10 May 2024

Regenerative Management to Boost Soil Health

Preserving the delicate balance of soil ecosystems is paramount for sustainable agriculture. Soil disturbance, caused by activities like plowing and tilling, can disrupt vital functions of soil microorganisms and fauna essential for soil health. At Indika Nature, we prioritize regenerative land management techniques such as no-till and low-till farming to minimize soil disruption. By preserving soil structure and biodiversity, we foster resilient agricultural systems that promote healthy soil ecosystems. Beneath the surface lies a vibrant world of microorganisms and organisms integral to sustaining life. Through our efforts, we strive to maintain a thriving soil ecosystem that supports sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.

 

Soil disturbance encompasses various disruptive activities, including:
Biological disturbance, which arises from overgrazing by animals, hindering plant growth and photosynthesis, leading to reduced carbon dioxide absorption and increased soil erosion.

 

Chemical disturbance, which occurs through excessive fertilizer and pesticide application, disrupting the soil food web, damaging its structure, and impeding plant growth, resulting in water pollution.

 

Physical disturbance, which involves actions like tilling, plowing, or compaction due to machinery use, disrupting soil structure, diminishing pore space, and reducing air and water availability. This adversely affects soil organisms, increases erosion risk, and decreases water retention capacity.

 

Recognizing the adverse effects of soil disturbance, Indika Nature has adopted practices to minimize disruption and enhance soil health:
No-till farming eliminates plowing, preserving soil structure, boosting organic matter levels, and supporting earthworm populations, enhancing residue breakdown and water infiltration.

 

Low-till farming minimizes disturbances to soil for planting.

 

Cover cropping, mulching, and ground-covering rotate cash and cover crops to suppress weeds, nourish soil, and prevent erosion.

 

Rolling and crimping terminate cover crops without cutting stems.

 

Organic fertilizer enriches soil fertility and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

 

Combining these regenerative practices has enabled Indika Nature to effectively maintain preserved soil structure, mitigate erosion, and bolster soil health.