Ian Dodd

Professor Ian Dodd is a Professor of Sustainable Agriculture at Lancaster University's Lancaster Environment Centre, specializing in plant responses to drought stress and irrigation management. He serves as Director of Study for the Food Security (Distance Learning) MSc program and has published over 100 refereed journal papers focusing on improving crop water use efficiency.

• Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University
• Professor of Sustainable Agriculture
• Director of Study for Food Security MSc
• Handling editor for Journal of Experimental Botany and Plant and Soil

His research investigates fundamental mechanisms by which plant root systems communicate drought effects to shoots, aiming to improve 'crop per drop' in changing climates. He studies irrigation techniques including 'partial rootzone drying' and 'alternate wetting and drying,' soil amendments, and root physiology. His work has practical applications in the UK and internationally through projects funded by the Global Challenges Research Fund and European Union.

Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on plant hormone signaling under drought conditions, particularly abscisic acid (ABA) transport and interactions with other hormones. His research spans multiple crops including soybean, tomato, potato, and grapevines, with emphasis on root-shoot communication, irrigation management, and practical solutions for water conservation in agriculture.

Professor Dodd supervises 6 postgraduate research students working on topics including root physiology, rootzone CO₂ enrichment, and soil amendments. His laboratory regularly receives international visitors from countries including Spain, Italy, Turkey, and China.

He has secured significant research funding from diverse sources including the Global Challenges Research Fund (RECIRCULATE), European Union (SHUI, DROPS, ROOTOPOWER, SIRRIMED, WATBIO), Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, British Council Newton Fund, and Royal Society.

His laboratory investigates root physiology and phenotyping, with current projects examining rootzone CO₂ enrichment and various soil amendments including alternative liming agents, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, and surfactants. He collaborates extensively with international researchers on agricultural water management projects.