Regenerative Agriculture Glossary

If you are new to regenerative food and agriculture it can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning to wrap your head around all the different words and phrases. We’ve put together this glossary of terms that you can come back to again and again to help grow your understanding of all things regeneration.

Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing

A grazing management approach that involves rotating livestock through multiple paddocks, allowing for rest and recovery periods for vegetation while promoting soil health and biodiversity.

Agribiodiversity

The diversity of plant and animal species within agricultural systems. Agrobiodiversity is crucial for resilience, as it helps protect against pests and diseases, enhances ecosystem services, and provides a wider range of nutritious food options.

Agroecology

A science-based approach to agriculture that emphasises the ecological principles and interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment. Agroecology seeks to promote sustainable and resilient food systems while minimising external inputs.

Agroforestry

The intentional integration of trees, crops, and/or livestock in the same farming system. Agroforestry practices provide multiple benefits, such as improved soil health, increased biodiversity, enhanced water management, and additional income streams.

Agropreneurship

The entrepreneurial mindset and practices applied to agriculture, involving innovation, value creation, and the development of sustainable and profitable farming enterprises. Agropreneurship plays a role in driving the adoption of regenerative practices and creating resilient and viable farming businesses.

Animal Integration

The intentional inclusion of animals within a farming or gardening system to enhance ecological balance, nutrient cycling, and overall productivity.

Biochar

A type of charcoal produced from biomass through a process called pyrolysis. It is used as a soil amendment to improve fertility, water retention, and nutrient availability.

Biodiversity

The variety and abundance of living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, within a given ecosystem or geographical area.

Biodynamic Farming

An approach to agriculture that combines organic farming practices with a holistic and spiritual perspective. Biodynamic farming considers the interconnectedness of soil health, cosmic rhythms, and the farm as a living organism.

Biological Farming

An approach to agriculture that emphasises the use of biological processes and natural inputs to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience, while minimising the use of synthetic chemicals.

Bioregional

Relating to a specific geographical region characterised by unique ecological features, including climate, soil types, and native species, which influences the design and implementation of regenerative agriculture practices.

Biosequestration

The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through biological means, such as photosynthesis and the incorporation of carbon into plants, soils, or other organic matter.

Carbon Cycle

The continuous movement of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, plants, soils, and oceans. It involves processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and fossil fuel combustion.

Carbon Farming

A set of agricultural practices aimed at sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in agricultural systems. Carbon farming techniques include agroforestry, rotational grazing, cover cropping, and conservation tillage.

Carbon Offset

A mechanism where an individual or organisation takes action to reduce their carbon emissions or sequester carbon to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere. Regenerative agriculture can contribute to carbon offsetting through carbon sequestration practices, potentially allowing farmers to generate carbon credits.

Certification

A process of verifying and guaranteeing that specific standards and criteria, such as those related to organic or regenerative agriculture, have been met by a farm, product, or producer.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

A system where consumers directly support local farmers by purchasing a share of the farm's harvest in advance. CSAs promote a closer connection between consumers and farmers, encourage sustainable practices, and provide farmers with financial stability.

Compost

A nutrient-rich soil amendment created through the decomposition of organic materials, such as food waste, yard trimmings, or animal manure, under controlled conditions.

Compost Tea

A liquid fertiliser produced by steeping compost in water, often with the addition of other ingredients, to extract beneficial microorganisms and nutrients for application to plants and soil.

Cover Crops

Crops planted primarily to cover and protect the soil between cash crop seasons. Cover crops help prevent erosion, improve soil structure, increase organic matter, suppress weeds, and enhance nutrient cycling.

Covering Bare Soil

The practice of protecting bare soil surfaces with mulch, cover crops, or other materials to prevent erosion, retain moisture, promote nutrient cycling, and provide habitat for beneficial organisms.

Crop Rotation

The practice of growing different crops in a specific sequence on the same piece of land over time. Crop rotation helps break pest and disease cycles, improves soil fertility, and reduces the need for synthetic inputs.

