Digging Deep: The Importance of Soil in Sustainable Agriculture
In the face of climate change and growing global food demands, sustainable agriculture has never been more crucial. As we seek solutions to feed a hungry planet while preserving our environment, one often overlooked hero emerges from beneath our feet: soil!
Let’s dig into why soil health is at the root of sustainable farming and how innovative practices are paving the way for a greener future.
The Hidden World Beneath Our Feet
It is often stated that we know more about the moon than we do about the Earth’s oceans[1] and Sarah Alun-Jones, Head of Growth at Sitopia Farm in Greenwich, says the same is true about our soil. A recent visit to this farm highlighted a critical gap in understanding of one of the world’s most undervalued assets. Topsoil, essential for agricultural productivity, is often treated as an afterthought in conventional farming practices.
Yet, soil is the foundation of our food system. It’s a complex ecosystem teeming with microorganisms, nutrients and organic matter that support plant growth. Healthy soil doesn’t just grow food; it also plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, water filtration and biodiversity support.
The Environmental Cost of Conventional Agriculture
Traditional agricultural practices have taken a toll on our soil and the environment at large. Agriculture accounts for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions and uses half of the world’s habitable land[2]. The extensive use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and intensive tilling has led to soil degradation, reduced biodiversity and increased carbon emissions.
Livestock farming, in particular, presents significant environmental challenges. Despite providing only a fraction of global calories and protein, it uses a disproportionate amount of land and contributes significantly to deforestation and water pollution. Cattle farming is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, both through enteric fermentation (methane produced during digestion) and manure management.
Moreover, the routine use of antibiotics in livestock farming for non-therapeutic purposes like growth promotion has become a major concern. This practice contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health threat that could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 and potentially cost the global economy $100 trillion[3].
Nurturing the Soil
Innovative farmers and researchers are championing practices that prioritise soil health. At Sitopia Farm, for instance, they employ organic “no-dig” farming methods. This approach protects soil structure and biodiversity by minimising soil disturbance.
Here are some key sustainable practices that can be implemented by farmers:
- Organic Farming: Avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, organic farming relies on natural methods to enrich soil fertility.
- No-Dig Techniques: By leaving the soil structure intact, this method preserves beneficial microorganisms and enhances soil health.
- Crop Rotation and Intercropping: These practices improve soil fertility naturally and increase resilience against pests and diseases.
- Cover Crops: Planting crops like clover between main crop cycles helps fix nitrogen in the soil and prevent erosion.
- Composting: Using organic waste to create nutrient-rich compost reduces the need for chemical fertilisers.
- Responsible Livestock Management: Reducing reliance on antibiotics for growth promotion and implementing better waste management practices to prevent environmental contamination.
Cultivating Diversity for a Resilient Future
During our visit to Sitopia Farm, we were introduced to an often-overlooked aspect of sustainable agriculture: the cultivation of heritage variety crops. These traditional cultivars, passed down through generations, offer a wealth of benefits that extend far beyond the dinner plate.
The orchards at Sitopia Farm
Heritage varieties are the living libraries of our agricultural past and the key to a resilient future. Unlike modern commercial crops bred for uniformity and high yield, heritage varieties boast a rich genetic diversity. This diversity is crucial for several reasons:
- Disease and Pest Resistance: Heritage crops often possess unique genetic traits that provide natural resistance to specific diseases and pests. In a world where climate change is altering pest patterns, this innate resilience is invaluable[4],[5].
- Climate Adaptation: Heritage crop varieties are often well-adapted to local environmental conditions, offering a diverse range of traits that enhance resilience. Preserving and cultivating these varieties is crucial for building resilience to climate change impacts like rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, thanks to their genetic diversity.
- Nutritional Powerhouses: Heritage crops are thought to pack a more potent nutritional punch. For instance, some heritage grains are noted for their high levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutritional profiles contribute to better health outcomes and help address nutritional deficiencies in our diets[6].
The cultivation of heritage varieties doesn’t just benefit the crops themselves; it also plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving soil health. Heritage crops often require different cultivation practices that support a diverse array of soil organisms. This increased microbial diversity is essential for nutrient cycling and improving overall soil structure[7].
Many heritage varieties have deeper or more extensive root systems compared to modern cultivars[8]. Combined with diversified cropping systems, these robust roots create channels in the soil, improving water infiltration and aeration. And, due to their natural resilience, heritage crops often require fewer pesticides and fertilisers. This reduction in chemical inputs leads to healthier soil microbiomes and less soil contamination.
