factors. The increasing demand for high quality vegetables and their supply year round is adding significant pressure on farming enterprises, which add to the challenges UK onion producers already face (e.g. crop management, irrigation and pest control decision-making). The aim of this research was to assess the impacts of in-field soil and irrigation variability on onion yield and quality. Therefore, the scientific evidence on the relationships between onion yield, crop water use, irrigation and crop quality were initially reviewed and the evidence corroborated with data from an industry survey. In order to evaluate the effects of soils and irrigation variability on yield, under different agroclimatic conditions, a crop growth model (AquaCrop) was calibrated and then validated using experimental field data. The scientific evidence in the literature and results from the industry survey were used to validate and calibrate the AquaCrop model for brown onion (cv Arthur). Statistical analyses were used to assess crop model goodness of fit. A series of scenario were then defined and the AquaCrop model used to assess the impacts of different onion cropping practices, production areas and typical and extreme climatic conditions on crop yield. The effects of irrigation non-uniformity (typical of a boom and linear move irrigation application system) on production were assessed under a series of agroclimatic conditions (five different years) and two contrasting soil types (sandy and sandy loam). The simulations showed that the lowest yield (8.6 t DM/ha) and greatest variability (standard deviation: 0.23 t DM/ha) occurred under the driest agroclimatic conditions. Production on sandy soils resulted in higher yield (in average 0.24t DM/ha) than on a sandy loam soil. The yield under hosereels fitted with booms were statistically significant (Kruskal-Wallis analysis) lower than for the linear move, although the difference was very small (average of 9.52 t DM/ha vs. 9.56 t DM/ha). Under ‘average dry’ conditions, the highest yield was produced on sandy soils (8.78 t DM/ha), contrary to ‘average’ agroclimatic conditions, where the highest yield was produced on sandy loam soils (9.55 t DM/ha). For the driest season, the effects of irrigation variability were only significant on sandy soils (8.80 t DM/ha and 8.73 t DM/ha for hosereel fitted with linear move and boom, respectively). The study of uniform versus non-uniform irrigation applications showed that onion yield was higher under uniform irrigation. The differences between yields produced under uniform and non-uniform irrigation increased with increasing climatic aridity (0.01-0.18 t DM/ha compared to average values). Differences were greater in cases of boom application systems. Onion yield generated by simulations of uniform conditions fell within the range found in the literature. The variability observed under non-uniform irrigation was the same (up to 30-40%) as the overall variation reported by growers.
- Published
- 2013
122. Sustainable water management for sweetcorn in Senegal
- Author
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Kaiser Lopez, Pablo and Hess, Tim M.
- Subjects
Sweetcorn ,drip irrigation ,sandy soil ,export quality and yield ,irrigation water use efficiency ,wetting patterns ,Zea mays ,semi-dry - Abstract
Water consumption is a global concern, especially in the agriculture sector in sub-Saharan countries, where 70% of abstraction is for agricultural use. This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of scientific scheduling in reducing the irrigation water applied to sweetcorn without compromising the quality of the product in semi-arid conditions. The experimental site was located at SCL farm (northwest part of Senegal) (latitude 16.12ºN; longitude 16.24ºW and 7 m above sea level) in sandy soils. Three experimental fields were drip irrigated, and equally fertigated, in locations with varying characteristics: unstructured soil (dunes) (Field A), sediments (Field B) and with high groundwater (Field C). The weekly irrigation schedule was developed according to the measured daily crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and periodic measurements of wetting patterns in each field. The schedule aimed to apply water to match ETc and keep the wetted depth close to the estimated root depth in each field. The water consumption in the farm was reduced by 20% on average (23%, 15% and 39% in fields A, B and C respectively), compared to the previous season’s records. Despite reducing the amount of water, the cob yield and quality were similar to SCL expectations. The Irrigation Water Use Efficiency obtained in fields B and C (2.4 and 3.4 kg/m3) were higher than in the previous season (2.1 kg/m3 on average); although in field A it was lower (1.1 kg/m3) due to its low plant density and low yield due to nematode attack. The application of scientific scheduling has allowed similar yield and quality values to be obtained compared to the previous (roughly similar climatically) season, while reducing the water consumption, improving the water efficiency and resulting in other cost savings in manpower, fertiliser and energy.
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- 2012
123. Impact of infield irrigation management by Botswana cabbage farmers on soil salinity
- Author
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Molatakgosi, Goitsemodimo and Hess, Tim M.
