The world's oldest agricultural field experiments are now a click away, offering scientists a unique window into the past to solve the future of farming.
Access Data NowImagine running a scientific experiment that outlives not only you, but several generations of scientists after you. This is the reality at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, UK, home to the oldest continuing agricultural field experiments in the world 1 3 6 .
Since 1843, these meticulously maintained plots have yielded an unprecedented chronicle of how soil, crops, and climate interact over centuries. Today, the guardians of this priceless resource are undertaking a monumental task: digitizing and uploading this vast archive onto the internet. The electronic Rothamsted Archive, or e-RA, allows anyone, anywhere, to download this unique historical record and use it to tackle some of today's most pressing challenges, from food security to climate change 1 3 6 .
Wealthy landowner and entrepreneur who established Rothamsted Experimental Station in 1843 and initiated the long-term experiments.
Chemist who partnered with Lawes to design and conduct the foundational experiments that would span centuries.
The story begins with two visionary Victorians: Sir John Lawes, a wealthy landowner and entrepreneur, and Sir Henry Gilbert, a chemist. In 1843, they began a series of field experiments with a simple yet profound goal: to understand the effects of different fertilizers and manures on crop production 6 . This partnership marked the birth of Rothamsted Experimental Station, now known as Rothamsted Research.
Lawes and Gilbert were pioneers of long-term thinking. They possessed the remarkable foresight to archive samples of every crop, soil, and fertilizer used in their experiments. They understood that future scientists, armed with new analytical techniques, could extract information they couldn't even imagine. This collection now forms the Rothamsted Sample Archive, a physical library of over 300,000 samples that continues to provide new insights 1 6 .
Their handwritten records of yields, weather, and management practices were just as meticulous, creating a paper trail of data that has become the foundation of the modern e-RA 6 .
The electronic Rothamsted Archive (e-RA) is the digital heartbeat of this long-term project. Launched as a public resource in 2013, its mission is to transform fragile paper ledgers and historical records into a permanent, accessible, and secure database for the global scientific community 3 6 . It is more than just a data dump; it is a curated resource designed for discovery.
The platform is structured to help users navigate its deep history with ease:
The e-RA ensures the continuity of data collection that spans centuries:
The e-RA team has made data access straightforward through two main pathways, designed to cater to both the curious browser and the dedicated researcher .
These are curated datasets, complete with metadata and supporting documentation, ready for immediate download. No registration is required, making them perfect for students, educators, and initial research. They are free to use under a CC-BY-4.0 license, requiring only that users cite the source 3 .
For those needing more granular data, such as daily weather readings or original digitized data not yet in the OADs, e-RAdata is a password-protected database. It requires a simple registration form, and the e-RA curators provide login details, often within five working days. This system also allows the curators to offer tailored support for complex research questions 3 .
| Feature | Open Access Datasets (OADs) | e-RAdata Database |
|---|---|---|
| Data Type | Curated summary and complete datasets with metadata | Original, detailed data (e.g., daily weather, all plot years) |
| Ease of Access | Instant download, no login required | Registration required; password provided by curators |
| Best For | Teaching, initial exploration, straightforward analysis | In-depth research, modeling, custom data queries |
| Support | Limited documentation provided | Personalized support from e-RA curators available |
To truly appreciate the value of the Rothamsted Repository, one must look at a specific experiment. The Broadbalk Winter Wheat Experiment is the crown jewel of Rothamsted. Established in 1843, it has run for so long that its plots have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)—a protected area for its scientific value.
The basic design of Broadbalk is elegantly simple but powerful. A large field was divided into parallel strips, or "plots." Each plot receives a specific, unvarying fertilizer or manure treatment every year 6 . This creates a perfect living laboratory to observe the long-term effects of these treatments.
The step-by-step procedure, maintained for over 180 years, is as follows:
The data flowing from Broadbalk have fundamentally shaped modern agriculture. One of the most powerful ways to see this is through the lens of wheat yield.
| Treatment | Average Yield (tonnes per hectare) | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| No fertilizer | 1.5 - 2.5 | Baseline soil fertility is very low after centuries of cropping. |
| PK (No Nitrogen) | 2.0 - 3.0 | Phosphorus and Potassium alone cannot boost yields significantly. |
| Nitrogen only | 4.0 - 6.0 | Nitrogen is the primary driver of yield, but deficiencies in other nutrients limit potential. |
| Full NPK | 8.0 - 10.0 | Balanced mineral nutrition delivers high, modern yield levels. |
| Farmyard Manure | 8.5 - 10.5 | Organic matter is as effective as NPK for yield and better for soil carbon. |
Simulated data based on Broadbalk experiment trends
The Rothamsted repository offers more than just raw data. It provides a suite of powerful, research-tested tools and resources that scientists can download and use.
| Tool Name | Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| RothC Model 4 | Software Model | Models the turnover of organic carbon in non-waterlogged soils over decades or centuries, crucial for climate change research. |
| SPACSYS Model 4 | Software Model | A comprehensive model simulating carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, water, and heat dynamics in soil-plant systems. |
| RothLime App 4 | Application | A practical tool for farmers and agronomists to calculate how much lime is needed to raise soil pH to optimal levels in the UK. |
| Sample Archive 1 | Physical Repository | A collection of over 300,000 physical samples (soil, grain, manure) for retrospective analysis using new techniques. |
| Meteorological Data 3 | Dataset | A continuous, long-term record of daily weather (rainfall, temperature, sunshine) essential for modeling and climate studies. |
Predict soil carbon changes under different climate and management scenarios.
Access continuous daily weather records from 1853 to present.
Request access to physical samples for new analytical techniques.
The Rothamsted Long-Term Experiments are not a relic of the past; they are a critical tool for building a sustainable future. In a world grappling with climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity, the long-term perspective provided by this repository is more valuable than ever.
Researchers use this data to predict how crops will respond to a changing climate, to develop farming systems that lock carbon into the soil, and to understand the complex ecosystem of the soil itself 6 .
The act of "downloading the Rothamsted Repository" is, in essence, an act of time travel. It connects today's innovators with the wisdom and diligence of past scientists, providing a dataset of unparalleled length and quality.
Visit e-RA PortalFor those inspired to explore, the journey begins at www.era.rothamsted.ac.uk 3 .