Abbreviated Dictionary of Regenerative Agriculture: Key Concepts
The circular economy proposes a regenerative approach that seeks to minimize waste generation and maximize the lifespan of resources. In agriculture, this means rethinking how inputs are used, how soil is managed, and how production cycles are designed.
For this reason, we are including in our blog what we consider an abbreviated dictionary of regenerative agriculture, aware that many new concepts have gradually been incorporated into agricultural practice.
As explained by AEFA (Spanish Association of Agronutrient Manufacturers), the goal of regenerative agriculture is to reverse, as far as possible, the consequences of climate change by intervening in the regeneration of soil organic matter and restoring biodiversity in soils that may already be degraded. In doing so, regenerative agriculture leads both to increased carbon dioxide capture and to improvements in the water cycle.
A
Agricultural Ecosystem: The network of relationships among soil, water, plants, animals, and people on a farm. Regenerative agriculture seeks to keep this system balanced and resilient.
Agroforestry: The integration of trees and shrubs into crop or livestock systems to improve biodiversity and landscape resilience.
B
Biodiversity::The variety of living organisms within an agricultural ecosystem: plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms. The greater the biodiversity, the greater the resilience and the fewer problems with pests or diseases.
Biofertilizer: A product made from living microorganisms that improves nutrient availability in the soil and stimulates plant growth.
Bioindicator Plants: : Plant species that appear in agricultural ecosystems and provide information about soil conditions (pH, compaction, fertility, excess nutrients, etc.).
At MAFA, we firmly believe that the greatest challenge facing the agriculture of the future is regenerating what has been depleted over the years.
That is why we continue exploring, researching, and sharing knowledge to contribute to a more resilient, sustainable, and living agricultural model.
C
Carbon Sequestration: The process by which plants absorb atmospheric CO₂ and store it in the soil as organic matter.
Compost: Organic matter that has decomposed under controlled conditions. It is used to improve soil fertility, structure, and biological life.
Cover Crops: Plant species sown not for harvest, but to protect the soil from erosion, improve fertility, and keep it permanently covered.
Crop Rotation: Especies vegetales sembradas no para cosecha, sino para proteger el suelo de la erosión, mejorar su fertilidad y mantenerlo siempre cubierto.
D
Diversification: A production strategy that combines different crops to reduce risks and make better use of resources.
F
False Seedbed: A technique that involves preparing the soil as if it were going to be sown, waiting for weeds to germinate, and then eliminating them before planting the actual crop.
G
Green Manure: The cultivation of herbaceous plants that are incorporated into the soil to increase organic matter and improve soil nutrition.
Ground Cover: Plants that permanently cover the soil in woody crops, protecting it from erosion, improving water infiltration, and feeding microbial life.
M
Microbiome: In other words, the soil microbiology mentioned above. It is the community of microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, and protozoa) that coexist and colonize the soil. It is a distinct ecosystem that interacts with plants and influences their health.
Mulch: A layer of organic material (plant residues, leaves, compost, etc.) that forms on the soil surface, protecting it, retaining moisture, and feeding soil life.
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis: The relationship between fungi and plant roots that enhances water and nutrient absorption while also protecting against diseases.
Mycorrhizae: Structures that form around plant roots when they associate with certain fungi. This association occurs naturally and is a mutualistic symbiosis, meaning both the plant and the fungus benefit.
N
Nutrient Bioavailability: The fraction of essential elements (N, P, K, etc.) that plant roots can absorb and actively use. This process is regulated by factors such as pH (optimal 6.0–6.5), organic matter, soil texture, and microbial activity. It directly influences crop yields.
No-Till Farming: A technique that avoids or reduces plowing in order to preserve underground biological structure and soil microorganisms.
O
Organic Matter: Decomposing plant and animal residues present in the soil. They are key to maintaining fertility and water retention.
P
Postbiotics: Metabolites and bioactive compounds produced by beneficial microorganisms during their growth. Among other functions, they improve nutrient bioavailability in the soil and stimulate plant defence mechanisms.
Prebiotics: Compounds that feed and promote beneficial microorganisms, creating optimal conditions for their development. Unlike conventional fertilizers, which directly nourish the plant, prebiotics take a more strategic approach.
Probiotics: Living microorganisms that, when introduced into soil or plants, generate tangible benefits. They help solubilize locked nutrients, releasing phosphorus, iron, and other elements that, although present in the soil, are in forms unavailable to plants. They also compete with pathogens, acting as a natural biological shield.
R
Regenerative Agriculture: An agricultural practice that seeks to restore soil health and keep it productive, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services.
S
Soil Food Web: A complex network of organisms (bacteria, fungi, insects) that interact in the soil to recycle nutrients.
Soil Microbiology: The community of bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms living in the soil. They are essential for understanding soil life and its critical role in crop success.
Soil Regeneration: The process of restoring life, structure, and fertility to degraded soil through practices that nurture rather than deplete it.
Soil Structure: The way soil particles (sand, silt, and clay) are grouped together. A healthy soil structure allows water infiltration, root growth, and air circulation for microbial life.
In summary, regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach that seeks to give back to the land all that it provides to us—which is a great deal—focusing primarily on soil health and biodiversity.
