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Long term total phosphorus (P) concentration, inorganic P and / or organic P concentration in agricultural soils is not commonly measured. As a consequence, computer-based models, that have been developed to predict P responses to changing management practices, are typically tested against soil “agronomically available” P data (as measured by tests such as; Olsen-P, Morgan’s-P, Mehlich-3, etc.) and those that do test against total P are limited to a few agricultural experimental sites across the world. While there is some correlation with total soil P, the term “available P” is arguably a functional concept, influenced by a large number of biotic and abiotic factors, rather than a direct soil measurement. This highlights a developmental gap in P modelling which could help to further unlock our understanding of P biogeochemical cycling when used in conjunction with contemporary empirical P research. Investigating P cycling in agricultural systems using the computer-based model N14CP has demonstrated that the model can predict carbon and nitrogen cycling and crop yields well for systems receiving abundant fertiliser. However, in systems where there is no P applied, predicted yield responses are greatly underestimated, with “missing” P input concentrations equivalent to annual fertiliser application rates. To date, the testing of N14CP has not included the P pools due to a lack of soil total P and/or soil organic P data from long-term field trials. Using recent total, organic and inorganic phosphate concentrations in the topsoil and yield data from two contrasting long-term field trial sites in the UK and the USA, this research will test P outputs and modelled yields from N14CP. It is hypothesised that the model will underestimate soil P concentrations, and crop yield, in the absence of P fertiliser inputs. This study will then apply changes to the mode model inputs, outputs and control processes to investigate whether these are sufficient to supply the crops and soil with the “missing” P. Understanding this source of “missing” P in N14CP will not only be useful for developing our understanding of P processes in computer-based models but could also further understanding of P processes linked to P draw-down in agricultural systems that have a history of high legacy P concentrations.

Buffer strips continue to feature in the management of agricultural runoff and water pollution in many countries. Existing research has explored their efficacy for reducing environmental problems in different geoclimatic settings but, the evidence on the efficacy of different vegetation treatments is less abundant than that for other buffer strip characteristics, including width, and is more contradictory in nature. With policy targets for various environmental outcomes including water or air quality and net zero pointing to the need for conversion of agricultural land, the need for robust experimental evidence on the relative benefits of different vegetation types in buffer strips is now renewed. Our experiment used a replicated plot scale facility to compare the efficacy of 12 m wide buffer strips for controlling runoff and suspended sediment loss during 30 sampled storms spanning 2017-2020. The buffer strips comprised three vegetation treatments; a deep rooting grass ( Festulolium cv. Prior), a short rotation coppice willow and native broadleaved woodland trees. Over the duration of the monitoring period, reductions in total runoff, compared with the experimental control, were in the order: willow buffer strips (49%); deciduous woodland buffer strips (46%); grass buffer strips (33%). The corresponding reductions in suspended sediment loss, relative to the experimental control, were ordered: willow buffer strips (44%) > deciduous woodland buffer strips (30%) > grass buffer strips (29%). Given the three-year duration of our new dataset, our results should be seen as providing evidence on the impacts during the establishment phase of the of the treatments.

Methane (CH4) has a global warming potential (GWP) 28-times that of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year horizon. Riparian buffers strips are widely implemented for their water quality protection functions along agricultural land, but conditions prevailing within them may increase the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including CH4. However, only small amount of information is available regarding the dynamics of unintended emissions of soil CH4 in these commonplace features of agroecosystems and how the dynamics compare to those for agricultural land not containing buffer strips. To understand the dynamics of soil CH4 fluxes from a permanent upslope pasture and contiguous riparian buffer strips with different (grass, willow, and woodland) vegetation as well as controls with no buffer vegetation, field measurements were carried out using the static chamber technique on a replicated plot-scale facility. Gas fluxes were measured periodically with soil and environmental variables between June 2018 and February 2019 at Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, United Kingdom. Soils under all treatments were sinks of soil CH4 with the willow riparian buffer (-2555 ± 318.7 g CH4 ha-1) having the lowest soil CH4 flux followed by the grass riparian buffer (-2532 ± 318.7 g CH4 ha-1), woodland riparian buffer (-2318.0 ± 246.4 g CH4 ha-1), no-buffer control (-1938.0 ± 374.4 g CH4 ha-1), and lastly, the upslope pasture (-1328.0 ± 89.0 g CH4 ha-1) which had a higher flux. The three vegetated riparian buffers were more substantial soil CH4 sinks, suggesting that they may help reduce soil CH4 fluxes into the atmosphere in similar agroecosystems.

