Embracing Regenerative Agriculture

Regenerative agriculture stands out as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. The reduction of tillage, increased plant diversity, and the use of cover crops actively sequester carbon in the soil. By pulling carbon from the air and storing it in the soil, these activities help compensate for the CO₂ emissions released by conventional agriculture. These carbon sequestration activities not only mitigate climate change but also improve soil structure and fertility. By helping the soil maintain its strength and health, fewer emissions are released from crop production and less topsoil is lost to erosion, thereby contributing to carbon avoidance activities as well. Therefore, regenerative agriculture projects can help avoid, reduce, and remove carbon emissions on a global scale.

It is important to mention that if farmers solely focus on sequestering carbon in their soils, there is the possibility of emitting more greenhouse gases in the process. For example, if a project intensifies its fertilizer usage to allow for more carbon storage, it can also increase the amount of nitrous oxide emitted in the process. Therefore, while mitigating climate change is an important part of regenerative agriculture, the soils should contribute to multiple ecosystem services and be beneficial to surrounding biodiversity.

The Main Pillars of Regenerative Agriculture Includes: 

1. Reduction of soil disturbances (tilling/non-till farming)
2. Optimally using cover crops
3. Reducing or eliminating pesticides/synthetic fertilizers

Reducing Soil Disturbances: Contributing to Soil Regeneration and Fertility 

At the core of regenerative agriculture is the commitment to restoring and preserving soil health. When farmers till their land, the objective is for water and air to enter the soil so that their seeds and roots can grow and for fertilizer to enter more effectively. However, in doing this long term the soil’s structure gets damaged and degrades over time. This causes the soil to lose water and nutrients, lessening the soil’s ability to retain water when there is a drought and leaving it vulnerable to microbial decomposition. The reduction of tillage, especially the transition to direct seeding, plays a crucial role in preserving the structure and life of the soil.

Farmers that engage in regenerative agriculture minimize these soil disturbances by reducing tillage or practicing no-till farming. These farmers use cover crops and plant seeds directly into the previous crop’s residue. This approach promotes the flourishing of essential soil organisms and helps prevent erosion, a common consequence of intensive ploughing.

Cover Crops:  Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health 

Soil cover throughout the year further protects the soil against erosion, UV rays, and drought. This practice creates a barrier that prevents the formation of a compacted crust, enhances water retention, and competes with weeds, reducing the need for chemical interventions.

The diversity of cultivated species, especially when grown in association and through long rotations, contributes to improved soil fertility. This diversity helps in disease risk reduction, lowers weed and pest pressure, and promotes a more balanced and resilient ecosystem.

One of the standout features of regenerative agriculture is its focus on increasing biodiversity and fostering healthier ecosystems. Crop rotation, agroforestry intra-parcel development, and the incorporation of hedgerows create diverse habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and microorganisms. By practicing crop diversification, cover crops can improve soil health and protect the cash crop by limiting pest infestations, potentially reducing the need to fertilize. This holistic approach enhances ecosystem resilience, reduces the reliance on chemical inputs, and promotes a more balanced predator-prey relationship.

Reducing or Eliminating Pesticides/ Synthetic Fertilizers 

When soils become dependent on synthetic fertilizers, it reduces the soil's capacity to spread nutrients without it. While pesticides and fertilizers are a common practice for farmers, the techniques of using cover crops and integrating no-till farming allows the soil’s natural ecosystem to grow and provide natural fertilizer. Practicing regenerative agriculture does not mean introducing a zero-input system, but rather activating the soil’s biology and removing the chemical inputs by introducing soil regeneration without removing soil’s critical components.

Associated Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture

The transition to regenerative agriculture brings about a myriad of benefits, both for the environment and the farming community. Improved water and air quality, better soil water retention, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced soil fertility are among the positive outcomes. Additionally, the reduction of fossil fuel consumption, the fight against soil erosion, and carbon avoidance/ sequestration contribute to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.

Farmers engaging in regenerative practices also stand to benefit economically. Local investments through carbon credits provide an additional income stream, incentivizing sustainable farming practices. Moreover, the nutritional quality of agricultural products is enhanced, contributing to a healthier diet for consumers.

The adoption of regenerative agriculture practices creates the following benefits:

• Improved Water and Air Quality: Reduced runoff and soil erosion lead to cleaner water sources, while healthier soils contribute to improved air quality.
• Better Soil Water Retention: Practices such as cover cropping and reduced tillage enhance the soil's ability to retain water, reducing the impact of drought.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Diverse cropping systems support a wide range of flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity conservation.
• Fertility Enhancement: The focus on soil health and diversity leads to improved fertility, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
• Reduction of Fossil Fuel Consumption: Practices like reduced tillage and cover cropping can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, making agriculture more sustainable.
• Fight Against Soil Erosion: By preserving soil structure and promoting ground cover, regenerative agriculture actively combats soil erosion.
• Carbon Sequestration in Soils: The storage of carbon in the soil mitigates climate change by offsetting carbon emissions from agricultural activities.
• Improvement of Nutritional Quality: Healthier soils produce crops with enhanced nutritional content, contributing to a more nutrient-rich diet.
• Local Investments via Carbon Credits: Participation in carbon credit programs provides farmers with additional income while supporting local sustainability initiatives.
• Path to a Healthier Diet: The emphasis on diverse, nutrient-rich crops aligns with a shift towards healthier and more sustainable dietary choices.

Regenerative agriculture presents a holistic and sustainable approach to address the pressing challenges faced by modern agriculture. By focusing on soil health, water management, biodiversity, and carbon avoidance/ sequestration, regenerative practices offer a path toward a more resilient, environmentally friendly, and economically viable food system. Embracing regenerative agriculture is not just a choice for farmers but a collective commitment to building a sustainable and thriving future for agriculture and our planet. 

For more information on Carbon Removal Methods, download our guide. Feel free to contact our carbon project experts at projects@climateseed.com for more information on our regenerative agriculture projects.

Sources:

• Agriculture Duvivant
  
• Agoterra
  
• Climate Farmers
• FAO Reports
• IPCC
• Metabolic News
• Renature
• Syngenta Group
• Polytechnique