By Eniolá Abdulroqeeb Arówólò
Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming and land management that focuses on improving soil health, biodiversity, and the overall sustainability of agricultural practices. Here are seven benefits of regenerative agriculture along with brief explanations:
1. Soil Health Improvement: Regenerative agriculture enhances soil quality by promoting organic matter, microbial diversity, and nutrient retention. Healthy soil is better at retaining water and nutrients, leading to increased crop resilience.
2. Carbon Sequestration: This practice sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil, helping to mitigate climate change. Carbon-rich soil improves soil structure and fertility while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Enhanced Biodiversity: Regenerative farming methods support diverse ecosystems by avoiding monoculture and chemical inputs. This, in turn, encourages the presence of beneficial insects, birds, and wildlife that contribute to natural pest control.
4. Reduced Chemical Usage: Farmers using regenerative methods reduce or eliminate synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This lowers the risk of chemical runoff and the associated environmental damage.
5. Improved Water Quality: By reducing runoff and soil erosion, regenerative agriculture protects water quality. Healthier soil absorbs and filters water more effectively, reducing contamination of rivers and lakes.
6. Resilience to Extreme Weather: Healthy soil holds more moisture, making crops more resilient to droughts and flooding. This resilience is crucial in the face of climate change-related weather extremes.
7. Economic Viability: Regenerative agriculture often leads to higher yields, reduced input costs, and increased market opportunities for farmers. It can help ensure the long-term economic viability of agricultural practices.