Typical agricultural practices in the UK are intensive, overly reliant on synthetic chemical inputs, tilling, high irrigation demands, and high-yield monocultures (facilitated through selective breeding programs or GMOs). As such, there are several serious environmental problems that can arise like reduced biodiversity and habitat corridors, soil erosion, water contamination, and chemical-resistant pests.
In response to these problems, some farms across the globe have begun turning to extensive methods like organic and regenerative farming. Organic farming is often well recognised by consumers and can be easily attributed to, and defined by, no synthetic chemical inputs. But what about regenerative farming?
The term ‘regenerative farming’ was coined in the 1980s by Robert Rodale, who wanted to improve upon organic agriculture through improving soil health opposed to just sustaining it. The practice, despite having no formal definition, has several key principles that not only support soil health and other environmental metrics perturbed by intensive agriculture (blue water footprint, reduced biodiversity, elevated acidification potential and so on), but has more recently been spotlit for being a way to generate verified carbon credits.
Here, we look at the intersection of the voluntary carbon market (VCM) and regenerative agriculture – taking a deeper dive into what makes regenerative agriculture good for our planet, but how it may have a place in the VCM.
What makes regenerative agriculture regenerative agriculture?
As mentioned above, there is no agreed upon definition for regenerative agriculture. Instead, this farming practice can be described by its principles and the objective of bettering the local environment through improved soil health and biodiversity above and below the ground. There are four key principles to regenerative agriculture:
1. Minimised soil disturbance (low/no-tillage)
2. Minimised synthetic chemical inputs
3. Cover cropping and crop rotations
4. Livestock integration
Each principle has its own benefits, but when applied collectively, farms may experience major environmental benefits.
Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity through practices such as minimised soil disturbance, reduced synthetic chemical inputs, cover cropping and crop rotations, and livestock integration.
1. Minimised soil disturbance:
Tillage is the manipulation or perturbation of the soil’s surface to prepare a field for planting or to control weeds. Often mechanised, the soil inversion and breaking of clods can lead to reduced soil organic matter (SOM) due to exposing stable carbon to oxygen, accelerating microbial decomposition, thus, lowering the carbon content of soils.
Furthermore, deep tillage (defined as tilling at a depth greater than 30cm) can worsen soil structure and pore space, which too can lessen the oxygen content within soil. Reduced oxygen levels can greatly restrict microorganism populations, worsening nutrient cycling and nutrient retention, ultimately resulting in worsened soil conditions.
Finally, due to the worsened structure caused by tillage, soils may be unable to retain water due to the lack of structure and pore-space, furthering what are potentially already high irrigation demands. As tilling fragments soil, the smallest particulates may be removed from the field due to enhanced irrigation demands and erosion; or could be subject to compaction.
Reduced, or no-tillage, can support in circumventing these issues through lessening soil erosion, improving soil structure (and in turn, SOM and soil organic carbon, SOC), biodiversity (thanks to increased pore space) and water retention. Farmers that opt for a reduced tillage approach will only invert the topsoil (a depth of 5-10 cm) to ensure adequate protection for seeds. Some novel techniques will use lateral planting techniques to further minimise disruption but requires often costly tools.
2. Minimised synthetic chemical inputs
Another key principle is to irradicate, or significantly reduce, the application of synthetic chemicals (in this instance, pesticides, fertilisers, and growth-regulators) as these chemicals are not only often high in nitrogen and phosphorus (both of which may leach from soils, causing eutrophication, aquifer contamination, and soil degradation), but also can greatly increase a farm’s carbon footprint as these chemicals are manufactured through carbon-intensive processes (eg. Haber-Bosch).
Like tilling, excessive input of synthetic chemicals can worsen soil structure through acidification, compaction, and reduced SOM. Acidification potential (AP) and Eutrophication Potential (EP) are metrics that are often included in arable farming life cycle assessments and carbon footprints as a measure of nitrogen-based fertiliser application expressed through kgSO2e and kgPO4e, respectively. As such, farms with high AP and EP values may want to consider seeking natural alternatives where possible to not only lessen their carbon footprint, but to begin restoring their soil quality.
Another key impact is the fact that soils may in fact become dependent on these inputs. Continuous application of these chemicals can lessen a soil’s ability to sustain these nutrients, further exacerbating the depletion of soil quality.
Diverting from synthetic chemicals to natural fertilisers like manure can support a soil in sustaining nutrient cycling through augmented microbial activity. Manure management practices are commonplace amongst intensive and extensive farming practices and are made even easier when farms successfully integrate livestock into their land – but more on that later.
It is also important to mention that the improved nutrient cycling and microbial activity has been shown to bolster SOM stocks, which further supports soil structure, pore space, water retention, and nutrient availability.
