Boreal & Arctic Agriculture Research Network
Our network performs cutting-edge research into boreal agriculture, and has connections across the boreal region.
We are determined to provide data-based scientific research to assist and inform Farmers, Municipalities, and Governmental policymakers
Research topics
Northward shift of agriculture
Opportunities and challenges as arable land moves north.
Soil biology, health & carbon
Microbial function and carbon storage in boreal soils.
Soil fertility & management
Nutrient supply, amendments and cropping systems.
Soil hydrology & EMI
Water movement mapped with electromagnetic induction.
Articles
Viability of the North as an agricultural region; a local or a global story?
Read articleExpansion of agriculture in the North challenged by landscape heterogeneity
Read articleSources
News
Older news
Arctic Food and Energy Security at a Crossroads
Arctic food systems blend Traditional Ecological Knowledge with modern, often energy-intensive influences, triggered by colonization. Food systems’ future depends on alignment of tradition with innovation, facilitation of resilience and a heritage-driven interaction with the global economy – at a pace determined by local communities.
Unc, A., Abou Najm, M.R., Aspholm, P.E. et al. Arctic food and energy security at the crossroads. Commun Earth Environ 6, 121 (2025).
Read more →The former IUSS Cryosols working group has become the newest IUSS COMMISSION
The only Commission listed under two Divisions: Soils in Space and Time & Soil Use and Management — Prof. Adrian Unc
Soil carbon in the boreal region under climate and land use change
Combined, cold, high acidity, low availability of nitrogen and phosphorus, high water-table, and fungal-dominated populations shape the boreal forest system into one capable of storing vast amounts of carbon… — Jeremiah D. Vallotton • Prof. Adrian Unc
Socioecological dynamics of diverse global permafrost-agroecosystems underenvironmental change
Permafrost-agroecosystems include all cultivation and pastoral activities in areas underlain by permafrost. These systems support local livelihoods and food production and are rarely considered in global agricultural studies but may become more relevant as climate change is increasing opportunities for food production… — Prof. Adrian Unc