6 Principles of Soil Health

Context and adaptability are foundational to being truly regenerative. There are key principles to soil health which underpin decision-making to best create soil health. Soil health is the foundation of Regenerative Ag.

Full credit to Gabe Brown and the crew at Understanding Ag for creating and promoting this list.

The Six Principles

1. Context

The first principle is context. In a holistic management framework, context includes geography, climate, extant landscape, financial context, social context (family and community), and spiritual context. Most important principle as it determines how the others are applied.

2. Minimize Disturbance

Reduce tillage and soil disruption. Avoid practices that damage soil structure. Protect soil aggregates and microbial communities. Least amount of disturbance possible.

3. Diversity

Different plants promote different microbial species. Increased microbial diversity increases the efficacy of microbes' mobilization of nutrients from the soil. Promotes ecosystem resilience.

4. Living Roots Year-Round

Soil structure comes from the aggregates formed by the soil microbiota. Soil microbes require living roots to grow. Soil aggregates are relatively short-lived. Leaving soil bare damages soil structure.

5. Keep the Soil Covered

Keep a biological skin of plant material on the soil at all times. Vegetative cover protects the soil from wind and water erosion, moderates soil temperatures, prevents moisture loss, and protects soil life.

6. Livestock Integration

Soils are formed in conjunction with herbivores eating forage and cycling it through their digestive system. Animals play a crucial role in nutrient cycling. Grazing stimulates plant growth and root development.

Key Message

Context and adaptability are foundational to being truly regenerative. These principles must be applied based on individual farm circumstances, not as a rigid recipe.