Introduction to regenerative agriculture

In order to maintain a healthy eco system all the components of that system must be present, if one starts to fade it will break the cycle. As we have expanded as a species the need to reach demand has caused us to break that cycle. Now we are facing the consequences, infertile land, loss of biodiversity and reduced yield to name but a few. 

The idea of regenerative agriculture is one that brings these components back into harmony to recreate a thriving system which can provide for generation after generation.

Integrating this method into livestock raising involves a method in which stock is continually moved after short periods of time often by sectioning paddocks with fencing systems. This allows for the grasses to grow to a larger size and prevents them being grazed down all the way. The larger plants will then have a larger route system integrated into the soil, this allows more water to be locked in and more organic matter being passed into the soil which results in more fertile grounds. 

There are many other methods that farmers and land owners can integrate to ensure the longevity of the resources their land provides.

 Planting trees can supply protection for soil, acting as a rain/wind barrier they prevent soil being washed away, the roots also lock in soil especially in slope areas where soil is at risk of slipping away.

Agroforestry, the method of cultivating crops amongst native species of plants are great at maintaining biodiversity and is even thought to improve on production rates.

A key point is the importance of  animals, grazing on these lands. When animals graze on healthy carbon rich soils they repay it by passing a natural fertiliser back into the soil rich in nutrients and bacteria. This allows the grasses to grow more prominently and gives them the potential to lock in carbon from the atmosphere in the photosynthesis process. This is a fact that counteracts the claim that raising livestock is completely bad for the environment.

The modern mono crop methods that we have adopted have forgotten the importance of raising animals and plants in harmony. We are now realising how destructive this is to our future. Mono-cropping damages the soil, stripping it of its vital nutrients that are critical for plant growth, mono cropping is destroying valuable land, punishing the generations of the future. 

It is evident that the preservation of the natural cycle is the most important piece of the puzzle in ensuring our ability to continuously produce food for years to come.