6 key techniques of regenerative agriculture to restore soil health

With over 100 million hectares of land degraded annually, the urgency for strategies that restore agricultural land is growing rapidly.

Let us begin with three key points. First: every year, more than 100 million hectares of land are degraded due to urbanization, deforestation, and overexploitation—trends that have been worsened by climate change. Second, the United Nations predicts the global population will grow by nearly 2 billion over the next 30 years. And third: the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 70 percent more food will be required by 2050.

The planet’s resources are not infinite, which raises an important question: what will we eat in one, two, or three decades?

The answer may lie in regenerative agriculture, an approach that relies on patience, responsible resource management, and a steadfast commitment to restoring natural fertility and balance.

What will I learn in this article?

Fundamental principles of regenerative agriculture

Certain conventional agricultural practices, such as intensive tilling and improper irrigation, degrade soil and contribute to over one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations. Damaged soils create environments more prone to extreme weather events, such as floods, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change.

Regenerative agriculture, however, does not just aim to avoid harm—it seeks to improve the land. By leveraging technologies and practices like conservation tillage, cover cropping, crop rotation, composting, mobile animal shelters, and pasture crops, this method revitalizes soil and enhances the surrounding environment. The result is healthier soil that produces high-quality, nutrient-rich food while also boosting productivity, fostering vibrant ecosystems, and enriching communities.

At its core, regenerative agriculture revolves around three main pillars: improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering resilient ecosystems.

Benefits of regenerative agriculture

One of its primary advantages is improved crop yields. For instance, implementing regenerative agriculture in Africa could boost yields by 13 percent by 2040 and up to 40 percent in the future, according to this report.

In the European Union, improving the health of just 14 percent of arable land could increase farmers’ incomes by 1.9–9.3 billion euros annually, according to the report Transforming Food Systems with Farmers: A Way Forward for the EU.

In Spain, where 80 percent of water use is allocated to agriculture, around 20,000 Hm³ of water per year is used for irrigation. To supplement these resources, desalination and water reuse for agricultural purposes are being implemented, contributing to more sustainable water management.

Regenerative farming practices also significantly enhance soil quality, making it more fertile and nutrient-rich. Healthy soil supports strong, resilient plants that are naturally better able to withstand pests. By promoting greater biodiversity on farms, regenerative agriculture creates a more balanced ecosystem. This diversity supports the natural predators of pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

Another crucial benefit is the role regenerative agriculture plays in mitigating climate change. It increases carbon sequestration, with restored farmlands potentially capturing between 2.6 and 13.6 gigatons of CO2 per year, according to Project Drawdown in its report Farming Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis.

6 techniques to regenerate agricultural soil

Regenerative agriculture provides a range of practical techniques that not only improve soil health but also enhance the surrounding ecosystem. Here are six key methods that promote sustainability while boosting agricultural productivity:

1. A living soil is a rich soil

Soil is much more than a foundation for crops—it is a dynamic ecosystem filled with microorganisms and worms that tirelessly improve its structure. These organisms enhance water and nutrient retention, supporting healthy plant growth. Encouraging soil biodiversity through practices such as composting and reducing heavy tillage helps to reduce erosion and improve fertility over the long term.

2. Extensive livestock

Integrating livestock into farming is an age-old practice with multiple benefits. Managed grazing allows animals to efficiently consume grass, while their manure acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil. This process also enhances the soil’s structure, improves its ability to store carbon, and reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers.

3. Chemical-free agriculture

Eliminating the use of chemical pesticides is another cornerstone of regenerative agriculture. Farmers can adopt biological pest control, using beneficial insects like ladybugs to feed on pests such as aphids. Certain plants, like basil and marigold, emit natural repellents that deter pests, creating protective zones around crops without harming the soil.

4. Crop rotation

Avoiding monocultures—the practice of growing a single crop over large areas—is vital for preventing nutrient depletion. Crop rotation, which involves alternating different types of crops or growing multiple species in parallel, revitalizes the soil. This practice not only decreases pressure on the soil, but also breaks pest and disease cycles, improving the overall health of the field.

5. Biological corridors

In regenerative farming, biological corridors might include hedgerows or strips of native vegetation that connect different parts of a farm with nearby natural habitats. These corridors attract pollinators and beneficial insects, which contribute to pest control and promote a balanced ecosystem.

6. An involved community

Engaging the local community in sustainable agricultural practices is critical for ensuring long-term success. This can be achieved through initiatives that provide economic opportunities, education, and awareness campaigns. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, communities can take ownership of these practices, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

These techniques not only breathe new life into farmland but also promote a holistic approach to agriculture that benefits both people and the environment. By adopting these practices, farms can become models of sustainability, inspiring positive change in agricultural communities worldwide and ensuring food security for generations to come.

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