In recent years, regenerative agriculture has gained prominence among producers who are more conscious about sustainability. This approach is now being considered within the supply chains of many companies. Lately, regenerative agriculture has been gaining attention in conversations. But… what exactly is regenerative agriculture?
This edition of Drops a Month explores regenerative agriculture for both newcomers hearing about the concept for the first time and experts in the field. What is it? What impact does it have on the land? How is it linked to the water footprint? Let's explore it together🤝
Stay with us until the end to learn about Agrow’s latest updates! We keep growing 💪
The ABCs of Regenerative Agriculture: For Beginners
What is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a practice that aims to restore soil fertility and improve soil health through sustainable crop management while minimizing soil disturbance. Some of the key practices in regenerative agriculture include:
- Reforestation of cultivated lands 🌱
- Crop rotation 🔁
- Use of organic fertilizers ✅
- Combination of manure with organic fertilizers or composting 🐄
- Use of cover crops 🌿
Why Did It Emerge?
Regenerative agriculture emerged in response to the increasing degradation of soils worldwide. In a context of frequent heavy rainfall, intensive land use, and agronomic practices that alter soil structure, mineralization, and biodiversity, regenerative agriculture has gained popularity as a way to restore soil fertility. The goal is to maintain production levels that meet food demand without resorting to intensive practices that further degrade cultivable land.
Regenerative Agriculture and the Water Footprint: Let’s Dig Deeper! 👀
Are you up for it? Stay with me— We promise we won’t make it too difficult!😅
One of the main contributions of regenerative agriculture is carbon (CO₂) absorption. The top 30 centimeters of soil store approximately 694 gigatons of carbon, which is incorporated through plant₂)roots
Carbon and water share a key common link: vegetation growth. Plants in both natural and agricultural ecosystems are capable of photosynthesis, meaning they absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it in their structures. In other words, they act as the primary carbon-sequestering organisms in the environment.
So, let’s recap: In order to absorb or sequester significant levels of atmospheric CO₂ through agriculture (in this case, regenerative agriculture), a dense and healthy plant growth is required. And what is the vital requirement for plant development? … That’s right! Water.
Sin agua, la planta sufre estrés, se reduce o retrasa su desarrollo y baja la producción. De esta manera, se reduce la capacidad de absorción de CO2 y se acelera la acumulación de gases de efecto invernadero que contribuyen al cambio climático. Este es el motivo por el cual un riego inteligente es fundamental para desarrollar una práctica de agricultura regenerativa efectiva, basada en una correcta medición del uso y disponibilidad del agua.
Now, repeat with me! The solution to increasing crop production is not to irrigate more, but to irrigate smarter. 🧠 🧠
Water as a Key Indicator of Success
El hecho de mejorar las características del suelo, a través de la acumulación de carbono orgánico, por ejemplo, permite aumentar la capacidad de retención de agua en el mismo por lo que el cultivo podrá usar este volumen de forma más eficiente. El resultado es que se deba regar menos frecuentemente ya que el mismo agua suministrada en un riego estará disponible durante más tiempo en la superficie. Además, una mayor retención del agua no solo se refleja sobre el agua de riego sino que también el agua proveniente de las precipitaciones perdurará por más tiempo en el suelo y contribuirá positivamente en la reducción de necesidad de regar por parte del agricultor. De este modo, se produce un ahorro de agua que se refleja en la huella hídrica azul del cultivo, favoreciendo a la sostenibilidad hídrica, y permitiendo a las empresas comprender y gestionar mejor su huella hídrica en el sistema productivo.
Shortly, regenerative agriculture represents a major advancement in restoring soil fertility, stability, and health, while also ensuring sustainable water use. This not only benefits water conservation but also has a positive impact on climate change, food availability, and the planet’s health.
We hope this information has been useful! If you have any questions or ideas, reach out to us—we’d love to discuss this topic with you.
Now, Agrow’s Monthly Updates!
👓 Grab your glasses and a cup of coffee, Agrow has launched its blog! You’ll find articles and updates on water stewardship, smart irrigation, and water footprint measurement, among other topics. Our goal is to share valuable insights and innovative solutions for sustainable water management. Let us know what you think!
📰 ¡Agrow está en las noticias! Muchas gracias a Diario Sur por destacar nuestro trabajo y nuestra misión de crear un impacto positivo en el agua. 👉 Lee Read ""Agrow Analytics: The Drive for Efficient Irrigation".
🌍 Hace unos pocos días fue el World Environmental Day, una fecha clave para reafirmar la importancia de la sostenibilidad y el cuidado de los recursos naturales. En Agrow buscamos empoderar a las grandes corporaciones para que ocupen el rol de líderes de la sostenibilidad hídrica. Somos conscientes de que un líder en sostenibilidad requiere necesariamente de conciencia ambiental.
Stay tuned for more insights, updates, and breakthroughs in the coming editions. See you next month!