Dr Catriona Willoughby
Job title:
Academic qualifications:
- BSc (Hons), Environmental Geography, University of Stirling
- MSc Soils and Sustainability, University of Edinburgh
- PhD Plant and Soil Science: Designing Farming Systems Fit for the Future, University of Aberdeen
Role and responsibilities:
I conduct research projects at ORC, focusing on sustainable soil management. I have a particular focus on soil amendments, cropping sequences and finding innovations in nutrient delivery.
Research projects
Research interests:
My work focuses on sustainable soil management. I strive to bring a holistic approach to my research and am particularly interested in how we can use appropriate soil assessments to inform land management. I have worked extensively on alternative and innovative farming systems and am always looking to learn about novel methods of soil management. I have expertise in assessing agricultural soil health and nutrient management systems. All my work aims to help us achieve that delicate balance between fertile, productive soils and a thriving natural environment.
I recently joined ORC in April 2025 and will be involved in several exciting projects relating to agricultural land management. Feed the Soil delves into the field of nutrient reuse and delivery through exploring innovations and applications of compost production systems. GreenGrass aims to reduce the reliance of dairy systems on synthetic fertiliser through investigating the practical outcomes of amendment management, cropping sequences and novel technologies. The Living Mulches project addresses a key challenge to all types of farming systems: how best to manage living mulches without a need to rely on herbicides or extensive tillage.
Interests outside of ORC:
I enjoy spending time outdoors and do a lot of walking and birdwatching. On any given sunny day you are likely to find me up a hill or at the beach. I am very much a fair-weather participant in outdoor pursuits and if it’s even slightly cold or rainy, I prefer to be inside, knitting or gaming.