Farming has been the key to marking the evolution of the stationary lifestyle of humankind by providing nutritious and organic foods to lead a healthy lifestyle. However, the use of pesticides in farming has severely polluted the soil and caused an imbalance in the ecosystem. Therefore, to revive the ecosystem, it is mandatory to rethink different farming methods to prevent the destruction of natural resources.
Regenerative farming has been a wise solution for most farmers in the modern days. It aims to rehabilitate soil fertility and a sustainable environment for better human health. Moreover, it favours the farmers by enabling them to cultivate crops throughout the year without any hindrance and has helped them integrate livestock into their farming practices.
Types of Farming
Farming is practised differently in various parts of the world, depending on the available resources and environmental changes.
1 Subsistence Farming
In subsistence farming, the cultivated crops suffice the family’s requirements. Hence, it cannot be used for trading. It involves limited crop growth in a small portion of the land. It is easy to manage and cultivate crops according to the family’s needs.
2 Commercial Farming
In commercial farming, the crops are cultivated over a large piece of land. So, it may require a huge investment for maintenance and producing better yields. Once the crops ripen, they are sold off in the market at a higher margin for a profitable price.
Steps to Farming
1 Soil Preparation
The first step to farming is to evaluate the land and the nature of the soil to determine if it is suitable for cultivation. Next, the soil is thoroughly prepared by ploughing and levelling to maintain proper aeration. Then the organic manure is added to the soil to absorb the required nutrients for better yield.
2 Sowing Seeds
Once the soil is enriched with manure and nutrient content, the seeds are sowed orderly to provide sufficient space for plant growth. Sowing can be done manually or with the help of seed drilling machines.
3 Manuring
Organic wastes of plants and animals are the best manures, as they have high nutrient content. It is crucial to monitor the plants carefully and manure them regularly to generate a disease-free crop.
4 Irrigation
Depending on the water requirements of the soil and the crop, irrigation must be done at frequent intervals to prevent water clogging. However, excessive watering can destroy plants and stunt their growth.
5 Weeding
Weeds are unwanted plants or grass found between cultivated crops. They are removed manually to help the crops achieve the desired growth.
6 Harvesting
As the crops mature, it is essential to harvest by cutting down the crops to minimise losses and maximise the yield.
7 Storage
The harvested crops are cleaned and dried to protect against pests and rodents. These are consumed eventually or sold in the market at a better price.
Benefits of Regenerative Farming
Believe it or not, regenerative farming promises a sustainable life on earth. It supports global food needs and combats climatic changes. In addition, it helps to regenerate grasslands and eliminates greenhouse emissions. This variety of farming can be extremely helpful to local economies in tackling drought and boosting yields.
In Conclusion
Rebuilding and maintaining life in the soil is directly linked to the longevity and reliability of agriculture in the present and future. Hence, every individual must preserve the planet and retain its natural resources to help the younger generations lead a quality life.
