Characteristics of Regenerative Gardening and Farming

Learning from natural systems

Forests, grasslands and other ecosystems maintain themselves by changes in their physical components. In such ecosystems, the physical components (landform, soil, water, air) work together to determine the living organisms (plants, animals, microbiota) and determine energy flows and nutrient cycles.

Although regenerative gardening or farming involves growing plants that are not indigenous to the area, attention to all other components is given, thus a more holistic approach is taken rather than just a focus on getting repeated production of a particular crop.

Minimal soil disturbance

This means not tilling or digging the soil so that its structure is maintained – i.e. spaces for air and water flows and for root penetration. This can be achieved by no-dig garden beds or no-till practices. In no-dig garden beds the growing medium is created by adding layers of soil, organic plant material and animal manures. No-till means that after crops are harvested, the ground is not ploughed or dug, roots are left in the ground and weeds may be destroyed by solarisation (see below). Another technique, soil aeration, using aerators – tools with prongs that punch holes – is still less damaging than ploughing or digging.

Sheet mulching

Mulches of either organic or non-organic materials are used between the planted crops to inhibit weed growth and retain moisture. They are also used to kill weeds and build soil on ground that has not yet been planted for crops

The materials are usually cardboard, newspaper, woodchips, straw or a combination. These all have the advantage of adding carbon to the soil and encouraging microbial growth. In small areas where perennials, not annuals, are grown, inorganic material can be used e.g. stones, but these do not add any nutrition.

Crop rotation

Plants to be harvested or those in the same plant family, are not grown in the same area in the subsequent season. This minimises the risk of host-specific pests and disease and also excessive depletion of particular essential nutrients There are many systems of rotation, some consisting of 4 cycles, one of which is a legume to add nitrogen to the soil. In other systems, it may be many years before the initial crop is planted in the same place again.

Cover crops

Associated with crop rotation is the use of cover crops or green manures. As in nature, soil is never left bare thus reducing weed invasion and erosion. Such crops are usually either grasses or legumes. Both add organic matter to the soil because root systems are left in place. They also prevent water runoff thus reducing erosion, increase biodiversity by attracting different insects and microbes from the previous crop and break cycles of host-specific disease. Crops with deeply penetrating roots can help break up compacted soil.

Legumes, so-called green manures, have the extra advantage of enriching the soil because of their nitrogen-fixing capabilities.

Cover crops are cut down or mown just before maturity and either left as surface mulch or lightly dug in.

Solarisation of weeds

Rather than pulling or poisoning weed-infested grassy areas before planting crops, regenerative gardeners cover the soil with either black or clear plastic with the edges held firmly in place. Under clear plastic, weeds grow and cook in the heat. Black plastic minimises growth by cutting off sunlight, but the plants still cook. As long as seed production has not occurred, the remaining organic matter can be left in place to add to soil quality or it can be removed and composted.

Compost

Artificial fertilisers are not used and importation of manure is minimised. Rather, all organic waste from pruning, mowing or remains of plants after fruit/seed harvest are composted. Manure from on-site animals is an excellent addition to compost heaps. Mature compost not only minimises waste but improves soil quality, fertility and structure

Perennials

Shifting focus from annual to perennial crops means that living roots are in the soil all the time, reducing compaction and erosion and providing host material and nutrition for soil microbiota. In addition to providing fruit or nuts, trees also are stable stores of carbon. Other such stores are vegetables which are perennial in the right climate, for example, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, seakale, sorrel, breadfruit, sweet potato and many more.  A new perennial relative of wheat, kernza, has been developed and may be a promising alternative to annual wheat.

Natural Pest and Disease Control Rather than Chemicals

It is increasingly recognised that chemical use in plant systems often causes harm to beneficial organisms and tends to encourage the development of resistance so that ever harsher chemicals are required. Regenerative agriculture and regenerative gardening rely on the natural ecosystem to keep pests and diseases under control. Natural systems are not monocultures, but complex arrays of plants and animals living in balance with one another. While such systems are not easy to create and harvest from in gardens or farms, it is possible to encourage biodiversity by using plants that mutually benefit each other through complementary nutrient requirements or the production of helpful chemicals or to attract a range of beneficial insects and organisms which keep pests and disease under control. Such systems use companion planting.

In Summary

When soil is healthy, it contains a diverse community of microorganisms that help break down organic matter and release nutrients that plants need to grow.

Regenerative practices such as cover cropping, crop rotations, reduced tillage, and using natural fertilisers and amendments help build soil organic matter, increase water-holding capacity, and improve soil structure.

As a result, plants, crops and animals grown in regeneratively managed soils are better able to access the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. This leads to crops with higher nutritional content and improved taste and flavour.

Research has shown that regeneratively managed crops and animals contain higher levels of important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally managed crops.

Reference Sustainable Gardening Australia

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