- Abstract
Some vegetable farmers in the semi- arid Botswana are struggling or closing down their enterprises citing the cost of irrigation and salty water as the problem. Irrigation with water from the salt-laden underground water is known to be the main sources of salts for arid and semi-arid agricultural land. Crops grown in saline environments show symptoms similar to those shown by drought-affected crops hence more irrigation is needed therefore increasing the irrigation cost. Research from other semi arid areas shows that water with high salinity levels can be used for irrigation without increasing soil salinity to values beyond critical levels. A lot of studies have been done which show that the impacts of saline irrigation water depend on the irrigation management. This study therefore aims at recommending infield irrigation management practices to be used by cabbage farmers in Botswana without increase in soil salinity to levels that will affect crop yield. A survey was conducted to identify the infield irrigation management practices presently used by cabbage farmers in Botswana. Rootzone salinity trend due to the identified infield irrigation management was simulated for 20 years using WaSim simulation model. Recommendations on irrigation management practices were made for those soil salinity trends that reached critical levels. It was realised that there are no common infield irrigation management used by farmers. The way farmers manage infield irrigation could not be identified with the factors involved in irrigation scheduling. Infield irrigation management by the farmers contribute to the soil salinity increase in their fields and some of the farmers are already using saline soils. Most farmers are not aware of the saline conditions they are farming on and those who know do not know about the soil salinity measures. The study recommends a need to educate farmers on irrigation under saline environments and also a need for farmers to include soil salinity control in their irrigation planning.
- Published
- 2006
124. Development and application of runoff model for ater harvesting in North East Nigeria
- Author
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Audu, Idriss and Hess, Tim M.
- Abstract
Rainfall in the northeast arid zone of Nigeria is limited and has been found to be declining over the last three decades (Hess et al., 1995). This problem of inadequate rainfall is further exacerbated by runoff especially on the degraded lands (fako). Such runoff-prone lands are potential areas for water harvesting. In dry years, harvested runoff water can considerably improve the environmental conditions for plant growth and can make the difference between death and survival. However, water conservation techniques will only show a benefit if the soil is able to hold the extra water within the root zone of the crops. A clear understanding of soil properties and moisture variations on these lands should provide the baseline information needed for applied soil and water management research. Aerial photographs and photo mosaics were used to identify several fako lands out of which three sites were selected for detailed study. The three sites were located at Jawa (12° 48.71’ N, 11° 02.21* E), Zurkaya (12° 49.15’ N, 11° 05.52’ E) and along Dumburi road (12° 54.31!N, 11° 07.49!E). The fako lands have compacted loamy and clay loamy soils with low infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity. Dry bulk density values range between 1.34 gem¯³ to 1.61 gem¯³ and saturated hydraulic conductivity obtained were between 1 mm/h and 6 mm/h. Water retention characteristic curves revealed that the fako soils have good water holding capacity. Slopes are generally gentle and range from 0.1% to about 1%. Volume of water harvested depends on the runoff yield of an area. Models can be used to estimate runoff on the fako lands. The model to be used will depend upon the available information, the required accuracy and the resolution of the output and the time resources that can be directed at the modelling exercise. As the rainfall data available for the area is in daily time step, a model that can use daily rainfall as input to estimate runoff is required. In order to develop such a model, accurate rainfall-runoff records for several years should be obtained. High-resolution rainfall data for 13 site-years were collected between 1992 and 1994. The EUROSEM model (Morgan et al., 1992) was applied to simulate the rainfall events and partition them into overland flow and infiltrated water. The model was however calibrated and validated before being used for the simulations. For the calibration and validation, a rainfall simulator (USDA, 1972) was constructed and 32 rainfall-runoff events at intensities of between 25 mmh¯¹ and 169 mmh¯¹ were artificially generated on the three sites. A graph of measured versus simulated runoff events showed good agreements in both calibration and validation. Coefficients of determination and efficiency were 0.82 each in calibration and 0.83 and 0.74 in validation. Predicted runoff by the EUROSEM model was regressed against daily rainfall to obtain a linear regression model for predicting runoff from daily rainfall for the fako lands of north-east Nigeria. The model can be regarded as an integral expression of the physiographic and climatic characteristics that govern the relations between rainfall and runoff on the fako areas. Runoff coefficient and threshold value obtained for the area were 0.44 and 16 mm respectively. The linear model was compared to the curve number model and the runoff estimates by both models were similar. The developed linear model was combined with a water balance model, BALANCE (Hess, 1994) and applied to microcatchment water harvesting investigations. The BALANCE model was used to estimate the water balance components for the area. The Ritchie equation in the BALANCE model was calibrated and validated with field data. Measured versus predicted soil moisture plot gave R² values of 0.90 and 0.89 in calibration and validation respectively. Growth of neem tree (Azadirachta indica) on a typical fako land was simulated with different microcatchment sizes in three categories of years (dry, average and wet). Simulation results indicated that augmenting rainfall through runoff water harvesting technique could provide enough water to sustain growth and ensure rapid establishment of the neem tree seedlings. However, due to reduced dry spell some deep percolation may result during the peak of the rainy season (August - mid September) especially in wet years. A microcatchment size of 12m² (basin-runoff area ratio of 1: 2) was found to sustain year round survival of the tree and minimum drainage for all categories of years. Complementary to water harvesting in the conservation measure, effect of three soil cover treatments (bare, perforated polyethylene cover and solid polyethylene cover) on soil evaporation was investigated. As expected, the solid cover was found to have the most effect in reducing soil evaporation but this is not suitable in the current situation because it limits infiltration of rain and free air circulation. The perforated cover treatment is preferred as it can also significantly reduce soil evaporation and at the same time allow unrestricted infiltration of rain and free exchange of gases between the soil and atmosphere.
