By Jolandie Buck
Two of our extension officers, Jolandie Buck and Wilhem de Beer, spent a week at the 9th World Conservation Agriculture Congress with representatives from right across the world. It provided an opportunity to learn more about the principles of both Conservation Agriculture and Regenerative Agriculture. Sessions included opportunities to hear from researchers from many different countries as well as from farmers about their practical experience with these principles.
Conservation agriculture principles:
- Minimum soil disturbance (no tilling)
- Permanent soil covering with crop residue and live mulch
- Crop rotation and intercropping
Regenerative agriculture principles:
- Minimum soil disturbance
- Permanent soil covering
- Maintain living roots in the soil (cover crops)
- Maximise plant diversity (crop rotation and intercropping)
- Introduce livestock
Some benefits experienced from these practises include reduced erosion, reduced water runoff or water loss from soil, improved water infiltration, improved organic matter accumulation, decrease in pest populations and greater yield per input cost in the long-term (refer to this pamphlet from FAO and The Royal Agricultura Society of England).
The most important lesson that was emphasised during the congress was the importance of these farming methods for soil ecosystem health and overall biodiversity in an area. One of the most impressive talks was given by Prof Peter Byck who has spent the last couple of years comparing Adaptive Multi-paddock grazing with conventional grazing in the USA. This research has formed part of a documentary series that he has directed and produced called Roots so Deep. His research showed the benefits that Adaptive Multi-paddock grazing can have on carbon storage in soil and in return how these systems may positively impact climate change. Other interesting talks included a panel discussion on extensive livestock systems, soil health measurements as well as farm and ecosystem level benefits.
The event was concluded with a practical day at Langgewens Research farm. Here participants were exposed to the ongoing research projects taking place at the farm and could see how conventional farming compares to conservation agriculture. There was also a talk given by Dr Lynn Katsoulis on the importance of corridors in agricultural areas for the preservation of biodiversity and wellbeing of ecosystems. Participants were shown why the western cape soil can be difficult for agriculture and how the different soil types influence water runoff.
Overall it was a worth while experience with both having gained tremendous insights which they can share with various stakeholders in the GCBR region.
