Regenerative Agriculture: A Solution to Soil Degradation in the UK
At S. Thorogood & Sons, we believe that farming must be both productive and responsible. With over a century of agricultural experience behind us, we have witnessed first-hand the long-term effects of intensive farming on British soil. Today, we advocate for regenerative agriculture as a practical, effective, and urgently needed solution to the worsening issue of soil degradation across the UK.
Understanding the Problem: Soil Degradation in the UK
Soil is more than just dirt; it's a complex, living ecosystem that underpins our entire food system. Healthy soil stores carbon, retains water, cycles nutrients, and supports biodiversity both above and below ground. Yet, decades of intensive agricultural practices have significantly eroded the health of our soils.
In the UK, it's estimated that over a third of agricultural soils are degraded. This is largely due to monoculture cropping, excessive tillage, overuse of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, and a general lack of attention to soil biology. The result is soil that is compacted, less fertile, and increasingly vulnerable to erosion and flooding. Once productive fields are becoming less viable, threatening the long-term sustainability of British farming.
What Is Regenerative Agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a system of farming principles and practices that aim to rehabilitate and enhance the entire ecosystem of the farm. Unlike conventional methods that often deplete soil over time, regenerative farming seeks to improve it. The core principles include:
Minimal soil disturbance: Reducing or eliminating ploughing to preserve soil structure and microbial life.
Cover cropping: Growing plants to protect and enrich the soil when main crops aren’t in the ground.
Crop rotation and diversity: Growing a variety of crops to prevent disease cycles and support soil health.
Integrating livestock: Using animals to graze rotationally, fertilise naturally, and stimulate new plant growth.
Compost and natural inputs: Building soil organic matter through compost and avoiding chemical inputs.
These practices help to build soil fertility, improve water retention, and increase biodiversity both in the soil and on the land.
Looking Ahead: Why Regeneration Matters
The UK is at a crossroads. With growing pressure on food systems, environmental targets to meet, and climate volatility on the rise, the need to adopt farming systems that restore rather than exploit is critical. Regenerative agriculture offers a path forward that protects soil, improves yields over time, and contributes positively to our ecosystems.
At S. Thorogood & Sons, we are committed to leading this change within our industry. We believe it’s possible to farm in harmony with nature while producing exceptional seasonal crops.