Farming

Regenerative Agriculture Practices for Sustainable Farming

Published:

September 16, 2024

Regenerative farming practices are something farmers have been doing for a long time. For over 20,000 years, humans have cultivated rice, grains, legumes, and a veritable feast of other crops using these techniques. But the new wave of popularity started in the late 20th century because of ecological concerns.

As technologies and agricultural practices have evolved, farmers have applied what they've learned to increase yields, keep their fields healthy, and preserve the fertility of the soil so that next year's harvest is as strong, if not stronger than the last. It's the essence of agriculture and there are many strategies farmers can apply to increase the capabilities and profitability of their operations.

Key Takeaways

Global wheat production is increasing and the top 10 wheat producing countries harvested more than 789 million metric tons in 2023. The top five producing regions included China and the EU which were tied at 17% of global production, followed by India at 14%, Russia at 12%, and the United States at 6%.
The growth cycle for spring wheat is roughly 100-130 days, whereas winter wheat ranges from 180-250 days. Close monitoring during every stage is vital for a successful harvest.
Roughly 20% of global wheat production is lost to pests and pathogens, notably fusarium head blight, thus representing an enormous loss to agribusiness.
Prompt application of biological and chemical solutions is vital for protection against magnaporthe oryzae, barley yellow dwarf virus, stripe rust, septoria leaf blotch, tan spot, glume blotch, etc.
Of increasing concern, changes within growing climates around the world are expected to negatively impact the stages of wheat plant growth and significantly lower yields in many top-growing regions. Effectively countering the environmental impact on the wheat growth cycle may require the development and adoption of new seed varieties and changes to planting schedules.

Leading Regenerative Practices

Farmers use regenerative farming methods to effectively reduce soil erosion, fertilizer runoff, nutrient depletion, and other common problems. The ultimate goal of all regenerative practices is to maintain the biological and chemical health of the soil, increase biodiversity, and protect and preserve living root structures. These strategies include integrating livestock into the operation when possible, paying closer attention to plant diversity, and some others discussed below.

Reduced or No-Till Farming 
A farm is a series of closely linked biological systems, while also being part of a larger series of closely linked economic systems. Solutions should be implemented in the context of the whole, rather than looking at individual problems in isolation. Modern farming techniques are designed to leave as much soil undisturbed as possible in order to preserve the optimal balance of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, potash, zinc, and other essential nutrients. Zero tillage or direct drilling techniques are well suited for sandy/dry soils, sloping terrain, and a wide range of conditions. Whether operations opt for sod seeding, direct seeding, or surface seeding, farmers can achieve higher yields. However, this method does require actively utilizing systems such as Cropler's remote plant monitoring to protect plants against pests and diseases that can proliferate in the no-till fields.
Cover Cropping 
In regenerative agriculture, crops play one of the key roles. For example, cover cropping provides numerous benefits and is a time-proven solution for protecting and preserving ecosystems. Cover crops — such as peas, clover, rye, barley oats, and wheat—can be sown at strategic periods to suppress weeds, prevent erosion, enhance water retention, deter pests, prevent diseases, and boost nutrient content within the soil. This not only reduces fertilizer requirements but also increases biodiversity. It is one of the oldest regenerative farming methods with a long history of proven effectiveness. Season after season, cover cropping will increase the health of your fields and the profitability of your enterprise.
Composting
Composting is a type of regenerative farming practices strongly focused on soil health. A wide range of organic materials provide effective compost, including animal waste, food waste, crop residue, sawdust, and yard waste, which can help rebuild nutrient-depleted soils. As these materials decompose, they create conditions that feed beneficial microbes, bacteria, fungi, and earthworms, creating a healthy, stable, and productive soil that requires less fertilizer and water. While not a fast process, the slow leaching means that the introduction of nitrogen and other nutrients will extend for many years after application. This makes it a highly effective, long-term solution.
Improving Plant Diversity 
Crop rotation and improved plant diversity help establish a natural nutrient balance and microbiome in your fields. Doing so optimizes soil conditions and improves the resiliency of your crops against pests and diseases. This also improves yield and increases the quality of corn, alfalfa, wheat, and other crops.
Organic Annual Cropping 
Improving soil health and fertility is a prime goal of using regenerative farming systems and solutions. Organic annual cropping will not impair yield or crop quality. Rather, it will reduce your reliance on fertilizer and pesticides. This process requires a multi-year transition. However, with organic farmland comprising just 1% of all farmland in the US, it presents a considerable opportunity to position your operations within an expanding market whose demand is growing exponentially faster than supply.
Animal Integration 
Integrating livestock into your operations allows for natural nutrient cycling. It is one of the oldest types of regenerative agriculture. Incorporating animal grazing and cover crops aids in the efficient conversion of high-carbon residue into low-carbon manure.
Managed/Rotational Grazing 
Corn and alfalfa are cornerstone livestock feeds, however, fields need time to recover and restore the nutrients, carbon, and moisture essential for crop development and growth. Converting land to pasture and frequently rotating livestock between fields for 4-6 weeks at a time can help improve soil viability and the health of the herd. It allows for efficient manure dispersal and can significantly improve concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients required by corn, alfalfa, and other essential crops.
Agroforestry 
This practice of forest farming or establishing riparian forest buffers is designed to alter the landscape for your regenerative crops. By cropping within rows of trees, you enjoy the benefits of watersheds and natural windbreaks. This practice is widely used in Europe, Asia, South America, and to a lesser extent, North America. It's a cost-effective, efficient solution that protects crops and can bring additional revenue streams to your operations.

Why Should Farmers Embrace Regenerative Agriculture?

Sustainable agriculture is more than a modern catchphrase; it is a method of farming that takes everything learned over the past 20,000 years, incorporates the latest technologies, and makes strategic use of limited resources. It is no different than what farmers have done since the first fields were planted. However, what is different is that modern technologies, such as Cropler’s agri-cameras and a web platform make the process easier, more efficient, and, most importantly, more effective.

Adopting regenerative agriculture methods and climate-smart farming methods now can ensure your operation's survival and growth in the future. It helps protect against drought, guards against nutrient-depleted soil, and allows you to deliver on contracts this season, next season, and season after season beyond. And, with so many types of regenerative agriculture methods to choose from, it's possible to "mix and match" solutions customized to meet your needs.

How Cropler Can Help?

Modern smart farming techniques are evolving, and Cropler’s team has developed solutions that make restorative farming easier and more effective. Our solutions provide real-time plant-driven data that increases protection, production, and profitability. We simplify the process of applying advanced agriculture techniques whether your goal is to improve the health of your soil, ensure top-quality harvests, or both.

Reach out to us to learn more about our solutions and to order the products you need to enhance the effectiveness of your regenerative farming practices.

When you have questions, we'll help you find the answers you need to take control of your fields and the harvest you care about. Contact Cropler to discover more about our products and the ways we help you proactively protect your operations from the effects of crop diseases. Learn More