Drawdown

The process of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by capturing and storing carbon in natural sinks, such as forests, soils, and oceans, through regenerative practices.

Ecological Succession

The natural process of change in plant and animal communities over time. Regenerative agriculture seeks to mimic and accelerate ecological succession to restore degraded land and promote diverse and resilient ecosystems.

Ecosystem

A complex network of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) and their physical environment, functioning as a self-regulating system where energy and matter are exchanged.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems to humans, including the provision of clean air and water, soil formation, nutrient cycling, pollination, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities.

Ethical Sourcing

The practice of ensuring that products are sourced from producers who uphold ethical and sustainable practices. Regenerative agriculture promotes ethical sourcing by prioritising fair trade, worker rights, and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.

Fallow

The practice of leaving agricultural land uncultivated for a specific period to restore soil fertility, control pests, or allow for natural regeneration of vegetation.

Farmer-to-Farmer Knowledge Exchange

A collaborative approach where farmers share experiences, knowledge, and best practices with one another. Farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange promotes peer learning, fosters innovation, and enables the spread of regenerative agriculture practices within farming communities.

Food Forests

Designed landscapes that mimic natural forests and integrate a diverse mix of edible trees, shrubs, herbs, and groundcover plants. Food forests promote self-sufficiency, biodiversity, and the production of nutritious foods while reducing the need for external inputs.

Food Justice

The equitable distribution of nutritious, culturally appropriate, and sustainably produced food, along with fair access to resources, such as land, education, and economic opportunities, for all individuals and communities.

Food Security

The state of having reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life.

Food Sovereignty

The right of communities to control their own food systems, including decisions regarding production, distribution, and consumption. Regenerative agriculture supports food sovereignty by empowering local communities, fostering diversified and resilient farming systems, and reducing dependence on external inputs.

Food Waste Reduction

The reduction of food waste at all stages of the food supply chain, from production to consumption. Food waste reduction helps conserve resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and address food security and hunger issues.

Herbicides

Chemical substances used to control or kill unwanted plants (weeds) in agricultural or gardening systems.

Holistic Pest Management

An approach to pest management that considers the ecological dynamics of the entire farm system. It involves promoting beneficial insects, maintaining habitat diversity, using trap crops, and employing cultural practices to manage pests in a balanced and sustainable manner.

Holistic Management

A decision-making framework for land management that considers social, economic, and environmental factors. Holistic management seeks to optimise holistic outcomes, such as improved soil health, biodiversity, and profitability.

Humane Treatment of Animals

The ethical and compassionate treatment of animals in farming and food production systems, ensuring their well-being, proper nutrition, access to natural behaviours, and freedom from unnecessary suffering.

Humus

A dark, organic component of soil resulting from the decomposition of plant and animal matter. It improves soil structure, fertility, and water-holding capacity.

Industrial Agriculture

A large-scale, intensive approach to agriculture characterised by mechanisation, use of synthetic inputs (such as fertilisers and pesticides), mono-cropping, and high-energy consumption.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

A pest management approach that combines various strategies to minimise pest damage while minimising reliance on synthetic pesticides. IPM strategies may include biological control, cultural practices, and targeted pesticide use as a last resort.

Intercropping

The practice of growing two or more different crops simultaneously in the same field, which often provides complementary interactions and increased biodiversity, pest control, and nutrient cycling.

Land Degradation

The deterioration of the productive capacity and health of land due to various factors, including soil erosion, loss of organic matter, salinization, deforestation, or pollution.

Living Soil

A term used to describe soil that is teeming with beneficial microorganisms, fungi, earthworms, and other organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling, soil structure, and overall ecosystem health.

No-Till Farming

A practice of growing crops without disturbing the soil through tillage. No-till farming helps improve soil structure, reduce erosion, increase organic matter, and retain moisture.

