Summary
This field study compared bacterial community structure in soils managed under regenerative agriculture practices (mulching, minimal-till, intercropping, crop rotation, farmyard manure and home-based microbial amendments) versus conventional farming in India. Regenerative practices, regardless of crop type, enriched soil bacterial diversity and altered phylum-level composition, with increased Actinobacteriota and Chloroflexi but decreased Acidobacteriota relative to conventional plots. The findings suggest that regenerative agriculture practices foster more heterogeneous soil microbial communities that may support improved soil health.
UK applicability
Whilst the specific regenerative practices and crops studied (finger millet, tomato, beans) reflect Indian farming contexts, the underlying principles of microbial community enrichment through minimal tillage, crop rotation and organic amendments are applicable to UK regenerative systems. However, differences in climate, soil type and regional farming practices would require validation of these findings in UK conditions.
Key measures
Soil bacterial taxonomic composition and relative percentage abundance of bacterial phyla (Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota); soil nutrient profiles
Outcomes reported
The study characterised soil bacterial community composition and relative abundance of bacterial phyla in regenerative versus conventional farming plots across different crop types (finger millet and vegetables) and duration of practice (≤3 and >5 years). Soil nutrient profiles were also measured, though detailed nutrient findings are not fully visible in the abstract excerpt provided.
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