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an introductionan introduction
Global WarmingSequester CarbonSequester Carbon
Regenerate Soil Regenerate Soil
Nutrient-Dense FoodNutrient-Dense Food
Produce BiofuelsProduce Biofuels
Unstable Economics
Biological Degeneration
Fossil Fuel Addiction
How toHow to
PARADIGMPARADIGMSHIFTSHIFT
Climate ChangeClimate ChangeConfrontingConfronting
ConfrontingConfrontingClimate ChangeClimate Change
a DEFINItiona DEFINItion
1. 1. Soil TestsSoil Tests
3. 3. BiocharsBiochars
4. 4. CompostsComposts
5. 5. InoculantsInoculants
2. 2. Mineral RatiosMineral Ratios
6. 6. Cover CropsCover Crops
7. 7. RotationsRotations
8. 8. MarketingMarketing
annual increase in measured carbon, up to 9%annual increase in measured carbon, up to 9%
program to adjust major minerals & trace elementsprogram to adjust major minerals & trace elements
minimum annual application: initial 1000 lbs./acreminimum annual application: initial 1000 lbs./acre
organic matter digestion & feeding programorganic matter digestion & feeding program
microbe inoculation & feeding for The Soil Food Webmicrobe inoculation & feeding for The Soil Food Web
continuous ground cover & minimum tillagecontinuous ground cover & minimum tillage
long-term, rapid rotations of crops & livestocklong-term, rapid rotations of crops & livestock
low carbon, eco-local distribution & salelow carbon, eco-local distribution & sale
Cover CropsCover Crops continuous ground covercontinuous ground cover & minimum tillage& minimum tillage
Identical to farms from Ohio to Nebraska– vast fields of corn & soybeans
Summer : industrial-scale agriculture
WinterNeighbors’ fields lie fallow – bare & brownBrandt’s fields are green with cover cropsFall plantings with up to 14 plant species – – blanket soil in winter– protect soil from extreme weather– feed sugar to soil microbes– support biological diversity & complexity– rot in place in spring
: no-till, cover crop agriculture
Half Brandt’s corn & soy flourish without fertilizer,and no herbicides;Other half gets less than consultants recommend
Promise of no-till, cover-crop FarmingReduce agrichemical useRegenerate soil food web biologyAdapt to extreme weather & climateKeep heartland churning out food
David BrandtDavid Brandt1,200 acre farm1,200 acre farm
CarrollCarroll, central Ohio, central Ohio (pop. 524) (pop. 524)
Four PracticesFour Practicesset Brandt apart from other farmersset Brandt apart from other farmers
FirstFirst: dedication to off-season cover crops: dedication to off-season cover cropsCurrently used on 1% of US farmland yearlyCurrently used on 1% of US farmland yearly
SecondSecond: hostility to tilling : hostility to tilling Sold his tillage equipment in 1971Sold his tillage equipment in 1971Considers tillage a disruptive practiceConsiders tillage a disruptive practiceDisassembles soil food web infrastructuresDisassembles soil food web infrastructures
ThirdThird: fondness for earthworms: fondness for earthworms
FourthFourth: adds wheat to corn-soy rotation : adds wheat to corn-soy rotation Corn-soy favored all over Corn BeltCorn-soy favored all over Corn BeltThird crop disrupts weed & pest patternsThird crop disrupts weed & pest patterns
2012 Iowa State University study2012 Iowa State University study: : 3rd crop cuts herbicide & agrichemical use3rd crop cuts herbicide & agrichemical use
USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceAdvocates Soil StewardshipTrains agents to teach farmers about cover cropsBrandt’s farm is a site used to train NRCS agentsNational Conference on Cover Crops & Soil Health
ConfrontingConfrontingClimate ChangeClimate Change
National Conference on Cover Crops & Soil Health Soil health is a new initiative of
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)February 18, 2014
kicks off this major effortForum on Cover Crops and Soil Health:
Harvesting the Potentialwebinar broadcast live from Omaha
200 free meetings and soil health demonstrations
Howard BuffettIL farmer, conservationist, philanthropist
Tom VilsackUSDA Secretary of Agriculture
The Big Picture: Conservation, Cover Crops & Soil Health
Four Midwest cash crop farmersDan DeSutter, IN - Dave Brandt, OHClay Mitchell, IA - Gabe Brown, ND
noted for focus on soil health, cover crops conservation tillage, and farm profitability
will describe benefits of their soil managementCover crop use ranges from cereal rye& ryegrassto crimson clover, hairy vetch & oilseed radishes
After the webinar: local discussion groups
plan Grower Discussion meetings & summer field daysInfo & assistance for soil health management
““Try to mimic Mother Nature.Try to mimic Mother Nature.Cover crops work togetherCover crops work together
like a community like a community – – you have many people helping you have many people helping
instead of one.”instead of one.”
