Scientists reveal why they have been watching grass grow for 170 years

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Scientists reveal why they have been watching grass grow for 170 years.

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Scientists in Hertfordshire have revealed why they have been watching grass grow for 170 years.The Park Grass Experiment, situated in a field close to Harpenden, holds the distinction of being the oldest experiment on permanent grassland anywhere in the world.It was established during Queen Victoria's reign by Rothamsted Research's founders, Sir John Bennet Lawes and Joseph Henry Gilbert, who set out to investigate the effects of fertilisers and manure on hay yields.The site spans just under three hectares, split into multiple plots subjected to varying treatments, enabling researchers to assess how different nutrients influence grass growth, soil composition and species diversity.

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TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Soil scientist Andy Gregory, who helps oversee Rothamsted's long-running experiments, regards his role as custodian of Park Grass as "an incredible privilege".He said: "I do pinch myself really that I'm in this position.

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