What goes in and what comes out: a scoping review of regenerative agricultural practices

Abstract

This scoping review examined peer-reviewed and gray literature to explore what a “no-to-low external input” statement means for regenerative agriculture. Five organic amendment inputs (compost extract, manure, mulch, biochar, food systems waste) and four land management processes (livestock management and integration, crop diversity, tillage reduction, comprehensive approach) were identified. Findings include “no-to-low external input” models arising from processes which function to displace external inputs (e.g., synthetic fertilizer). Organic amendment inputs and regenerative land management processes promote biology and improve nutrient cycling at soil, farm, and landscape scales. Regenerative agriculture overlaps with other farming practices including those associated with agroecology and conservation agriculture.