The ExpeER call for Transnational Access (TA) proposals provides a unique opportunity for research teams and individuals to access some of Europe's major research infrastructures focused on ecosystem research. Each month, we will focus on one or two of these sites.

Focus on the Rothamsted experimental & observational site (UK)

Rothamsted facilities

The Rothamsted Long-term Experiments (LTEs) include sixteen field experiments. The Broadbalk Wheat Experiment and the Park Grass Continuous Hay Experiment are two of the most widely known. They were established in 1843 and 1856 respectively. Many of the Rothamsted LTEs were established to examine the effects of different manures and fertilisers on crop production, but have since become of increasing value for environmental and ecological research. In addition, the Rothamsted Sample Archive houses about 250 000 plant and soil samples and long-term data sets are kept in the Electronic Rothamsted Archive (eRA).

1. The Broadbalk Wheat experiment.
2. The Fosters Ley-arable experimental site.

• What are the new developments since the beginning of ExpeER?
"The Park Grass experiment has been identified as a Genomics Observatory because it is a site with a rich history of environmental/ecological data collection and a long-term commitment to future studies. Genomic observatories are being established to take the planet's 'biological pulse'. DNA sequences are becoming core components of Earth-monitoring systems, and data output is soaring from genomics and other observing technologies, but sequence data alone are of limited value without the context of time and location. The Park Grass soil metagenome from the untreated control plot 3d is now publically available here".

ExpeER TNA accepted projects

Two projects have been accepted so far:
- Carbon and water relations of grassland ecosystems at Park Grass. - more
- Linking soil organic carbon pools with measured fractions. - more
 

• How did the Rothamsted site get visitors?
"A link to the ExpeER website was included on the Rothamsted Long-term Experiments website soon after the ExpeER project began. In addition, the many visitors who visit Rothamsted each year have been made aware of the inclusion of the Rothamsted Long-term Experiments in the ExpeER Transnational Access work-package through formal presentations and site tours. The ExpeER project and logo have been included in presentations at international meetings and leaflets prepared by the ExpeER publicity officer have been made available at meeting in the UK and abroad."