The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences

Overview

Agricultural sustainability is moving from a niche subject to a mainstream concern as more attention falls on the requirement to feed a growing population with diminishing natural resources. For livestock farmers, the emphasis is not only on increasing reliance on home-grown forage, but by doing so whilst using resources more efficiently and with minimal environmental impact.

This is the subject of research being carried out at The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS). IBERS is an internationally recognised research and teaching centre providing a unique base for research in response to global challenges such as food security, bioenergy and sustainability, and the impacts of climate change. IBERS scientists conduct basic, strategic and applied research from genes and molecules to organisms and the environment.

Clovers - both red and white - have a pivotal role to play, and this role becomes more significant each year due to improvements in their capabilities, and recognition of wider attributes such as in building soil structure and fertility.

IBERS is also carrying out resarch into the breeding of grasses as sources of biofuel.

http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/8378232.stm

Wales: Cultural Ecology Map 1
updated 07/2014 by Resilience Wales