Below are some of our recently updated projects. Visit the Publications Library for access to all of our research publications.

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Methane-reducing feed additives

In 2018, agriculture was responsible for 18% of Scotland’s total GHG emissions. More than half of this was attributed to methane, mostly from digestion of feed by cattle and sheep. This summary of a rapid evidence assessment examines feed additives developed to reduce these emissions.

Land use
Marginal abatement cost curve for Scottish agriculture

Updated estimates of the mitigation potential and the cost-effectiveness of four farm technologies and practices which can reduce GHG emissions in Scotland.

Land use
The potential for leguminous crops in Scotland

Assessing the potential production of grain and forage legumes, such as beans, peas, lucerne and clover, in Scotland. These crops can help fix atmospheric nitrogen, potentially reducing the need for synthetic fertiliser.

Land use
Perennial energy crops and their potential in Scotland: evidence review

This report examines the potential for a sustainable expansion of perennial bioenergy crop production on low-grade agricultural land or underutilised land, focusing on short rotation coppice, miscanthus and short rotation forestry.

Low carbon energy Land use
Topsoil organic matter comparison tool

CXC commissioned the James Hutton Institute to develop a free, easy-to-use tool for land managers to enable them to compare the measured organic matter and carbon content of their topsoil to typical values for Scotland.

Land use
Measuring the vulnerability of Scottish soils to a changing climate

This study identifies the indicators which could support the monitoring of Scotland's soil health and measure the vulnerability of Scottish soils to climate change in future.

Land use
Land Suitability for Woodland Expansion in Scotland: update 2020

This short study updates an earlier analysis of the available land area that might be suitable for planting new woodlands. It finds the amount has increased by 10% to an estimated 2.96 million hectares.

Land use
Establishing a manure/slurry exchange in Scotland

A feasibility study into whether manure/slurry exchanges could be an effective tool in helping cut greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Land use
Efficacy of nitrogen and urease inhibitors in Scotland - an evidence review

This evidence review considers the potential for nitrogen and urease inhibitors to support greenhouse gas emission reductions from fertiliser in Scotland.

Land use
Diversifying conifers in productive forests: stakeholders’ perspectives

This report considers the implications of a shift in forest management through the lens of species diversity.

Land use
Alternatives to horticultural peat in Scotland

A Rapid Evidence Assessment of the role of peat in UK growing media and the potential for alternatives.

Land use
Snow Cover and Climate Change in the Cairngorms National Park

Identifying trends for snow cover days in the Cairngorms National Park based historic temperature and precipitation data, observed snow cover days and climate projections.

Land use Resilient places