NEW REPORT PUBLISHED!! Soil improvement strategies based on local and high value organic inputs by Daro Mujica, 2023 Chilean Scholar
05/02/2025
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MEDIA RELEASE
5 February 2025
"Regenerative agriculture is not just about soil health; it's about creating a system that is sustainable, profitable, and resilient. By integrating high-value organic inputs, we can transform agricultural practices and ensure long-term productivity."
-- 2023 Nuffield International Scholar, Dario Mujica
Soil Regeneration Through High-Value Organic Inputs: Lessons from Around the World
Chilean agronomist and entrepreneur Dario Mujica has travelled the world to explore how regenerative agriculture, driven by local and high-value organic inputs, can enhance soil health, improve crop resilience, and increase farm profitability.
Supported by Nuveen, a TIAA Company, Dario's research as a 2023 Nuffield International Scholar took him to Singapore, Australia, the USA, the Netherlands, Norway, Argentina, Spain, and Portugal. His study focused on innovative soil-improvement strategies using biochar, compost, liquid fertilizers, microorganisms, and organic amendments to enhance agricultural sustainability.
Dario discovered that integrating bio-inputs into farming systems presents both technical and cultural challenges. While solutions such as biochar and composting technologies show great promise, their adoption is often limited by a lack of reliable data, economic feasibility concerns, and the absence of technical support.
His travels provided valuable insights from global leaders in regenerative agriculture, including Braga Fresh in California, which pioneers microbial diversity monitoring and soil health testing, and large-scale composting operations in Spain and the USA, which have successfully converted organic waste into high-quality soil amendments.
"One of my key takeaways is that data-driven decision-making is essential. Farmers need proof that these inputs work. Without clear, scientific measurement systems, adoption remains slow. I've seen excellent examples globally, but we need to bridge the gap between research and real-world application," Dario says.
His report also highlights successful collaborative models, including partnerships between universities, investors, and farmers. Countries like the Netherlands and the USA demonstrate how cooperative research and investment in soil health programs can drive widespread change.
Dario believes that Chile and other emerging agricultural markets must prepare for global sustainability demands by integrating scientifically backed regenerative strategies into their production systems.
"Agriculture must evolve. The demand for regenerative and climate-smart farming is only growing. By adopting bio-inputs, measuring their impact, and ensuring economic viability, we can build a more resilient food system," he says.
Dario's full Nuffield International report is now available online.
