So, how do we do it? What do we change? What do we do more of, and what do we stop doing?
Enter Regenerative Agriculture. To 'regenerate' the soil.
Regenerative agriculture
This will then draw down carbon from the atmosphere, and through photosynthesis, convert it into stable carbon in the soil.
And why is this any different to conventional agriculture? Doesn't the same system work there too?
Conventional agriculture
Photosynthesis occurs in any plant growth, right? But conventional agriculture does not prioritize capturing soil carbon.
Typically, mineral fertilizers and chemicals are added to the soil. The fertilizers interfere with the plant root processes, which mean carbon is not sequestered (stored) in the soil.
In addition, the soil is plowed and tilled, usually 2 or more times a year, which actually releases carbon from the soil into the atmosphere.
Then - herbicides are used for weed control. Pesticides are used for insect control. Fungicides are used for blight and rust and fungal infections. More synthetic chemicals added.
The soils become degraded and are not able to retain water, so they are heavily irrigated. Which can lead to salinisation of the soil.
The end result of all this interference is that the soil becomes infertile and 'dead', unable to grow anything more.
Benefits of regenerative agriculture
So, by prioritizing carbon capture in the soil, the soil gradually builds up, not depletes.
Plant health improves. Fewer chemicals are required for insect and fungal control.
The nutrition in the soil recovers. Productivity of the land increases.
So, how do we work this miracle?
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is an approach to growing. It may include the following techniques:
1. No tillage.
Tilling the land allows soil carbon to escape. Not tilling ensures it stays in the soil.
2. Diverse cover crops.
Cover crops, chosen wisely, help build the soil's nutrients. They also suppress weed growth between food crops.
3. No pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.
By not interfering with the natural processes, the soil has a chance to do it's thing, which is to build itself up, rather than deplete.
4. Multiple crop rotations.
5. Managed grazing.
Why do we need regenerative agriculture?
The world is losing soil at an alarming rate, especially in India and China.
And the atmosphere is gaining carbon dioxide at an alarming rate.
One of the best ways to reverse this trend is to draw down the carbon in the atmosphere and return it to the soil.
And to do that, we need to change our thinking on our agricultural systems.
