Feeding soil sustainably from micro to macro
Over 100 years ago, Albert Howard stumbled upon three fascinating insights while working as a botanist in India. First, Howard observed that the health of a village’s people, animals and livestock were directly correlated to the health of the village’s soil. Second, he noted that no matter how healthy a seed was, it was of no use in impoverished soil. Third, he realized soil could be enriched through the decomposition of organic matter within it.
Albert wrote, “The supply of humus for the soil is obtained from the waste products of agriculture at no cost to the cultivator beyond the expenditure of a portion of his abundant leisure.”
Waste from decomposing organic material was no longer wasted: it was food for soil. A circular system that feeds itself is the hallmark of true sustainability. Unbeknownst to Howard, he was laying the groundwork for a sustainable organic farming movement.
In fact, compost plays a critical role in the context of regenerative farming practices. Compost, a nutrient-rich organic material produced through the decomposition of organic matter, serves as a valuable resource for enhancing soil health, fertility, and overall sustainability in agricultural systems. Key reasons why compost is indispensable in the realm of regenerative farming are highlighted below.
- Soil Organic Matter Enrichment: Compost application significantly contributes to increasing soil organic matter content. The organic matter in compost serves as a source of vital nutrients, carbon, and beneficial microorganisms that support plant growth and contribute to the overall soil ecosystem. This enrichment enhances soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient-holding capacity, fostering a conducive environment for plant roots and soil organisms.
- Nutrient Cycling and Availability: Compost acts as a reservoir of essential plant nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Through the decomposition process, nutrients become available in a slow-release form, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching and runoff. Compost’s balanced nutrient composition promotes healthier plant growth, reduces the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and supports sustainable nutrient management practices.
- Soil Fertility Enhancement: By adding organic matter, compost enhances soil fertility and promotes a favorable soil pH and nutrient balance. It improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture, reducing irrigation needs and enhancing drought resilience. The improved fertility status also supports the proliferation of beneficial soil microorganisms, enhancing nutrient cycling, disease suppression, and overall soil ecosystem functions.
- Carbon Sequestration: By incorporating organic waste materials into compost instead of sending them to landfills, carbon is effectively recycled and returned to the soil. This sequestered carbon not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes the development of stable soil organic carbon, supporting long-term carbon storage and soil health. But the benefit is not just local – it’s global: carbon sequestration plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change.
- Soil Erosion Prevention: The addition of compost enhances soil structure, aggregate stability, and water infiltration, mitigating the risks of soil erosion. By improving soil structure, compost helps create a crumbly, well-drained soil matrix, reducing surface runoff and soil erosion caused by heavy rainfall or irrigation. This erosion control measure protects valuable topsoil, preventing nutrient loss and maintaining soil productivity.
- Waste Reduction and Sustainability: Composting offers an environmentally friendly solution for managing organic waste materials, diverting them from landfills and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with decomposition. By converting organic waste into compost, regenerative farmers contribute to a circular economy, closing the nutrient loop and reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.
The utilization of compost in regenerative farming practices brings numerous benefits to soil health, fertility, and environmental sustainability. The enrichment of soil organic matter, nutrient availability, carbon sequestration, erosion prevention, and waste reduction all contribute to building resilient and productive agricultural systems.
ABOV offers guidance to farms wanting to implement and integrate more effective composting solutions. We are also proud to recognize and certify farms who are already using these regenerative methods to restore the health of their soil and the planet.
To find out how to become ABOV-certified, visit our FAQ section . Still have questions or comments? Contact us .
