NTU researchers are reimagining how we farm and produce our food. We are developing innovative ways to use resources more wisely, to mitigate climate change through low carbon strategies. We are finding ways to conserve biodiversity and protect our precious peatlands. We have developed circular economy strategies that prevent waste and minimise pollution. We are part of building a more sustainable and promising future for generations to come.
Access our world-leading expertise in our School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Science to help your business identify innovative and more efficient ways of working, to create a greener and more sustainable future together.
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Interested to see how we can help you with your sustainability project?
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Tailored support for your business
Sustainable food production for primary producers
Reducing environmental impact in food production requires accurate information on nutrient flow. By measuring the mineral content of both usable product and waste streams, businesses can identify where high value minerals are being lost into waste streams to eventually become environmental pollutants. Our established service includes:
- Assessment of the efficiency of individual mineral use in food production. We can test samples of soil, horticultural crops, manure and animal feed samples using a specialist analyser to quantify levels of key minerals.
- Recommendations on how improvements can be made, contextualising findings within the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Examination of both full food supply chains and single elements
- Our written reports can be used by businesses to develop their brand and products to meet the demands for low environmental impact food.
- Scientifically proven data that can evidence your Net Zero marketing messages on areas such as assessing nutrient flow and resource utilisation efficiency within food production systems.
Optimising crop production in vertical farming using AI-driven technologies
AI-driven and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies in vertical farming can significantly reduce the climate impact of agriculture, especially when powered by renewable energy sources. Using much less land than traditional farming, vertical farming can frees up land for other crops and can be integrated into densely populated urban areas, reducing the need for long-distance transport and minimising carbon emissions.
NTU world-class researchers in vertical farming, IoT and AI-driven technologies offer solutions for vertical farming and agricultural businesses. Our solutions include:
- Bespoke ‘AI-driven recipes’ for individual crops that tailored to optimise crop production and quality through advanced AI, IoT, precision control, phenotyping, and big data. Efficient crop management, with AI algorithms predicting growth, identifying inconsistencies, and optimising light spectra to boost yield while reducing waste.
- Scientific consultancy services in the use and set up of precision control systems - helping bring your farm vision to life.
Sustainable management of peatland
UK peatlands have been damaged by a range of human activities over the past few centuries. Our specialists are working with clients including Moors for the Future Partnership, the National Trust, Natural England, and water companies to understand the potential impact of land management and restoration interventions on biodiversity, hydrology and resultant water quality in these priority habitats.
Research focuses on practical measures to preserve and maintain these vital peatlands. We also develop and test alternatives to peat as a substrate for horticultural use.
NTU offers consultancy to survey and assess the extent and condition of peatlands and other sensitive habitats. Combining ground surveys with non-intrusive geospatial technologies, our peatland and environmental surveys offer:
- Vegetation mapping and monitoring
- Hydrological monitoring
- Water quality assessment
- Bare peat mapping
- Topographical mapping services
Our experts in action
Discover how Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé is championing innovation in sustainable agriculture through the expertise and dedication of our researchers. From helping food producers reduce environmental impact and boost economic resilience to advancing the future of indoor and vertical farming, NTU’s work is creating real change.
Drawing on cross-departmental knowledge and cutting-edge facilities, our researchers tackle complex challenges, like transforming fava beans into sustainable chicken feed to support net-zero goals and refining controlled environments for efficient crop growth close to urban centres, these stories reflect NTU’s commitment to collaborative, impactful solutions for a more sustainable agricultural future.
Industry leading expertise
Our consultancy services give you access to cutting-edge research in energy and renewables. Collaborate with our team of specialists, including:
Professor Emily Burton
Sustainable food production | Food Science & Production
Emily leads NTU’s poultry nutrition research team, promoting sustainable food production through animal nutrition, Her research optimises industrial co-products for poultry diets, explores bone development, and aims to reduce the environmental impact of poultry production.
- Animal nutrition
- Sustainable food production
- Optimisation of nutritional value in industrial co-products for use in animal diets
- Poultry production
- Anti-nutritional factors in plant materials
Dr Ben Clutterbuck
Land Management | Environmental Science & Geomatics
Ben is a Senior Lecturer at NTU, focusing on mapping and monitoring of landscapes. His research applies geomatics to assess land management changes and the impacts of restoration, particularly in peatland ecosystems.
- Historical reconstruction of landscapes
- Habitat condition and bare peat assessment
- Hydrological monitoring
- Remote sensing and geomatics for mapping vegetation
Professor Chungui Lu
Sustainable Agriculture | Plant Genomics & Vertical Farming
Chungui leads NTU’s Sustainable Agriculture Research Group, focusing on sustainable agriculture through plant genomics and urban agriculture. His research advances resource use efficiency, vertical farming, and innovative precision agriculture with SMART technologies, promoting sustainable food production.
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- Plant genomics and molecular biology
- Vertical farming and urban agriculture
- LED lighting for plant growth and food quality
- Nutrient-use efficiency and SMART agriculture technologies (AI, IoT, 3D phenotyping)
- Biostimulants for plant resilience to stress
Dr. Gadelhag Mohmed
AI-Driven Agriculture | IoT for Smart Farming Solutions | Data Science for Crop Optimisation
Dr. Gadelhag Mohmed is a Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé, contributing to the AI-Driven Agriculture and Computational Intelligence research groups, his research focuses on harnessing AI, IoT (internet of Things), and Big Data in Agri-Intelligence Systems to enhance crop productivity, predict growth trends, and optimise farming practices.
Areas of Expertise:
- AI, IoT, and Computational Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture
- AI for Optimising LED Light Conditions to Enhance Plant Growth and Food Quality
- IoT, AI, and 3D Phenotyping for Nutrient-Use Efficiency
- Smart Agricultural Solutions for Precision Farming
- Agri-Intelligence Systems Supporting Food Security
Success stories: accelerating progress
2 Sisters Food Group: Reducing Livestock-Related Emissions with NTU
As part of our net zero programme, we worked with NTU School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences to understand the potential to reduce livestock related emissions through alternative feed formulations.
Experts at NTU supported us throughout with trial planning and co-ordination, in addition to delivery of the trial and subsequent report. This has provided some exciting data which will help us on our journey towards net zero.
Rachel Hackett, Group Sustainability Director, 2 Sisters Food Group
Explore our specialist research centres
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
The group focuses on teaching modern production methods and management of plant crop, agronomy and post-harvest issues. We also specialise in delivering the knowledge and skills needed to implement safe practices in the production of food.
Poultry Research
The Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈé (NTU) School of Animal Rural and Environmental Sciences contains a highly integrated group of leading academics in the fields of animal nutrition and environmentally sustainable management of land and water