To counter climate and environmental threats, agriculture around the world must rethink its approach. Regenerative agriculture is an important measure in this regard. It is a method for giving new life to the soil. Farmers in Australia, the USA, Africa and many other countries have adopted methods that work to preserve the topsoil so that we preserve a living soil for generations to come.
Regenerative agriculture is based on the following main principles:
- Reduced tillage
- Green plant cover all year round
- Biodiversity, which ensures the diversity of plants, animals, insects and microbes
- Living roots
- Integrated agriculture with animals
Biodiversity refers to the variety of animals, plants, insects and other living organisms. Preserving diversity is important to ensure that ecosystems are maintained and do not collapse.
A lot of tillage with plowing and harrowing leads to the destruction of microorganisms and fungi in the soil. The living roots and microbes help build up organic matter in the soil. When we lose organic matter, we also lose much of the water-binding capacity of the soil, and it becomes easily exposed to drought, wind and water erosion.
Reduced tillage, as used in regenerative agriculture, creates better conditions for building up organic matter and revitalizing the soil.
This is a measure to take better care of the soil, prevent erosion and maintain the soil's ability to bind water. Farmers who practice regenerative methods try to facilitate good soil health and a lot of microlife in the soil. They thus help build up carbon stores in the soil. Authorities in several countries see this as an important climate measure and pay farmers to contribute positively to the climate account.
At Mære, together with the three other nature schools in Trøndelag, we have tried to learn more about how we can work using regenerative methods.
Photo: Aina Citye
