Regenerative agriculture is a comprehensive farming system that prioritizes the rejuvenation and promotion of ecosystem health, particularly soil. In contrast to conventional systems, regenerative practices seek not only to maintain but also to enhance the natural resources being used in food production.
Some of the main methods are low-till or no-till soil disturbance, cover crops, crop rotation, composting, and incorporating livestock. These methods store organic matter in the soil, improve water infiltration, and enhance both above- and below-ground biodiversity. Healthy soil captures more carbon, reducing climate change by pulling atmospheric CO₂ down.
Regenerative agriculture also prioritizes biodiversity, biological pest control, and the application of compost or organic amendments rather than synthetic chemicals. This results in more robust farming systems with the ability to resist droughts, floods, and pests, minimizing the use of external inputs.
Farmers using regenerative practices tend to see higher crop yields, reduced costs, and enhanced ecosystem services like pollination and water filtration. In addition to their environmental advantages, regenerative farming promotes rural livelihoods through healthy food systems and resilient livelihoods.
As climate pressures intensify, regenerative agriculture presents a promising solution to heal the land while nourishing the world.