Denbigh and District Probus Club

AT the most recent meeting of the Denbigh and District Probus Club, Gareth Foulkes, from Llandyrnog, gave a fascinating presentation about regenerative farming, potential changes to food production and a future prospect for the agricultural industry.

It is apparent that the answer lies in soil that supports nutrition and its integration with plant species.

Regenerative farming does not depend on chemical fertilizers or sprays and reduces the need for fossil fuel based input.

Gareth was brought upon his parent’s farm and his interest in science led to a degree from Leeds University in animal physiology and nutrition.

He started working as an innovative dairy farmer interested in the science of milk production, but in 2004 sold the herd and spent four years teaching science.

He then moved to the Environment Agency.

Water quality was a particular interest working for a time at the Welsh Dee Rivers Trust.

Now he deals with water quality at Reaseheath College, providing advice to farmers.

A brief history of the development of mankind from 2.6 million years ago to the present time was outlined.

A graph illustrated the explosion in the human population since the use of fossil fuels after the industrial revolution.

Expansion since the mid 20th century is quite critical, for example world population in 1960 was 3 billion, now it is 7.5 billion.

Degenerative agriculture started after the Ice Age 10,000 years ago. Farmers kill any animals and plants that prevent growth of those they seek to harvest.

Diesel power has allowed farmers to turnover the soil easily, which damages the soil structure and encourages erosion when left without a leaf cover. The soil and its pollutants such as nitrates flow into the sea damaging marine life.

Biodiversity is decreasing year by year.

Chemical sprays and fertilizers allow the production of cheap food using monoculture crops and densely populated feedlots.

It was observed that hydroponics rely on fossil fuels.

A policy of sustainable agriculture needs to be implemented concentrating on soil health.

This is achievable by building a growing medium for a functioning ecosystem.

A range of plant species enhances nutrients in the soil.

Furthermore the opportunity for competitors to swell in number is reduced.

It probably takes five years to restore the soil health and during this period the land provides no income for the farmer.

Vegetable crops for one year might be a cash crop.

Utilising sunlight, photosynthesis is the most important process for supporting plant life.

Organising plant cover efficiently throughout the year, maximises carbon dioxide conversion to plant material.

Keeping the soil covered either by growing plants or material from the previous crop, known as armouring, preserves the soil.

Different plant species and varieties, including legumes, enable the growing season to be extended at each end.

Fungi are a significant factor making nutrients available to plants’ roots from decaying organic matter.

Turning the soil over damages soil fungi environments.

It is expected that change will be slow, because of the parameters of the present farming policy, its finance and the time needed to regenerate the soil.

People will need convincing.

In conclusion, regenerative farming, encourages diversity, enriches the soil, improves watershed, enhances the ecosystem and captures carbon.