Regenerative Agriculture - The Climate Solution
A WIN WIN WIN PROPOSITION
Regenerative Agriculture versus conventional agriculture changes agriculture from a carbon emitter to a carbon sink. It is calculated that, we currently emit approximately 40 billion gigatons of carbon per year or greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), if we converted all conventional agriculture and grazing systems we would sequester 43 billion gigatons per year. Although different soils take different amounts of time to become effective carbon sinks, it is a known technology that is in use today and can be proven. It has many other benefits for the farmer, the planet and the consumer, such as:
The Farmer. The farmer makes soils more resilient, they can absorb more water and retain it versus run-off which will be even more key with heavy rain and drought events. Cover crops help to eliminate erosion and keep the soil temperature cooler. The farmer uses less chemicals and, as a result, less fuel. The crop yields go up over time. In grazing the livestock is healthier and uses less antibiotics. The farmer should make more money, the crops should demand more, the farmer can get carbon credits as additional income.
The Planet. The planet benefits by sequestering carbon, less polluted streams, rivers and oceans as a result of more water being absorbed on the fields and less chemical use. Cover crops act as natural fertilizers and reduce the need for chemical nitrogen (whose production also creates GHGs). The biome is restored to its natural state, plants, animals, birds and insects thrive.
The consumer. The consumer benefits by eating healthier food, buying food that is sustainable and getting food that has less chemicals sprayed on it and is protein dense as a result of its mostly organic growth. Consumer demand for regenerative agriculture makes the consumer the ultimate say in healing the planet by asking for and buying these types of products.
The basic tenants of regenerative/restorative agriculture
Disturb the soil as little as possible. There is biome of mycorrhizal fungi, soil organic matter (SOM), nutrients and helpful microbes that are destroyed when conventional tillage is used. Many farmers are switching to “drilling” seeds as opposed to conventional tilling. Opening up the soils actually releases carbon versus being a carbon sink.
Keep the soil covered at all times. This means planting cover crops when the main crop is not in place. Keeping the soils covered helps keep the temperatures less extreme, prevents erosion from rain and wind, and is the armor that protects soils. Often times these cover crops are rolled and crimped to provide the nitrogen and increase SOM prior to planting the cash crop. This also helps sequester more carbon.
Keep living roots at all times. This can be accomplished by having different plants with deeper roots systems as part of the system - often perennial. The web of activity below the surface is a natural wonder. The fungi call for various nutrients to be brought to the plants as needed. This makes carbon sequestration be continual.
Diversify the crops planted. Many crops are better than monoculture cropping as the diversity helps stave off insect swarms, disease, and require different nutrients. This makes the field more resilient.
Graze the ground after harvest. This is very beneficial to the land and the method called “mob-grazing” or concentrated grazing for a short period of time is even more effective.