The term refers more to a philosophy of agriculture than to a set of farming practices, though specific practices are common.  So the meaning can be elusive at times.  It is based in large part on rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity.

Such approaches result in carbon drawdown and adding organic matter to the soil increases the water holding capacity of soil.  Instead of focusing on emission reductions, the focus is on increasing soil carbon stocks and improved water cycles to reverse climate change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specific practices that are relied on include no till or minimum tillage (tillage increases soil erosion and carbon loss); avoiding artificial and synthetic fertilisers; well managed grazing practices; and, building biological ecosystem diversity with cover crops, crop rotation and composting.

Some further ideas to explore on Regenerative Agriculture:

What is the relation between regenerative agriculture and organic farming?

What is the connection between the farming practices of indigenous cultures and regenerative agriculture?

Can regenerative agriculture be adopted on a wide enough scale to materially affect food supply either locally, regionally or nationally?

Sources:

Arohi Sharma, Lara Bryant, Ellen Lee and Claire O’Connor, “Regenerative Agriculture, Part 1,” National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) (17 Dec 2020).  on.nrdc.org/3lgwQOr

“What is Regenerative Agriculture?”  Regeneration International bit.ly/2V81fns

Hayley Philip, “What is regenerative farming, and is it a solution to climate change?”  Genetic Literacy Climate Project (March 25, 2021) bit.ly/2VmPHwi

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