Zoom into Soil: Using Long-Term Experiments

In this webinar, hear from Prof. John Quinton and Dr. Robin Walker as they discuss long-term ecological field experiments (LTEs) and their use by soil scientists.

This webinar is organised in partnership with BSSS Corporate Member, the Ecological Continuity Trust (ECT) and you will hear more about their work from their Executive Director, Ben Sykes.

Professor John Quinton is an internationally recognised soil scientist with over 35 years of experience in soil sustainability, soil degradation, pedology, carbon sequestration, soil monitoring and restoration. His leadership spans academic governance, journal founding, REF panel service, charity chairmanship, industry collaboration, and national policy engagement. He brings extensive experience in building research communities, mentoring the next generation of soil scientists, and translating soil science into policy and practice. He was recently elected as the next BSSS President-Elect and will take up this new role in January 2027.

Dr. Robin Walker is a Senior Lecturer at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). Robin is a researcher and lecturer with over 30 years experience in crop and soil systems research, teaching and KE delivery. His research focuses on systems based approaches, primarily involving low input cropping systems and how these can be managed more efficiently in terms of the balance between production, economics and environmental factors. He is also interested in how to optimise the integration of crops, grassland and livestock, as well as aspects linked to a closed circle economy.

Ben Sykes is the Executive Director of the Ecological Continuity Trust (ECT). Ben is a biologist by training, also with a Masters in science communication. He spent 22 years working with the UK Research Councils (BBSRC), including six years as Executive Director of the UK National Stem Cell Network (UKNSCN).