NEW REPORT PUBLISHED!! Regenerative farming practices and their impact on the soil health by Marcin Markowicz, 2023 Polish Scholar
03/02/2025
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MEDIA RELEASE
3 February 2025
"Understanding and accepting the philosophy of regenerative agriculture is the first step toward change. It's not just about farming differently--it's about seeing soil as a living system that we must nurture and protect for the long term."
-- 2023 Nuffield International Scholar, Marcin Markowicz
Unlocking the Potential of Regenerative Farming for Soil Health
Regenerative farming practices can significantly enhance soil health, boost biodiversity, and improve resilience to climate change, according to research by 2023 Nuffield International Scholar Marcin Markowicz from Poland.
Marcin, an agronomist with Top Farms Glubczyce, embarked on a global journey as part of his Nuffield International Scholarship, which was supported by Top Farms Group. He visited farms and research institutions in Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, Brazil, the USA, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, the UK, and Romania. His research focused on defining regenerative agriculture, evaluating its impact on soil health, and identifying practical pathways for transitioning conventional farms into regenerative systems.
"Conventional farming, with its focus on maximising yields through synthetic inputs and agro-technical simplification, has led to a decline in soil health, reducing its resilience to extreme weather events like droughts, heat, and downpours," Marcin said.
"My research highlighted that regenerative practices--such as minimal tillage, diversified crop rotations, intercropping, soil analysis, compost application, and integrating livestock--can restore soil structure, improve water retention, and reduce dependency on synthetic fertilisers and pesticides."
A key finding of Marcin's research was the role of organic matter in improving soil fertility. He observed that farms implementing regenerative techniques saw increased microbial activity, improved soil aeration, and better carbon sequestration. "Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable food production, and regenerative farming provides a viable pathway to rebuilding soil health while maintaining profitability," he said.
During his travels, Marcin visited leading regenerative farms and research centres, engaging with farmers who are pioneering sustainable soil management. In Brazil, he observed how cover crops are used to protect topsoil from high temperatures, while in Germany and the UK, he explored agroforestry systems that integrate trees with cropping to enhance biodiversity and carbon capture.
His research also examined the economic and practical aspects of regenerative agriculture, with case studies on compost production, biological pest management, and precision fertilisation. He found that reducing tillage, increasing organic inputs, and diversifying crops not only improve soil health but also enhance farm profitability by lowering input costs and increasing resilience to climate variability.
Reflecting on his Nuffield Scholarship, Marcin described it as a transformative experience that broadened his perspective on farming and soil management. "The scholarship challenged me to think differently, exposed me to innovative farming techniques, and connected me with a global network of like-minded agricultural professionals."
Marcin's full report is now available on the Nuffield International website.
