Regenerative agriculture is an integrated farming method that focuses on biodiversity, soil well-being, and sustainability. Aligned with natural processes, it supports the recovery of degraded ecosystems, increases biodiversity, and enhances ecosystem services crucial for productive farming.
Some of the key practices are polyculture and crop rotation, which maintain plant and animal diversity by breaking the cycles of pests and adding nutrition to the soil. Cover cropping using species such as clover and legumes shields the soil from erosion, prevents erosion, and supplies food to beneficial organisms. Agroforestry—the incorporation of trees into agricultural lands—provides shade, prevents erosion, and hosts birds, insects, and small mammals.
Minimum tillage is effective in holding the soil structure together and maintaining microorganisms that are vital in nutrient cycling. Organic fertilizers and composting increase microbial activity and plant vigor. Moreover, habitat development like wildflower strips and native plant zones provides habitats to pollinators and natural pest predators.
Regenerative agriculture brings multiple rewards: improving biodiversity, ecosystem services such as pollination and pest regulation, and climate resilience through carbon sequestration and water holding. These methods can also enhance yields and support farmers’ sustainable livelihoods by enhancing soil health and lowering reliance on synthetic agrochemicals.
Altogether, regenerative agriculture represents a route to healthier ecosystems and more sustainable food systems.