Despite their benefits, heritage crops face challenges in modern agriculture. Many of these varieties don’t meet the strict aesthetic standards imposed by supermarkets, leading to their gradual disappearance from our fields and plates. At Sitopia Farm, we saw firsthand how they’re working to preserve heritage fruit trees.
Beyond their environmental and health benefits, heritage crops carry significant cultural and economic value. Heritage crops (and even rare breed livestock) can open up niche markets for farmers, allowing them to differentiate their products and potentially increase their income.
A great example of this is Diddly Squat farm. Who would have thought that Jeremy Clarkson, the man famous for his love of fast cars and witty quips, would become an unlikely champion of sustainable farming? Yet, “Clarkson’s Farm” has done just that, transforming the petrolhead into a passionate advocate for muddy wellies and rare breed livestock. This hit show has not only entertained but educated viewers on the importance of sustainable practices and biodiversity in agriculture. It turns out that the trials and tribulations of farming can make for compelling television!
As awareness grows about the importance of agricultural biodiversity, there’s a growing movement to preserve and promote these valuable crops. Initiatives by small-scale farmers, seed banks and conscious consumers are helping to keep these varieties alive and thriving.
The Broader Impact of Soil-Friendly Farming
- Adopting these practices doesn’t just benefit the soil; it has far-reaching positive impacts:
- Climate Change Mitigation: Healthy soils can sequester more carbon, helping to combat climate change.
- Biodiversity Protection: Sustainable practices support diverse ecosystems, from microorganisms in the soil to wildlife above ground.
- Water Conservation: Healthy soils retain water better, reducing the need for irrigation and improving drought resistance.
- Food Security: By preserving soil health, we ensure long-term agricultural productivity and food security.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the benefits of sustainable agriculture are clear, challenges remain. Transitioning to these practices often requires significant investment and a shift in mindset. However, as consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their food choices, there’s growing demand for sustainably produced food.
Investors and policymakers are also recognising the importance of sustainable agriculture. Initiatives like the Investor Coalition on Food Policy (that organised the trip to Greenwich to see sustainable farming in action) are advocating for regulations and standards to promote transparency and accountability in the food system.
Similarly, the FAIRR Initiative is also galvanising investors by calling for integrated surveillance systems to monitor antibiotic use in agriculture, the establishment of maximum residue limits for antibiotics in wastewater, and increased support for the development of new antimicrobials and alternatives.
MAM recognises that biodiversity is not just an environmental concern, but also a critical investable theme with far-reaching implications for our food systems and global economy. The challenges we face in this area are significant. For instance, measuring the positive contributions that companies make to biodiversity, soil health, and consequently food security in a comparable manner remains a complex task. However, we’re seeing exciting developments in data availability that are helping us navigate these challenges. Providers such as MSCI ESG now offer more biodiversity and nature factors on their platforms, allowing us to screen companies based on their approach to these crucial issues.
In our own investment process, we’ve developed a comprehensive ESG Checklist that guides our analysis of companies’ impacts on nature. We assess factors such as a company’s exposure to land disturbance and operations in fragile ecosystems, integrating this information into our proprietary ESG scoring system.
For our impact-focused portfolios, we seek out companies contributing to environmental protection, particularly in areas like pollution control and waste management – factors that directly influence soil health and agricultural sustainability.
We’re also embracing emerging frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), which we believe will greatly improve transparency around nature-related risks and opportunities.
As the financial world increasingly recognises the value of natural capital, we’re optimistic about the potential for innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture, soil restoration and biodiversity conservation. By focusing on these areas, we aim to not only mitigate risks but also uncover valuable investment opportunities that contribute to a more resilient and nature-positive food system.
Cultivating Change from the Ground Up
As we face the challenges of feeding a growing population, mitigating climate change and preserving natural habitats, the importance of soil health cannot be overstated. By adopting and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, we can nurture the very foundation of our food system while protecting our planet.
From small-scale organic farms to large agricultural operations, every step towards soil-friendly farming is a step towards a more sustainable future. As consumers, investors, and global citizens, we all have a role to play in supporting these practices and valuing the invisible ecosystem beneath our feet. We believe that responsible, nature-conscious investing will play a pivotal role in fostering the agricultural innovations needed for a sustainable future.