Optimization and reflexivity in interdisciplinary agri-environmental scholarship

Introduction The Chesapeake Bay and Upper Bann watersheds in the United States Northern Ireland, respectively, exemplify how agricultural systems contribute to groundwater surface water pollution, which leads turn quality issues downstream bodies. Interdisciplinary research, public outreach, stakeholder engagement have received increased attention consideration as pragmatic approaches for addressing these types of complex agri-environmental dilemmas. However, such are far from guaranteed improve quality, political-economic constraints, power asymmetries, cultural differences, divergent incentives, research gaps, personality differences all complicate process, this can ultimately impact efforts. Methods We present a holistic approach challenges watershed management efforts by integrating methodological strategies optimization reflexivity. Our use approaches, widely recognized respective successful practices quantitative qualitative is novel that it focuses directly on researchers themselves they discuss, evaluate, develop potential solutions More specifically, our explored via Functional Land Management (FLM) land natural resources management, while reflexivity through process participant observation. Results This paper provides behind-the-scenes perspective interdisciplinary teams their cooperation efficiency when issues. In being reflexive, we sought “optimize” methodological, ethical, social, environmental possibilities scholarship. found reflexive work project furthered interest FLM, tool embraced complexity creativity over rigidity oversimplification - very same principles guided work. Discussion Throughout collaborative investigation FLM solution soil issues, came appreciate order better understand also needed ourselves—our own disciplinary, cultural, ethical standpoints. Reflexive provide practical guidance encouraging us critique analyze assumptions, methodologies, socio-historical context research.