ABSTRACT
Numerous historic civilisations perished because they ignored the importance of soil and other natural resources. Now, the “Carbon Civilisation” of the Anthropocene is also faced with the dilemma of “extinction or regeneration”. Humanity is facing a “soil crisis”. This crisis is aggravated by soil degradation on about 30% of the ice-free land, which is increasing due to land misuse and soil mismanagement. The 1960s “Green Revolution”, based on improved crop varieties responsive to chemicals and irrigation, saved hundreds of millions from starvation but worsened problems of degradation of soil, water, air and biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, this seed-centric approach bypassed Sub-Saharan Africa where fertilisers and irrigation have not been available. We need to implement soil-centric strategies which are based on eco-intensification of farming systems. Protection, restoration and sustainable management of soils through site-specific regenerative practices must be a part of the solution to ensuring human survival and protecting nature. This article focuses on the strategy of producing more from less. It outlines regenerative practices, including those which create a positive soil/ecosystem carbon budget, enhance quality and renewability of water, strengthen biodiversity and promote biofertilisers and biopesticides. Agro-ecosystems must create healthy soils for the continuity of the human race.
