Johnstown Castle Research Centre
Welcome
Johnstown Castle Environment Research Centre is located in the south-east of Ireland and is the Teagasc centre providing agri-environment research information. There are many facets to the programme which is set against the background ot the soils, topography and climate of Ireland. Research involves, for example the loss of carbon and nutrients from soil by liquid and gaseous pathways, the interactions between farm nutrients and the environment, the effect of agriculture on floral and faunal biodiversity to name but a few. In addition Johnstown Castle is the home of the Teagasc Analytical Services Laboratory for soil, herbage, water and general agricultural materials. It has a proven record for more than 40 years as a major research centre of international status. Johnstown Castleis also the national research centre for organic farming in Ireland.
The research programme at Johnstown Castle focuses on research strategies to reduce pollution from agriculture by improving nutrient efficiency. Projects involve improving efficency of nitrogen use in agricultural systems, minimising phosphorus and nitrogen losses from agriculture to water and/or air, managing soils using GIS (geographical information systems) and establishing a database on heavy metal and micropollutant levels in soil and developing agricultural practices that promote farmland wildlife and habitats.
Johnstown Castle employes over 90 highly qualified and trained staff. Expertise embraces soil and plant sciences, agronomy, agricultural ecology, analytical, organic and inorganic chemistry, statistics, computer sciences and organic farming.
Johnstown Castle has a range of impressive facilities. 250 hectares of the estate are devoted to measuring the environmental impact of dairy and beef production systems. Resources include fully equipped research and service laboratories which deal with all major and trace elements, an experimental series of lysimeters which have 45 individual soil columns representing the major Irish soil types, a mini-catchment where water movement and balances are measured, growth chambers, glasshouses and land resources for the design and conduct of small plot to large scale field experiments.
Johnstown Castle Gardens
Located three miles south west of Wexford town, Johnstown Castle estate is set on 400 hectares and includes ornamental grounds with a 19th century walled garden, three lakes and extensive woodlands. The centrepiece is an imposing well-maintained castle with accomodation for conferences and visiting scientists. More
Johnstown Castle Campus Partners
Johnstown Castle participates in international and national networks through funded programmes.
Scientists are currently working with partners from Europe, United States and Africa on a range of projects;
Lough Melvin Programme
The International Fertiliser Society
European Environment Agency (EEA)
Environment Agency UK
IGER - Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research -UK
Institute of Arable Crops Research – UK
Nationally, scientists are working with a range of partners including, amongst others, University Colleges in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland, ENFO -The Environmental Information Service, The Fertilizer Association of Ireland and Coillte (The Irish Forestry Board).