3. Cover cropping and crop rotations
Cover cropping is a multifaceted practice that has the potential to improve numerous parameters around soil quality. Defined by the practice of growing non-cash crops during off-season periods with the intention of improving soil health, there are numerous examples of cover-crops successfully restoring nutrient levels in soils. Sowing crops like legumes can improve nitrogen stocks due to their nitrogen-fixing root nodules ( AHDB.org.uk, n.d.), when followed by a crop of winter rye soils can better retain nitrogen during periods of high soil erosion. Other crops like mustard or radish can suppress disease through biofumigation, or can break cloddy, dense soils thanks to their deep, long root structures, respectively.
Compared to fields that practice monocropping (the practice of growing a single crop on the same land, year in, year out), these fields are often stripped of nutrients due to a consistent demand for the same nutrients. Over time, these fields may experience notable decreases in productivity and an uptick in pests – and insecticide resistant pests. Crop rotations may not only circumvent nutrient stripping but will lessen the likelihood of persistent pest issues and chemical-resistant pests (which can become a widespread, systemic problem like the peach-potato aphid).
4. Livestock integration
The objective of livestock integration is to imitate natural ecosystems, namely through managed grazing and natural fertilisation. The incorporation of animals into arable systems has been shown to further augment the benefits of all the other mechanisms related to regenerative agriculture.
- The manure produced will support soil fertility and health through natural nitrogen and phosphorus sources. The natural fertilisation will not only reduce costs associated with improving productivity but also reduces the soil’s dependence on synthetic chemicals for nutrients.
- Managed grazing across different fields can support root development (further boosting SOM). Moreover, if grazing on cover crop residues, nutrients are cycled back into the soil faster – lessening the need to apply chemical fertilisers.
- The natural surface level tillage from animal hooves (also called biological tillage) can break up surface crusts, improving throughflow of water and nutrients into the soil without perturbing deep, sequestered carbon like conventional, mechanical tillage.
There are naturally going to be challenges with integrating livestock into farms. Chiefly, if a farm does not have the necessary infrastructure, it can be very costly. But it is important to note that some farmers may lack the husbandry and grazing management knowledge and skills to successfully integrate livestock into their pastures.
However, knowledge transfer is plausible through local networks, the internet, and through lessons and classroom sessions.
In short, all four principles largely result in:
- Farmers being less reliant and dependent on synthetic chemicals which can not only reduce a farm’s carbon footprint but can support soil health.
- Improved carbon and SOM stocks, which can support greater biodiversity within top and deep soil, ultimately improving the nutrient cycling and retention capacity of soils.
- More developed soil structure which may improve oxygen and water retention within soils, further supporting biodiversity.
- A more sustainable approach to farming that is not only commercially viable but is better for the planet.
Implementation can be difficult
It must be said that transitioning from conventional farming to an extensive approach like regenerative is not an overnight job. It takes several years for these practices to reach their full potential. It’s not like restarting your computer when things are a bit slow and laggy, it’s more so like rebuilding your computer on a budget, changing components out over time to eventually have a device with better performance.
Furthermore, during this transition period, it is not uncommon to see a decline in productivity which may result in farms experiencing increased financial stress thanks to lower yields. Some farmers choose to lessen this impact by transitioning one or two pastures at a time, taking a staggered approach.
In fact, financial stresses could be worsened if a farmer is ill-equipped for the transition. Technologies like a low-disturbance tillage disks or lateral seed dippers and planters, can be quite expensive. Though seen as an investment into the future, it may require large upfront capital or financing through the support of a bank – an important stressors to making this choice.
Lastly, depending on your pedology, topology, and local climate, it is plausible that carbon sequestration rates may be lower than farms with more ‘optimal’ conditions. Peaty, clayey soils will sequester and store more carbon than sandy, disturbed soils (Lal et al. 2015, Mazumder et al. 2025). Moreover, cooler and humid climates have been shown to store more carbon than hot and dry climates. The UK’s temperate climate makes for a suitable candidate for sequestration, however regional variances in pedology may become a limiting factor to the amount of carbon credits a farm may be able to create.
A gentler approach to farming
One new and emerging benefit of regenerative agriculture is the creation of carbon credits tradable via the VCM, unlocking a new revenue stream for farms and showcasing how these practices can improve farming productivity.
One key player in this space in the UK is Gentle Farming, an arable farm on the Cambridgeshire-Lincolnshire border that implements three of four regenerative agriculture practice – all bar livestock integration (it is an important to note that a farm that practices regenerative farming does not necessarily have to implement all four principles).
Run by Thomas Gent, a fourth-generation farmer who has successfully supported his father and grandfather in transitioning the farm to be wholly regenerative in 2008. Since pivoting, the farm has publicly shared its impressive accolades like improving their SOM from 4% to 10% in 18 years - for comparison, the average arable farm in the UK is between 2-6% ( Cawood.co.uk, 2022, Cawood.co.uk, 2024, Hijbeek et al. 2018).
Additionally, thanks to their endeavours to maximise areas for nature (planting wildflowers, hedgerows and more), they have surveyed 11 species of birds, 6 species of butterfly and 5 species of other insects. It is very likely that thanks to improve subsurface SOM, the subterranean communities have experienced richness of species and diversity.
