In the past few years, there’s been a lot of focus on Climate change, greenhouse gases, CO2 that’s coming from an industrial smokestack. But in reality, a lot of greenhouse gases are emitted as a result of commercial farming. And that is why it is so important to have active organic matter and natural organic matter.
56% of Non-CO2 Emissions is contributed from Agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture is a set of farming practices that increase biodiversity in the soil organic matter. Currently, most agricultural practices are devastating to biodiversity. Even organic agriculture but not as bad as conventional agriculture. Regenerative agriculture is a way to reverse this trend to actually make a positive impact on the land.
What does Regenerative Agriculture actually involve?
The practices that are followed largely depends on the type of land that is in use. But in general, there are three common forms that regenerative agriculture can take.
No-Till Farming: The soil is full of organisms which are helpful for plants. Some convert soil nitrogen into a plant usable form, some bring water to the plants that would otherwise be out of reach. Others loosen and aerate the soil increasing water absorption and allowing plant roots to penetrate deeper when soil is turned over by a machine. Most of these organisms are killed so the crops must rely on chemical fertilizers which end up leaching into the water.
No-till farming means no-tilling, Instead of tilling plant cover crops let the worms aerate the soil and bring down nutrients. Keep the soil covered with an organic mulch which will break down over time adding more organic matter to the soil.
Regenerative Grazing: From the release of methane to clearing forests for pasture land cattle raising is known for being very environmentally destructive. But this is not inherent to grazing animals if the right practices are put in place enormous amounts of carbon can be sequestered into the ground. Soil can be built and even desertification can be reversed in a matter of years.
Agroforestry: This is one of the most complex and location-dependent practices. It always starts with observing a local forest and the relationships between everything in it the plants, the animals, the fungi that landscape the soil, the water and then recreating these relationships in a way that’s just as ecologically resilient but produces more food.