The association of microorganisms and soil nutrient cycles has been observed for over 200 years, and their importance in the soil phosphorus (P) cycle is well documented. In-soil trophic interactions between bacteria and bacterivorous nematodes have been implicated in increased plant access to soil organic P (Po).However, the existing data remains inconclusive and lacks detail and predictability. This work aimed to (1) assess the impact of nematodes as an additional trophic-level on Po use by plants in arable systems and (2) further understand the mechanisms of in-soil trophic interactions in improving plant acquisition of Po. To address these aims criteria based meta-analysis, glasshouse plant growth trials, in vitro and soil, and long term experimental (LTE) platforms were used. Results led to the conclusion that nematodes did not improve plant acquisition of Po per se. Time, soil P concentration and soil biological community composition had significant impacts on plant response. Although these factors were identified in two contrasting studies, their impacts on plant responses were stochastic. Complexity, which describes the average number of trophic links per species, framed an understanding of these data where they evaded predictability, specifically when considering the temporal nature of these relationships. For example, data from the meta-analysis and the plant growth trials demonstrated it was not simply the additive effect of the number of species or the addition of a specific species which resulted in predictable plant P responses. Nematode community analysis from the LTE’s yielded characteristics indicative of stability in the biotic component of systems previously considered disturbed (arable). This exposed the question of the nature of disturbance (whether natural or anthropogenic). Additionally, it highlighted the importance of which successional time-point was being studied and the impact this has on the data captured. Data collected from this long-term experiment, plant growth trials and the meta-analysis highlights the importance of the temporal resolution, and the time-point at which we are observing these dynamic systems. It is argued that in-conclusive or negative results could represent true details of these systems, where they represent points of transition between stable and/or predictable states and a usual characteristic of the complex system. Therefore, inconclusive data should not be omitted from the research library, exclusion of such data could lead to incomplete observations and incorrect assumptions. Better practices should be designed and implemented to ensure publication bias is not a barrier to our understanding of these systems.

Phosphorus (P) is critical to our food production systems with many crop systems dependent on continual inputs to meet yield demands. However, a consequence of the widespread application of P to agricultural soils in the past 60 years has led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of P fertiliser supply and to P being transferred from soil systems to watercourses, causing diffuse pollution. This highlights the multi-scaled and interdisciplinary nature of the past, present and future of P management. The aim of this research is to define a starting framework to consider the best ways to develop a model that addresses the contemporary understanding of P processes, integrating the needs of the crop, with biogeochemical and hydrological modelling considerations, going beyond P transfer to the role of P in both food and water challenges. So, this review explores some of the current P models and the future opportunities for expanding their representation of P processes in agricultural systems. This goes beyond nesting existing models and reshapes approaches to posing research and modelling questions to achieve P models that cross disciplinary boundaries and have meaning and usability in practice. As part of this contribution, we welcome modellers and P scientists to come forward and help drive this complex issue of P in agriculture.

