Guide to Regenerative Agriculture

Introduction

• The guide highlights issues with current agricultural models and introduces regenerative agriculture.
• Emphasizes key principles and practices, debunks myths, and provides resources for involvement.

What is Regenerative Agriculture?

• Systems-based, holistic approach to land stewardship.
• Focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity.
• Key to productivity is organic matter in soil.
• Involves reducing erosion, improving water retention, nutrient cycling, and more.
• Practices vary by grower and region.
• Applicable to non-agricultural landscapes too.

Key Principles of Regenerative Agriculture

1. Understand Context
   • Consider economic, personal, community, ecological factors.
2. Minimize Disturbance
   • Reduce tillage, chemical fertilizers, pesticides.
3. Establish a Living Root
   • Plants should continuously nourish soil microbes.
4. Provide Soil Armor
   • Use cover crops to protect soil.
5. Integrate Animals
   • Grazing animals help with soil aeration and fertilization.
6. Enhance Biodiversity
   • Diverse planting increases ecosystem resilience.

Why Regenerative Agriculture?

• Current agriculture contributes to ecosystem damage and climate change.
• Regenerative practices aim to improve ecosystems while producing food.
• Combines indigenous wisdom with science.

Climate Impact

• Historical soil degradation worsened by industrial practices.
• Major soil and biodiversity losses.
• Regenerative agriculture can mitigate these effects by improving soil carbon storage.

How it Helps Farmers

• Reduces reliance on costly fertilizers and chemicals.
• Improves yields and reduces costs long-term.
• Enhances soil water retention and nutrient availability.

How it Helps the Environment

• Supports soil microbiome diversity.
• Reduces greenhouse gases by improving livestock management and crop practices.
• Healthy soil processes more atmospheric gases and stores more carbon.

Regenerative vs. Conventional Farming

• Conventional farming relies on modified seeds and chemicals.
• Regenerative farming emphasizes natural processes and health.

Regenerative Agriculture Practices

• No-Till: Reduces soil disturbance and carbon emissions.
• Compost: Enhances soil health and crop resilience.
• Crop Rotation: Maintains soil health by varying crops.
• Cover Cropping: Protects soil from erosion and feeds soil microbes.
• Reducing Pesticides: Minimizes damage to soil biodiversity.
• Livestock Grazing: Integrates animal impact with ecosystem management.
• Silvopasture & Agroforestry: Combines tree and crop farming with animal grazing for mutual benefits.

How You Can Help

• Educate yourself and others on regenerative practices.
• Advocate for soil health and sustainable agriculture.
• Practice composting and engage with local food systems.
• Influence agricultural policy for positive change.

Conclusion

• Regenerative agriculture is a hopeful solution to climate and environmental challenges.
• Supports a healthier planet and sustainable future.

Note: Visit Kiss the Ground for more resources, courses, and information on regenerative agriculture.