Nutrient Cycling

The process of recycling nutrients within an ecosystem, ensuring that they are used and reused efficiently. Regenerative agriculture promotes nutrient cycling through practices such as composting, cover cropping, and incorporating organic matter into the soil.

Organic

A system of agricultural production that avoids the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and promotes ecological balance and biodiversity.

Organic Matter

The decomposed remains of plants, animals, and microorganisms in the soil. It plays a vital role in improving soil structure, water retention, nutrient availability, and overall soil health.

Perennial Crops

Crops that have a longer lifespan and can produce multiple harvests over several years. Perennial crops contribute to soil health, reduce erosion, and provide habitats for beneficial organisms.

Permaculture

An approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that mimic natural ecosystems, integrating principles such as ecological diversity, resource conservation, and self-sufficiency.

Permaculture Design

The process of applying permaculture principles to plan, create, and manage sustainable and productive landscapes, incorporating elements such as food forests, water harvesting, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

Pesticides

Chemical substances used to control or eliminate pests, including insects, weeds, and diseases, in agricultural or gardening systems.

Pollinator Habitat

Areas specifically designed and managed to provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds. Creating pollinator habitats supports biodiversity, enhances pollination services, and improves crop yields.

Regenerative Agriculture

An approach to farming that aims to regenerate and restore ecosystems, improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon, and create resilient and sustainable food systems. Regenerative agriculture focuses on holistic land management practices that work in harmony with nature.

Regenerative Economy

An economic system that prioritises sustainable practices, social well-being, and environmental regeneration. In the context of agriculture, a regenerative economy supports the transition to regenerative farming practices, promotes local economies, and fosters resilience.

Regenerative Grazing

A grazing management approach that mimics natural grazing patterns and emphasises the regeneration of grasslands. It involves rotational grazing, allowing for periods of rest and recovery for the vegetation, and promotes soil health and biodiversity.

Regenerative Livestock Management

Practices that integrate livestock into regenerative agriculture systems, with a focus on animal welfare, land stewardship, and carbon sequestration. This may include rotational grazing, multi-species grazing, and providing access to pasture for animals.

Regenerative Organic Certification

A certification program that verifies the use of regenerative organic practices in agriculture. It encompasses principles such as soil health, animal welfare, social fairness, and climate resilience.

Rotational Grazing

A grazing strategy that involves moving livestock between different pastures or grazing areas in a planned manner, allowing for rest and recovery periods for vegetation, promoting soil health and biodiversity.

Silvopasture

An agroforestry practice that combines the simultaneous cultivation of trees, forage crops, and livestock within the same area, benefiting from the ecological interactions between these components.

Social Equity

The fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits within society. In the context of regenerative agriculture, social equity involves ensuring that all stakeholders, including farmers, workers, and local communities, have access to fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for participation and decision-making.

Soil Amendments

Materials added to the soil to improve its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Soil amendments may include compost, biochar, cover crops, and mineral additives, and they help enhance soil fertility, structure, and nutrient availability.

Soil Carbon

The carbon stored in the soil as organic matter, contributing to soil fertility, structure, and long-term carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change.

Soil Health

The capacity of soil to function as a living system, supporting plant growth, nutrient cycling, water infiltration, and carbon sequestration. Regenerative agriculture focuses on building and maintaining soil health through practices that enhance organic matter, microbial activity, and soil structure.

Values-Based Supply Chains

Supply chains that prioritise regenerative practices, from sourcing raw materials to production, distribution, and consumption. Values-based supply chains aim to reduce environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and support regenerative agriculture practices.

Waterholding Capacity

The ability of soil to retain water, preventing excessive runoff and promoting adequate moisture levels for plant growth, reducing irrigation needs, and enhancing drought resilience.

Water Management

The practice of efficiently and sustainably managing water resources in agriculture. It involves techniques such as rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, contour ploughing, and water-efficient crop selection to reduce water usage and minimise water-related impacts.

Yield

The amount of agricultural or horticultural produce obtained from a given area or volume, commonly measured in terms of weight, volume, or nutritional content.

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