continuous ground cover continuous ground cover & minimum tillage& minimum tillage
Cover CropsCover Crops
Under Cover FarmersUnder Cover Farmerswww.youtube.com/watch?v=nWXCLVCJWTU
28-minute youtube video28-minute youtube video
Three farmers in Stanley County, NC on how they use multi-species cover crops
to realize economic returns on their investmentthe first year
video produced in partnership byDr. Robin 'Buz' Kloot, Earth Sciences & Resources Institute
University of South CarolinaUSDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center
ConfrontingConfrontingClimate ChangeClimate Change
a DEFINItiona DEFINItion
1. 1. Soil TestsSoil Tests
3. 3. BiocharsBiochars
4. 4. CompostsComposts
5. 5. InoculantsInoculants
2. 2. Mineral RatiosMineral Ratios
6. 6. Cover CropsCover Crops
7. 7. RotationsRotations
8. 8. MarketingMarketing
annual increase in measured carbon, up tp 9%annual increase in measured carbon, up tp 9%
fertility program to adjust element levelsfertility program to adjust element levels
minimum annual application: initial 500 lbs./acreminimum annual application: initial 500 lbs./acre
soil digestive system & feeding programsoil digestive system & feeding program
microbial inoculation & feeding programmicrobial inoculation & feeding program
continuous ground cover & minimum tillagecontinuous ground cover & minimum tillage
long-term, rapid rotations of crops & livestocklong-term, rapid rotations of crops & livestock
Low carbon, eco-local distributionLow carbon, eco-local distribution
long-term, rapid rotationslong-term, rapid rotationsRotationsRotations of crops & livestockof crops & livestock
Dr. Allan SavoryDr. Allan Savory Holistic ManagementHolistic Management
Abe CollinsAbe Collins Carbon Farmers of AmericaCarbon Farmers of America
Joel SalatinJoel Salatin Mob grazing & Chicken tractorMob grazing & Chicken tractor
Greg JudyGreg Judy Grass-fed beefGrass-fed beef
Gary ZimmerGary Zimmer Biological AgricultureBiological Agriculture
CropsCropsplant successions & servicesplant successions & services
biodiversity & polyculturesbiodiversity & polycultures
plant & insect communitiesplant & insect communities
: land improvement by grazing: land improvement by grazingLivestockLivestock
Soil Carbon CoalitionSoil Carbon Coalitionwww.soilcarboncoalition.orgwww.soilcarboncoalition.org
long-term, rapid rotationslong-term, rapid rotationsof crops & livestockof crops & livestock
RotationsRotations Climate ChangeClimate ChangeConfrontingConfronting
To advance the practiceTo advance the practiceput the carbon back where it belongsput the carbon back where it belongs
to turn atmospheric carbon into soil organic matter to turn atmospheric carbon into soil organic matter and engage people in opportunitiesand engage people in opportunities
Grass-fed beef is better for people and land. Grass-fed beef is better for people and land. Feeding cattle grass throughout their life is Feeding cattle grass throughout their life is the most sustainable way to raise beef.the most sustainable way to raise beef.
weed & pest controlweed & pest control
home-grown fertilityhome-grown fertility
UK National TrustUK National Trust
This is contrary to belief livestock farming This is contrary to belief livestock farming must intensify to feed increasing must intensify to feed increasing population.population.Debate on climate change & food often Debate on climate change & food often calls for reduced meat eating and plant-calls for reduced meat eating and plant-based diet, but overlooks the fact many based diet, but overlooks the fact many grasslands are unsuitable for continuous grasslands are unsuitable for continuous cropping.cropping.Grasslands support many ecosystem Grasslands support many ecosystem services: watersheds, wildlife, biodiversity, services: watersheds, wildlife, biodiversity, carbon capture, weather, etc. carbon capture, weather, etc.
Grazing livestock can contribute to Grazing livestock can contribute to grassland maintenance to turn grass into grassland maintenance to turn grass into human food.human food.
