Bayesian material flow analysis for systems with multiple levels of disaggregation and high dimensional data.

Material flow analysis (MFA) is used to quantify and understand the life cycles of materials from production to end of use, which enables environmental, social, and economic impacts and interventions. MFA is challenging as available data are often limited and uncertain, leading to an under-determined system with an infinite number of possible stocks and flows values. Bayesian statistics is an effective way to address these challenges by principally incorporating domain knowledge, quantifying uncertainty in the data, and providing probabilities associated with model solutions.

A spatial analysis of lime resources and their potential for improving soil magnesium concentrations and pH in grassland areas of England and Wales.

Magnesium (Mg) is essential for animal health. Low Mg status (hypomagnesaemia) can be potentially fatal in ruminants, like cattle and sheep, and is widespread in Europe with economic impacts on farming. The application of Mg-rich agricultural lime products can help to ensure pasture forage consumed by animals contains sufficient Mg and, in areas of low pH, has the dual benefit of reducing soil acidity to levels best suited for grass production.