Healing the Land Through Regenerative Agriculture

Modern American culture affects our lives positively and negatively. Our predominant food production systems share this dual nature. They provide copious amounts of beneficial foods, but they also contain considerable tripe. Many commercial operations rely on massive corporate farms, which occupy huge tracts of land. The plants and animals they grow derive from hydrocarbon-based fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Most of these “progressive” methods began after World War II.

The harmful residues from these factory farms are negatively affecting nature`s balance. Sterile soils are bathed in toxic chemicals, which require constant replenishment. The natural cyclical order found in forests, prairies, and wetlands is ignored or destroyed. Small organic farms and gardens diminish with time.

The joy of growing, harvesting, cooking, and eating one’s own food is a relic. Some people ask, “Why would I want to do that when I can get someone else to do it for me?” Few are satisfied with locally or seasonally produced food. But it is not too late to change this way of sustaining ourselves. There is hope.

Regenerative Agriculture (RA) is real and effective. RA can refer to any agricultural endeavor that maintains or improves the natural productive qualities of land used to grow food. Through natural processes, healing is possible. Combining proven ancient farming techniques with innovative modern tools and methods can lead to better foods and lifestyles. Permaculture, terrapreta, biochar, hugels, nitrogen-fixing bacteria, composting, mulching, worm beds, raised beds, swales, hydroponics, seed saving, chicken tractors, grass-fed livestock, and renewable energy projects are a few examples. These and other ideas will work in rural and urban settings. Individuals, families, and small groups can participate in such efforts.

Some large commercial farmers are realizing the benefits of regenerative practices. They are experiencing larger crop yields and higher quality products after introducing carbon and organic material to their soils. Most importantly, some farmers are seeing higher profits. Several farming associations are providing university grants to study the feasibility of adapting their farming practices. Anyone willing to work with RA assets can experience the satisfaction of doing the right thing for the environment and themselves. What might seem like toil becomes a labor of love.

Several individuals in the Lookout Mountain area practice various aspects of RA, and The Groundhog will present a series of articles showcasing their efforts. Readers can become more familiar with the growing RA movement, and perhaps be inspired to participate.

By Bill Adams