: carbon storage by plant biomass: carbon storage by plant biomass
www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_green_the_world_s_deserts_and_reverse_climate_change
Reversing desertification is a global warming mitigation strategy Reversing desertification is a global warming mitigation strategy because carbon is stored in stable, long-lasting organic matter in soilbecause carbon is stored in stable, long-lasting organic matter in soil
Karoo Region of South Africa Karoo Region of South Africa
Holistic Planned GrazingHolistic Planned Grazing
average rainfall: 23 cm/yearaverage rainfall: 23 cm/year
Conversion of semi-desert to healthy savanna = carbon capture of 25 to 60 t C/haConversion of semi-desert to healthy savanna = carbon capture of 25 to 60 t C/ha
Climate ChangeClimate ChangeConfrontingConfronting
higher stocking densities higher stocking densities tightly packed herds tightly packed herds frequent movementsfrequent movementswell-planned rotationswell-planned rotationsno technology, irrigation, or fertilizer no technology, irrigation, or fertilizer mimic behavior of natural herds with predatorsmimic behavior of natural herds with predators
ConventionalConventionalContinuous GrazingContinuous Grazing
Improvement in soil and vegetation restores water tables Improvement in soil and vegetation restores water tables
quickens desertificationquickens desertification
Vegetation cover contributes to evaporative coolingVegetation cover contributes to evaporative cooling
long-term, rapid rotationslong-term, rapid rotationsof crops & livestockof crops & livestock
RotationsRotations
PHOTO: Kroon Family
PHOTO: Kroon Family
Karoo Region of South Africa Karoo Region of South Africa average rainfall: 23 cm/yearaverage rainfall: 23 cm/year
Holistic Planned GrazingHolistic Planned Grazinghigher stocking densities higher stocking densities tightly packed herds tightly packed herds frequent movementsfrequent movementswell-planned rotationswell-planned rotationsno technology, irrigation, or fertilizer no technology, irrigation, or fertilizer mimic behavior of natural herds with predatorsmimic behavior of natural herds with predators
ConventionalConventionalContinuous GrazingContinuous Grazing
quickens desertificationquickens desertification
long-term, rapid rotationslong-term, rapid rotationsof crops & livestockof crops & livestock
Photos: ACHM, Seth Itzkan
Barren land eroding for decades transformed to healthy grassland savannaBarren land eroding for decades transformed to healthy grassland savanna
ZimbabweZimbabweaverage rainfall: 60 cm/yearaverage rainfall: 60 cm/year
heavy concentration of 500 cattle heavy concentration of 500 cattle corralled on site 7 to 10 evenings corralled on site 7 to 10 evenings
left excess dung & plant litterleft excess dung & plant litter
In one year, fast-growing, short-rootedIn one year, fast-growing, short-rootedannuals start to grow (white stringy plants) annuals start to grow (white stringy plants)
Land is put in a monitored grazing planLand is put in a monitored grazing plan
Dense annuals provide ground cover Dense annuals provide ground cover to retain moisture & build biodiversity in soilto retain moisture & build biodiversity in soil
Annuals are first-phase in restoration, Annuals are first-phase in restoration, but soil carbon capture is minimalbut soil carbon capture is minimal
After 8 years, perennials appearAfter 8 years, perennials appear(taller pinkish-beige plants)(taller pinkish-beige plants)
Deep roots accelerate soil carbon captureDeep roots accelerate soil carbon capture
Eventually, as grazing plan continues, site will be covered in perennialsEventually, as grazing plan continues, site will be covered in perennialsIf grazing stops, plants oxidize, and land likely returns to desertIf grazing stops, plants oxidize, and land likely returns to desert
After full recovery in 25−30 years, SOC density will increase to 25−60 tons C/haAfter full recovery in 25−30 years, SOC density will increase to 25−60 tons C/ha
RotationsRotations Climate ChangeClimate ChangeConfrontingConfronting
PHOTO: Kroon Family
Karoo Region of South Africa Karoo Region of South Africa
Holistic Planned GrazingHolistic Planned Grazing
average rainfall: 23 cm/yearaverage rainfall: 23 cm/year
higher stocking densities higher stocking densities tightly packed herds tightly packed herds frequent movementsfrequent movementswell-planned rotationswell-planned rotationsno technology, irrigation, or fertilizer no technology, irrigation, or fertilizer mimic behavior of natural herds with predatorsmimic behavior of natural herds with predators
ConventionalConventionalContinuous GrazingContinuous Grazing
quickens desertificationquickens desertification
long-term, rapid rotationslong-term, rapid rotationsof crops & livestockof crops & livestock
PHOTOSPHOTOS: Guillermo Osuna: Guillermo Osuna
Las Pilas Ranch, Coahuila, MexicoLas Pilas Ranch, Coahuila, Mexicoaverage rainfall: 50 cm/yearaverage rainfall: 50 cm/year
In 25 years, barren land completely revivedIn 25 years, barren land completely revived
Looks to be more water in 1963, Looks to be more water in 1963, but runoff was captured by a man-made pond; but runoff was captured by a man-made pond;
a 1-inch rain filled the pond a 1-inch rain filled the pond
Restoration with Restoration with Holistic Planned GrazingHolistic Planned Grazing started in 1978 started in 1978Livestock doubled; grazing by a plan to give close attention to grass healthLivestock doubled; grazing by a plan to give close attention to grass health
In 2003, restored land holds six times more water than depleted terrainIn 2003, restored land holds six times more water than depleted terrain
Water is held in soil and vegetation in a state called “green water”Water is held in soil and vegetation in a state called “green water”
even a 6-inch rain is all absorbed,even a 6-inch rain is all absorbed,with no standing water in the pondwith no standing water in the pond
Pond is grown over and no longer needed,Pond is grown over and no longer needed,as dried-up springs flow year-round againas dried-up springs flow year-round again
RotationsRotations Climate ChangeClimate ChangeConfrontingConfronting