Regenerative Farming Systems (HL) (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))

Regenerative Farming Systems

• Regenerative farming systems aim to restore:

  • Soil health

  • Biodiversity

  • Productivity

• These systems focus on creating long-term sustainable farms through natural processes

• They often use mixed farming techniques

  • This involves combining plants and animals to work together for better farm productivity and environmental health

• Regenerative farming systems are commonly associated with permaculture

  • Permaculture is a farming approach focused on mimicking natural ecosystems

Key techniques in regenerative farming

Use of animals in regenerative farming

• Animals as natural tools:

  • Animals like pigs and chickens help clear vegetation and aerate the soil

    • This reduces the need for heavy machinery

  • Animal movement disturbs the soil just enough to help with seed growth and reduce soil compaction

  • Animals also introduce manure to the soil

    • This acts as a natural fertiliser that boosts soil nutrient levels and organic matter

• Advantages:

  • Reduces reliance on synthetic fertilisers

  • Increases natural fertility of soil

  • Promotes organic matter in the soil, which improves soil structure and nutrient content

  • Creates a self-sustaining ecosystem by recycling nutrients within the farm

• Disadvantages:

  • Requires careful management to prevent issues like overgrazing or soil erosion by animals

  • Can be labour-intensive on large farms, needing regular monitoring

  • Animal welfare and ethical practices need to be prioritised

Mob grazing

• Mob grazing:

  • Mob grazing involves moving animals in concentrated groups into specific areas for short periods

    • It is sometimes called "tall grass grazing" because the grass can grow very tall in between grazing periods

  • In contrast to continuous grazing, mob grazing is more controlled and mimics natural herding patterns of large herbivores

  • This method allows the plants to recover between grazings

    • This maintains their root systems and enhances soil structure

• Advantages:

  • Boosts soil fertility through natural fertilisation from animal manure

  • Provides a recovery or "rest" period for grasses and soils

  • Encourages biodiversity in the plant life and microorganisms in the soil

• Disadvantages:

  • Must be managed well to avoid overgrazing

  • Can lead to soil compaction if not carefully managed

  • Time, labour and monitoring are required to move animals regularly

  • Not all farms have sufficient land or resources to effectively use mob grazing

Plant-based diets and regenerative systems

• Diverse cropping:

  • Plant-based diets can be supported through regenerative practices by growing a variety of crops

  • Requires techniques that use multiple different crops, like crop rotation, cover cropping, and intercropping

    • These methods keep soil healthy by adding organic matter, reducing soil erosion, retaining soil moisture, and reducing pest issues naturally

  • Diverse cropping systems in regenerative farming help meet food demands while building a resilient soil structure