Regenerative farming practices and their impact on the soil health

Intensive farming, geared towards maximising yields and profits through the extensive use of synthetic inputs and agro-technical simplification, has a significant negative impact on the chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil. The dominance of cereals in the sowing structure, reaching up to 80%, leads to species erosion in crop rotations, which reduces biodiversity and decreases humus content. As a result, the soil loses its buffering capacity, crucial in the face of extreme weather events such as droughts, heat or downpours.

Conventional cultivation, sowing, fertilisation and crop protection technologies often do not take into account local field conditions, leading to reduced effectiveness of measures to improve soil quality and increase soil biological activity. In particular, the untapped potential of crop residues, limited incorporation of organic matter from intercrops and insufficient support of soil biological life by fertilisers are significant challenges. In addition, changing regulations, including the withdrawal of commonly used active substances, confront farmers with the need to adapt to new realities. This requires the acquisition of knowledge, the implementation of innovative technological solutions and practical experience to manage effectively under changing conditions.

This report presents my experiences and observations gained during my Nuffield journey, demonstrating global regenerative agriculture practices and their impact on soil health. I describe key principles and methods such as minimising tillage, using intercropping, soil analysis, crop diversity, enriching the soil with organic matter and integrating agroforestry and animals into farming systems.

The conclusions show that regenerative agriculture can significantly improve soil structure, increase water retention capacity, promote biological activity and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides. I recommend the gradual implementation of these practices through education, planning, systematic monitoring and adaptation of activities.

The transformation towards regenerative agriculture responds to the challenges of soil degradation, climate change and increasing economic pressures. Adopting these practices promotes yield stability, environmental protection and sustainability, laying the foundation for the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems.