Regenerative Agriculture
Intensive Agriculture Effects
One major factor contributing to the decline in entomofauna is habitat loss from intensive agriculture. Globally, agricultural intensification has had a cascade of unexpected effects. Numerous species and their ecosystem services are impacted by agrochemical contamination, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and habitat and climate change brought on by conventional activities. The use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and tillage in conventional agricultural operations results in the extension of cropland and the loss of habitat. Every year, the globe loses around 100 million hectares of fertile, nutritious land. Land degradation neutrality worldwide will require the restoration of 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030 if current trends continue, (FAO, 2021).
Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture
The goal of regenerative agriculture is to improve and restore ecosystems’ health and biodiversity. It focuses on enhancing soil health by implementing nutrient-rich soil-building and -maintenance techniques like composting, decreased tillage, and cover crops. Regenerative agriculture integrates natural pest management techniques and builds more resilient farming systems by encouraging diversity in crops and livestock. It also highlights carbon sequestration, which reduces climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil. Enhancing soil water retention and lowering runoff improve water management. In addition to producing high-quality food, this all-encompassing method strengthens water cycles, repairs damaged soil, boosts biodiversity, and strengthens ecosystem resilience. Regenerative agriculture not only restores and enhances ecosystem health and biodiversity but also plays a crucial role in insect population recovery. By improving soil health through practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and composting, regenerative agriculture creates a more favorable environment for insects, which thrive in nutrient-rich and less-disturbed soils. Most concur that the four pillars of a regenerative land management strategy are abandoning tillage, fostering plant diversity on the farm, eliminating events of bares oils and integrating livestock and production, (Merfield, 2019). I will explain these four pillars as follow:
Abandoning tillage
Regenerative agriculture solutions that incorporate no-till or reduced-tillage practices provide a comprehensive approach to reversing insect decline syndromes and supporting sustainable farming. By reducing soil disturbance, regenerative agriculture protects insect habitats and fosters diverse soil ecosystems essential for insect populations. This strategy aligns with the guiding principles of regenerative agriculture, emphasizing ecological resilience, biodiversity, and healthy soil. Regenerative agriculture creates a conducive environment for insects to thrive by promoting diversified ecosystems and healthy soils, ultimately enhancing the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems as a whole.
Fostering plant diversity on the farm
It means implementing agricultural practices that encourage the growth of a wide variety of plant species. This approach contrasts with monoculture farming, where only a single type of crop is grown. Plant diversity on farms can be achieved through methods such as crop rotation, intercropping, agroforestry, and planting cover crops. This varied environment acts as a natural barrier against pests and illnesses in addition to improving soil health fostering a variety of microbial populations. The disturbance of pest life cycles and decreased dependence on chemical pesticides are noteworthy advantages that promote a more healthy habitat for insects. Farms that embrace plant diversity can improve sustainability, become more resilient to climate change, and contribute to the preservation of insect populations that are critical to the world’s food supply.
Eliminating events of bare soil
Managing bare soil is essential for preserving the equilibrium of the ecosystem and sustaining a healthy population of insects. The land that is exposed to the elements—that is, without any vegetation, mulch, or other protective covering—is more vulnerable to erosion from wind and water. Erosion can result in decreased soil fertility, topsoil loss, and adverse effects on nearby ecosystems. In order to remedy this, regenerative agriculture promotes techniques like mulching and planting cover crops. Rich plant communities, which in turn give insects homes and food supplies, are supported by healthy soils. Regenerative agriculture fosters a stable environment that supports insect populations’ resilience and recovery by preserving soil cover and increasing biodiversity. This enhances the overall health of ecosystems.
Integrating Livestock and Production
Integrating livestock into production systems within the context of regenerative agriculture is vital for both soil health and the conservation of insect populations. Managed through practices like rotational or holistic grazing, livestock contribute to the creation of diverse habitats, promoting insect diversity. Additionally, their grazing patterns help maintain heterogeneous landscapes, fostering various insect habitats. Livestock manure enriches soil fertility, supporting microbial communities essential for insect populations indirectly. However, careful management is crucial to avoid overgrazing and habitat degradation, ensuring that livestock integration sustains both agricultural productivity and insect biodiversity within regenerative agricultural systems.
Agriculture and Livestock Success Stories
Las Cañadas, the Agroecological Center in Huatusco, Veracruz
At the Agroecological Center ‘Las Cañadas‘ in Huatusco, Veracruz, agroecological management has been practiced for about 25 years as an alternative to conventional agriculture. Their approach is based on closed-system principles, where organic waste is recycled back into the soil. They also employ diverse low-input systems and organic soil management. ‘Las Cañadas’ aims to produce food sustainably while preserving natural resources. Various techniques such as silvopastoral systems, alley cropping, biointensive methods, and edible forests are utilized.
ENDESU. Regenerative Livestock in Ixhuacan de los Reyes, Veracruz
In 2020, ENDESU initiated a regenerative livestock project in the region, aiming to transform conventional livestock management practices into more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches. This project likely involves implementing rotational grazing, holistic management techniques, and soil conservation methods to improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. By focusing on regenerative practices, ENDESU seeks to enhance the productivity and profitability of livestock operations while promoting environmental conservation and rural development in Ixhuacan de los Reyes and beyond