We have used an integrated approach to study the mobility of inorganic phosphorus (P) from soil solid phase as well as the microbial biomass P and respiration at increasing doses of citric and oxalic acid in two different soils with contrasting agronomic P status. Citric or oxalic acids significantly increased soil solution P concentrations for doses over 2 mmol kg

PurposeThe Light Night initiative currently under development in the UK offers an innovative approach to revitalising town and city centres by involving residents and visitors through culture and the arts. This initiative is based on the successful Nuit Blanche (White Night) culture‐led urban revitalisation model tested in cities like Brussels, Madrid, Montreal, Rome, São Paulo, Skopje and Toronto, where the Nuit Blanche programme alone resulted in an estimated $4.9 million economic impact on the city and attracted 800,000 people (Toronto). This paper aims to review elements of good practice internationally in the implementation of this concept and suggest a way forward for its realisation in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis case study builds on the 24‐hour city concept and provides a practical example of how culture‐led urban revitalisation through the Light Night programme can be implemented in Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham and Sheffield based on successful international experiences.FindingsEvidence gathered through a review of the literature provided in this case study would suggest that community involvement through creative culture‐led urban revitalisation initiatives can be instrumental in developing sustainable places and communities. Furthermore, it may provide a pathway towards overcoming some of the negative perceptions associated with the night‐time economy in many British town and city centres. The Light Night programme provides an opportunity for key social stakeholders to implement this through its focus on shared culture, history and identity.Originality/valueThis paper reviews the evolution of the European Nuit Blanche initiative using a case study approach, and its interpretation in the UK through the Light Night programme. It further explores the economic, cultural and social benefits of Light Nights and Nuit Blanche on community cohesion, tourism and regeneration. This paper is of value to practitioners and policy‐makers in place marketing, town centre management, local authority economic development officers, business managers, urban regeneration consultants, academics, tourism officers, community leaders and town centre residents.

The mobility and resupply of inorganic phosphorus (P) from the solid phase were studied in 32 soils from the UK. The combined use of diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), diffusive equilibration in thin films (DET) and the "DGT-induced fluxes in sediments" model (DIFS) were adapted to explore the basic principles of solid-to-solution P desorption kinetics in previously unattainable detail. On average across soil types, the response time (Tc) was 3.6 h, the desorption rate constant (k-1) was 0.0046 h(-1), and the desorption rate was 4.71 nmol l(-1) s(-1). While the relative DGT-induced inorganic P flux responses in the first hour is mainly a function of soil water retention and % Corg, at longer times it is a function of the P resupply from the soil solid phase. Desorption rates and resupply from solid phase were fundamentally influenced by P status as reflected by their high correlation with P concentration in FeO strips, Olsen, NaOH-EDTA and water extracts. Soil pH and particle size distribution showed no significant correlation with the evaluated mobility and resupply parameters. The DGT and DET techniques, along with the DIFS model, were considered accurate and practical tools for studying parameters related to soil P desorption kinetics.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of geographical indications (GIs) with real property valuation and management.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers existing and developing legal frameworks and current guidance with practical examples to support points made.FindingsGIs have been overlooked to date in valuation guidance yet have a relevance that needs to be addressed. They are also relevant to practice and theory in other areas, for example compulsory purchase and planning.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identifies issues and problems: it does not suggest complete solutions, which in particular areas will need to be based on further research.Practical implicationsThe paper has a high degree of practical relevance.Originality/valueThe paper is believed to be the first to consider the implications of GIs on real property valuation and management. The research identifies a gap in present valuation guidance and the potential for inconsistency in approach. The paper highlights the importance and relevance of GIs.

Purpose – To provide a critical appraisal of the UK Government's proposals for the introduction of business improvement districts (BIDs) into England considering statute and case law against the proposed regulations, while drawing on the experience of BID models in North America.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses the proposed regulations against the existing statute and common law position in England.Findings – The regulations will not levy all hereditaments as stated. The voting and taxation provisions are not defined and transparent in connection with those paying less than full rates. Implications of the House of Lords decision in Edison appear to have been overlooked in the drafting.Research limitations/implications – The paper is specific to the Draft Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004. The paper identifies key issues for those involved in the local economy and property management in England. It is relevant across jurisdictions to those considering proposals for t...