What it is
This academic text covers the latest research on regenerative agriculture practices including no-till farming, cover cropping, livestock integration, agroforestry, and their effects on soil health, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods. It bridges the gap between peer-reviewed research and on-farm implementation, with chapters contributed by leading scientists and practitioners.
Why we picked this
The regenerative agriculture movement has outpaced the science in some areas, creating claims that exceed the evidence. This book provides the rigorous scientific backing for practices that work, while honestly addressing where evidence is still developing. It is essential reading for practitioners who want to ground their methods in data.
Key takeaways
- Conservation agriculture (no-till, cover crops, rotation) adds an estimated 162.5 USD/ha in net income when considering reduced input costs and yield stability.
- The book identifies which regenerative practices have strong evidence (cover cropping, no-till) versus which need more research (biochar long-term effects).
- Multi-year transition data shows that regenerative systems require 3-7 years to reach full biological potential, explaining why short-term studies often miss benefits.