But above all else, Gentle Farming has found their total carbon stock is greater than 95,000 tonnes with over 530 tonnes of carbon sequestered per hectare in the last 15-years. Working alongside Verra, Gentle Farming now generates and sells carbon credits for the carbon they sequester. Clients of Carbon Neutral Britian™ can now purchase these credits.
This new income stream and augment the uptake and implementation of regenerative farming across the globe. The increased capital may allow farmers to purchase more land, diversify their crops, improve their technology and more… The VCM is a rapidly growing space and seeing verified projects from the UK enter the market is revolutionary.
Closing remarks
To summate, the four overarching principles of regenerative agriculture are: Minimised soil disturbance (low/no-tillage), minimised synthetic chemical inputs, cover cropping and crop rotations, and livestock integration. The application of these can result in greater carbon sequestration rates than traditional, extensive agriculture, which, in turn, can unlock the potential to generate carbon credits. These carbon credits, once verified, can be sold on the VCM allowing farmers to generate more money whilst supporting climate change action
Literature
- AHDB (n.d.). Cover crops to improve soil fertility | AHDB. [online] ahdb.org.uk. Available at: https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/cover-crops-to-improve-soil-fertility (last accessed 12/03/26).
- Grundy, A. (2022). Soil Organic Matter #6: new benchmarks to guide interpretation. [online] Cawood. Available at: https://cawood.co.uk/blog/soil-organic-matter-6-new-benchmarks-to-guide-interpretation/. (last accessed 12/03/26).
- Grundy, A. (2024b). SOM #4: Soil Organic Matter and its influence on biological processes - Cawood. [online] Cawood. Available at: https://cawood.co.uk/blog/som-4-soil-organic-matter-and-its-influence-on-biological-processes/. (last accessed 12/03/26)
- Hijbeek, R., Pronk, A. A., van Ittersum, M. K., ten Berge, H. F. M., Bijttebier, J., and Verhagen, A. (2018). What drives farmers to increase soil organic matter? Insights from the Netherlands. Soil Use and Management, 34(1), 85-100.
- Lal, R., Negassa, W., and Lorenz, K. (2015) Carbon Sequestration in Soil. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 15, pp. 79-86.
- Mazumder, S. A., Bania, J. K., Sileshi, G. W., Paul, M. K., Das, K. A., and Nath, A. J. (2025). Variation in biomass and soil carbon storage and sequestration rates in different agroforestry systems with climatic zones and soil types. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 25, 100642.
Rob Hebden
Sustainability Consultant | Carbon Expert | Helping UK Businesses on the Journey to Net-Zero
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach focused on restoring soil health, improving biodiversity, and strengthening natural ecosystems. Rather than relying heavily on synthetic chemicals and intensive soil disturbance, regenerative farming uses practices such as reduced tillage, crop rotations, cover crops, and livestock integration to rebuild soil fertility and resilience.
Why is soil health important in regenerative agriculture?
Healthy soil supports stronger plant growth, improves water retention, and promotes biodiversity both above and below ground. Regenerative farming increases soil organic matter and soil carbon, which helps improve nutrient cycling and long-term agricultural productivity.
What are the main principles of regenerative agriculture?
While there is no single formal definition, regenerative agriculture is generally based on four key principles:
Minimising soil disturbance (low or no tillage)
Reducing synthetic chemical inputs
Using cover crops and crop rotations
Integrating livestock where possible
Together, these practices help restore soil structure, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance.
How does regenerative agriculture help tackle climate change?
Regenerative farming increases the amount of carbon stored in soils through improved soil organic matter and plant root systems. This process, known as carbon sequestration, removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in the soil, helping reduce overall greenhouse gas levels.
What are carbon credits in agriculture?
Carbon credits represent verified reductions or removals of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In regenerative agriculture projects, farmers can generate carbon credits by adopting practices that increase carbon storage in soil. These credits can then be sold on voluntary carbon markets to organisations seeking to offset their emissions.
How can farmers generate carbon credits through regenerative agriculture?
Farmers generate carbon credits by implementing practices that increase soil carbon levels and reduce emissions. The carbon stored in soils is measured and verified through recognised standards. Once verified, the carbon sequestration can be converted into carbon credits that can be traded on voluntary carbon markets.
Does regenerative agriculture improve biodiversity?
Yes. Regenerative farming practices help create healthier ecosystems by encouraging diverse plant species, improving soil microorganisms, and providing habitats for insects, birds, and wildlife. Practices such as hedgerow planting, crop diversity, and improved soil health support greater biodiversity.
Are there challenges in transitioning to regenerative agriculture?
Transitioning from conventional farming to regenerative practices can take time. Farmers may experience temporary reductions in crop yields during the early stages of the transition while soil systems recover. New equipment, training, and management techniques may also require investment.
