Regenerative Agriculture

In Practice

Rotational Grazing: Rotational grazing involves moving livestock between pastures to allow vegetation to recover. This helps maintain soil health, reduces erosion, and keeps the land productive. Frequent moves also ensure that manure is spread evenly, adding natural nutrients to the soil and promoting stronger pasture growth.

No-Till or Reduced-Till Farming: Tilling can break down soil structure, making it prone to erosion from wind and water. It also reduces the soil’s ability to hold water, which can be especially harmful during droughts. No-till or reduced-till farming addresses this by planting seeds directly into the soil left from the previous crop without heavy tilling. This preserves soil structure, helps it retain moisture, and reduces erosion, contributing to healthier soil.

Crop Rotation: Crop rotation involves growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. This practice improves soil health, naturally replenishes soil nutrients, reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, and helps control pests and weeds. 

Data-Driven Precision Farming: Precision farming uses technology to monitor and manage field variability in crops. This targeted approach optimizes the application of fertilisers and crop protection products, reducing waste and ensuring resources are used efficiently.

Livestock Integration: Introducing animals like cows, sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs into crop systems can boost soil health. As the animals graze, they naturally fertilise the land by turning plants into nutrient-rich manure. This boosts soil health by adding valuable organic matter and improving soil structure.

Forest Buffers/Riparian Zones: Planting trees and shrubs around fields creates forest buffers that protect water quality, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife. Installing streamside fencing helps keep livestock and their waste away from water sources, protecting water quality.

• Healthier Soil: Using methods like reducing tillage, planting cover crops, rotating crops, and integrating livestock can boost soil health and structure. This creates stronger, healthier soil that can better handle extreme weather, leading to better pastures and crops.

   

• Greater Climate Resilience: Healthier soil retains water more effectively, providing resilience during droughts and improved water absorption during wet seasons, combating risk of slips and erosion.

   

• Improved Water Quality and Ecosystem Health: Establishing riparian zones and stream fencing helps protect waterways by reducing sediment runoff and preventing contaminants from entering.

   

• Definition Flexibility: Unlike organic farms, regenerative agriculture lacks rigid guidelines, making it adaptable to diverse farm contexts. This flexibility allows farmers to tailor practices to their unique conditions and goals.

• Balancing Productive and Natural Landscapes: Regenerative practices aim to improve natural landscapes while boosting farm productivity. Healthier soil enhances land quality, which in turn benefits both crop yields and animal health.

   

• The Future of Farming: Farmers are deeply invested in the long-term success of their operations. As regenerative agriculture continues to be researched and refined, it may serve as a key tool for ensuring effective land use for future generations.

   

• Reduced Need for Synthetic Fertilizers: Healthier soil and diverse crop rotations decrease the need for synthetic fertilizers, reducing input costs for farmers.