Regenerative Agriculture has many definitions, and in some part depends on ones understanding of what makes plants grow and why plants are not growing to their potential when left to the vagaries of the soil they are growing in. Within my lifetime science has expanded knowledge from four critical nutrients (NPKS) for plant growth to more than 40. Most of these are used in very small, amounts by the plants. As time passes, science will probably identify additional elements critical to plant growth. This is important knowledge if you are planning to maximize plant growth through nutrient additives. Is there an option? Yes, I believe there is! Research is advancing on many fronts. This includes the microbial life that lives in soil and the functions they perform. Along with this we are learning more about plants, and how they access elements they need.
Water management is basic to Regenerative Agriculture, and in my opinion should be added to the list of principles generally considered (surface cover, minimal mechanical disturbance, diverse cultivars, keeping living roots in the soil, introduce livestock). One - four - twelve - eighty three, are the significant numbers to consider as you adopt Regenerative Agricultural practices. These numbers represent how rain water is used in dryland agriculture in the Inland Pacific Northwest according to a 10 year study that ran in the mid 70's to mid 80's by a collaboration of Robert Pappendick and Robert Ramig of Washington State University and Oregon State University. This study was on a two year rotation of winter wheat - fallow. If that study was done today the numbers may change slightly but the concept wouldn't. 1% goes to surface runoff, 4% goes to deep percolation, 12% goes to transpiration, and 83% evaporates off the soil surface.
--How do you reduce the 1% runoff loss: 1)keep the surface covered, 2)no tillage 3)grow plants. Item one intercepts and absorbs the high energy associated falling rain drops. Item two maintains natural channels for water to enter the soil profile. Item three
--How do you reduce the 4% deep percolation: 1)grow plant cultivars. This item will intercept rain water before it moves below the depth of plant roots.
--How do you increase the 12% transpiration: 1)grow plant cultivars for a longer period in a year, 2)grow cultivars for more compete ground cover. These two items reduce the amount of high energy rain water impacting the soil surface. The more complete the surface cover the more photosynthesis that takes place and that translates to more transpiration.
--How do you reduce the 83% evaporation: 1) have an insulating residue mat, 2)grow plant cultivars, 3) grow cultivars for more compete ground cover, 4) don't till. These four items combine to modify soil surface temperatures and intercept energy from the rain drop. The combination of surface residue and growing plants slows water movement across the soil surface allowing time for the water to be absorbed into the soil profile where plant roots can access it.
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The current five principles for developing a healthy soil, that translates to Regenerative Agriculture are, -- 1) near zero mechanical soil disturbance, 2) maintaining surface cover, 3) maintaining growing roots in the soil, 4) developing diversity of growing plant cultivars, and 5) introducing livestock.