- Published
- 1999
125. How can we avoid eating ourselves out of water?
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Hess T
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
126. Quantifying the benefit of the Kinetic Crutch Tip.
- Author
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Rasouli F, Huizenga D, Hess T, Handzic I, and Reed KB
- Subjects
- Adult, Biomechanical Phenomena, Equipment Design, Female, Humans, Male, Walking physiology, Young Adult, Crutches, Rehabilitation instrumentation, Rehabilitation methods
- Abstract
This research focuses on the difference between the Kinetic Crutch Tip (KCT) and a Standard Rubber Tip. Additionally, the effect of KCT stiffness on the crutch gait cycle and the reaction forces were investigated. This study also examined the maximum backward angle that a crutch is able to move forward without any external forces as well as the ratio of positive to negative horizontal forces were considered. The results were obtained in two ways: one by having subjects walk on the crutches and another to reduce the variability of human walking by measuring the resulting motion only using weights attached to the crutch tip. The results of this measurement indicate an increase in maximum backward angle for Kinetic Crutch Tips. This increase in the rotation angle shows an improvement in forward motion of the crutch.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
127. The ecological research needs of business.
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Armsworth PR, Armsworth AN, Compton N, Cottle P, Davies I, Emmett BA, Fandrich V, Foote M, Gaston KJ, Gardiner P, Hess T, Hopkins J, Horsley N, Leaver N, Maynard T, and Shannon D
- Abstract
Businesses have an unrivalled ability to mobilize human, physical and financial capital, often manage large land holdings, and draw on resources and supply products that impact a wide array of ecosystems. Businesses therefore have the potential to make a substantial contribution to arresting declines in biodiversity and ecosystem services. To realize this potential, businesses require support from researchers in applied ecology to inform how they measure and manage their impacts on, and opportunities presented to them by, biodiversity and ecosystem services.We reviewed papers in leading applied ecology journals to assess the research contribution from existing collaborations involving businesses. We reviewed applications to, and grants funded by, the UK's Natural Environment Research Council for evidence of public investment in such collaborations. To scope opportunities for expanding collaborations with businesses, we conducted workshops with three sectors (mining and quarrying, insurance and manufacturing) in which participants identified exemplar ecological research questions of interest to their sector.Ten to fifteen per cent of primary research papers in Journal of Applied Ecology and Ecological Applications evidenced business involvement, mostly focusing on traditional rural industries (farming, fisheries and forestry). The review of UK research council funding found that 35% of applications mentioned business engagement, while only 1% of awarded grants met stricter criteria of direct business involvement.Some questions identified in the workshops aim to reduce costs from businesses' impacts on the environment and others to allow businesses to exploit new opportunities. Some questions are designed to inform long-term planning undertaken by businesses, but others would have more immediate commercial applications. Finally, some research questions are designed to streamline and make more effective those environmental policies that affect businesses.Business participants were forward-looking regarding ecological questions and research. For example, representatives from mining and quarrying companies emphasized the need to move beyond biodiversity to consider how ecosystems function, while those from the insurance sector stressed the importance of ecology researchers entering into new types of interdisciplinary collaboration.Synthesis and applications. Businesses from a variety of sectors demonstrated a clear interest in managing their impacts on, and exploiting opportunities created by, ecosystem services and biodiversity. To achieve this, businesses are asking diverse ecological research questions, but publications in leading applied ecology journals and research council funding reveal limited evidence of direct engagement with businesses. This represents a missed opportunity for ecological research findings to see more widespread application.
- Published
- 2010
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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