Regenerative agriculture is a trending topic and part of this conversation that revolves around reconfiguring our farms to be more ecologically friendly. When we reconfigure/replant our farms, we provide woodland habitats that serve as productive crops, shelter, and food for livestock, as well as increasing biodiversity, improving habitat, and expanding ecological services. Basically we combine sustainable agriculture practices with forestry and ecology.
The main idea is to embrace regenerative techniques, where trees and bushes are planted alongside crops and within livestock fields. In reconfiguring our farms, we recognize the environmental impacts and local ecology in the farming space. We utilize natural and intentional integration for a more holistic solution.
How?
Reconfiguring our farm landscapes involves looking at the physical layout to seeing where adding trees and shrubs can promote diversity and productivity. For example, I have a seven-acre field where I typically allow a mixed livestock herd to graze. On one side, but blocked by fencing, is a creek and three acres of woods. A small overgrown area of trees and brush is within the field. In the past, I have had no management scheme for this area.
To make this space more biodiverse I am doing two projects. The first is to clear out the existing wooded plot so that my animals can have access to shade and fodder. The second project is to plant a variety of trees and bushes within the field to encourage biodiversity. Typically farms may have planted windbreaks or trees on the peripheries of the property. When we use regenerative agriculture we want to include these habitats within planting or grazing zones.
Why?
Why should farmers take action to plant native trees and bushes? Biodiverse farms are more productive and are ecologically sound. In addition, to being environmentally friendly, a biodiverse farm can be more productive financially. For instance, the farmer plants a diverse group of trees within a pasture area. Locust, walnut, apple trees, elderberry, pine, and cedar. All of these trees may provide some sort of income for the farm in addition to providing food and shelter for livestock and wildlife.
Planting Trees
Planting trees within crop and livestock areas has many advantages. Many farmers have a woodlot and some even use those for growing forest crops such as shitake mushrooms and ginseng, as well as harvesting lumber. However, stating that you will be planting a wooded area mid-field often will bring about raised eyebrows (within conventional circles). Studies have shown that tree and crop species interact on a mutually beneficial level. According to the text, Sustainable Food and Agriculture under half of all agricultural land had only ten percent tree cover.
Companion Planting/Intercropping
Companion planting or intercropping is a popular trend in home gardening and agriculture. These are methods of planting that place compatible plants near each other. They can provide pest resistance, act as a catch crop for unfavorable insects, or provide shade for cool loving plants.
Trees and bushes can do all of these things as well. In addition, trees such as black locusts, redbuds, autumn olive, and the Kentucky Coffee Tree all fix nitrogen in the soil. Their roots can be far-reaching offering an exchange of nutrients. Trees planted within agricultural fields help to reduce erosion and conserve moisture. During periods of heavy rain, the trees help to break and divert the rain so that it slowly enters the ground. This reduces runoff and the leaching of soil nutrients.
Companion Wildlife
While that may sound like an oxymoron, many types of wildlife benefit agriculture. Birds in particular eat numerous insects. In one study, birds reduced pests in an alfalfa field by thirty-three percent. This reduces insect damage but also diseases that are spread by insects. By planting trees and bushes within field spaces you can enlist a variety of birds to become pest eradicators.
Livestock and Wildlife Benefits
There was a time in our country where the family cow and pig were encouraged to roam forested areas and forage. This allowed them to have access to a greater diversity of food and lowered the feed bill. Conventional agriculture states these two can’t co-exist. However, with proper management, this is very possible.
Trees provide shelter and food for livestock and wildlife. Trees such as fruit and nut trees, mulberry, oak, locust, and willow have desirable forage benefits. Many farmers plant forage crops under the trees to provide additional grazing areas. This can also help to minimize the eating of trees when they are younger and still vulnerable to browsing. Trees also provide shelter from cold winter winds and hot summer sun. Farms often plant a line of evergreens for a windbreak. Planting a diverse mixture of species will benefit the farmer and the animals.
Studies have shown that cattle on grasslands and open ranges are healthier and have fewer deaths when provided with a grove of trees to seek shelter within. Likewise, hogs raised in the field, benefit in the summer from having a cool location to get out of the sun.
Management
The management of farms is the key. We can manage our farms in such a way that ecosystems degenerate, or we can manage farms in such a way that farms become an integral part of the ecosystem. By selecting the right trees and planting them with proper spacing you can efficiently use your land.
Ame Vanorio is the director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Ame teaches classes locally and online about organic gardening, herbs, homesteading, green building, living off-grid, and wildlife conservation. In addition, she is a freelance writer and writes for several gardening, pet, and green building websites. She lives a sustainable life on her Kentucky farm with a myriad of domestic and wild animals.