Regen Ag Glossary for Founders

A form of regenerative grazing that involves frequently moving livestock to fresh pastures to mimic natural grazing patterns. This enhances soil health and biodiversity.

The study of ecological processes applied to agricultural production systems. It integrates sustainable farming practices with biodiversity conservation.

Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes for improved biodiversity and productivity. It enhances ecosystem services and can improve crop yields and soil health.

Charcoal used as a soil amendment for carbon sequestration and soil health improvement. Biochar can enhance soil fertility and water retention.

A holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition. It includes practices such as crop rotation, composting, and the use of herbal preparations.

The use of living organisms to control pest populations. Examples include ladybugs for aphid control and nematodes for soil pests.

Design and production inspired by biological entities and processes. It aims to solve human problems by emulating nature's time-tested patterns and strategies.

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in soil, vegetation, or the ocean. It helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels.

Strategies to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Adaptation includes adjusting practices to cope with changes, while mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The controlled decomposition of organic matter to produce nutrient-rich soil amendments. It reduces waste and improves soil fertility and structure.

Agricultural practices that maintain and improve soil health, reduce erosion, and enhance biodiversity. Key principles include minimal soil disturbance, maintaining soil cover, and crop rotations.

Planting crops primarily for the benefit of soil health, erosion control, and biodiversity, rather than for harvest. Cover crops can improve soil structure and reduce pest pressures.

Benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living. These include pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration.

Practices to prevent soil loss from wind or water. Techniques include planting cover crops, terracing, and using mulch.

A standardized framework for measuring and monitoring the sustainability performance of farms globally. It includes indicators for soil health, biodiversity, and resource use efficiency.

Plant material that is grown and turned into the soil to improve its organic matter and nutrient content. Green manures can also suppress weeds and prevent erosion.

A decision-making framework that ensures sustainable ecological, economic, and social outcomes. It often involves adaptive management and planned grazing systems.

A sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools. IPM aims to minimize the use of harmful pesticides and reduce pest resistance.

Growing two or more crops in proximity for a variety of benefits, such as pest control and resource use efficiency. Intercropping can enhance biodiversity and soil health.

A system of principles and techniques for optimizing the use of water resources in the landscape. It involves contour plowing and other methods to maximize water retention and soil fertility.

Products containing beneficial microorganisms to promote plant growth and soil health. These include rhizobia for nitrogen fixation and mycorrhizal fungi for nutrient uptake.

The application of organic or inorganic materials on the soil surface to improve soil conditions. Mulching conserves moisture, reduces weed growth, and enhances soil fertility.

Fungi that form beneficial relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient and water uptake. They play a crucial role in plant health and soil structure.

Strategies that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges. NbS can improve biodiversity, enhance resilience, and provide climate change mitigation.

An agricultural practice that increases soil health by leaving the soil undisturbed. Includes practices such as minimum-till and strip-till to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter. Healthy ecosystems efficiently recycle nutrients through plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Farming systems that rely on ecologically based practices such as cultural and biological pest management. Organic agriculture prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, and other additives.

Crops that do not need to be replanted each year and can be harvested for several years. Examples include fruit trees, asparagus, and perennial grains.

Design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. Permaculture aims to create sustainable and self-sufficient agricultural systems.

The use of plants to remove contaminants from the soil or water. Plants can absorb, concentrate, and break down pollutants.

The simultaneous cultivation of multiple crop species in the same space, increasing biodiversity and resilience. Polyculture can improve pest control and reduce the risk of crop failure.

Farming and grazing practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon. It focuses on building soil organic matter and improving the water cycle.

Dairy farming practices focused on restoring and enhancing soil health, animal welfare, and biodiversity. It often includes rotational grazing and holistic management practices.

Practices such as Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing and Holistic Planned Grazing (HPG) that improve soil health and biodiversity. These methods involve rotating livestock to mimic natural grazing patterns.

The region of soil that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms. It is a critical zone for nutrient uptake and microbial activity.

The practice of moving livestock between pastures to allow for periods of grazing and recovery. This improves pasture health and can increase forage production.

A partnership that drives climate action in the private sector by enabling companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets. These targets are aligned with the latest climate science to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Combining forestry and grazing of domesticated animals in a mutually beneficial way. It enhances biodiversity, improves soil health, and can provide additional income streams.

Materials added to soil to improve its physical or chemical properties. Common amendments include compost, lime, and biochar.

The continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans. Healthy soil supports robust plant growth and sequesters carbon.

The community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, living in the soil. A diverse soil microbiome is crucial for nutrient cycling and plant health.

Farming practices that meet current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves balancing environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity.

Interactions between different species that live together in a close, often long-term relationship. Examples include mycorrhizal fungi with plant roots and nitrogen-fixing bacteria with legumes.

A framework for companies to disclose climate-related financial risks and opportunities. It aims to improve transparency and help investors make informed decisions.

A framework for organizations to report and act on evolving nature-related risks. It helps businesses assess their impacts on nature and integrate biodiversity considerations into their strategies.

The cultivation of worms to decompose organic food waste into a nutrient-rich material. Worm castings enhance soil health and plant growth.

Techniques for collecting and storing rainwater for agricultural use. Methods include rain barrels, swales, and keyline design.

Strips of natural habitat that connect populations of wildlife separated by human activities or structures. These corridors facilitate movement and genetic exchange between wildlife populations.

Agricultural practices aimed at reducing waste through the efficient use of resources and recycling of by-products. It emphasizes closed-loop systems and sustainability.

Technologies used to measure, report, and verify agroecological indicators in a decentralized manner. This ensures transparency and accuracy in sustainability practices.