CROPS4LIFE: Regenerative practices for agroecological transition – Open Access Government

Report on Regenerative Practices for Agroecological Transition: The CROPS4LIFE Project

Introduction

In the face of global challenges such as agricultural intensification, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation, regenerative food systems offer a sustainable alternative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The CROPS4LIFE project, led by the Environmental Studies Centre (CEA) of Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council, serves as a benchmark for implementing regenerative agricultural practices in peri-urban environments. This report emphasizes the project’s contributions to achieving various SDGs, particularly those related to climate action, life on land, and sustainable cities and communities.

Regenerative Agriculture: Definition and Principles

Conceptual Framework

Regenerative agriculture is a productive approach that goes beyond minimizing negative environmental impacts. It actively restores key ecological functions such as soil health, water cycles, and biodiversity, thereby supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Unlike conventional agriculture, which externalizes environmental costs, this model integrates ecosystem services as essential components of productive value.

Objectives within CROPS4LIFE

• Carbon Sequestration
  • Enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) to mitigate climate change (SDG 13).
• Soil Health
  • Improve soil structure and fertility to support sustainable agriculture (SDG 2 – Zero Hunger).
• Biodiversity
  • Promote biological diversity to maintain ecosystem resilience (SDG 15).
• Resilience
  • Strengthen the system’s ability to withstand climate disturbances (SDG 13).

Key Practices for Soil Regeneration

Minimum Tillage and Direct Seeding

CROPS4LIFE advocates for minimum tillage to preserve soil integrity, protect microbial habitats, and reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Permanent Vegetation Cover and Polycultures

To prevent soil erosion and maintain moisture, the project employs cover crops such as legumes and grasses. Crop rotation and polyculture practices interrupt pest cycles and enhance soil quality, supporting SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

• Reduce surface erosion through aerial biomass.
• Increase biological nitrogen fixation.
• Generate stable soil structures via diverse root systems.

Integration of Organic Amendments and Circular Economy

The use of compost and organic fertilizers closes nutrient cycles locally, enhancing microbial activity and soil fertility. This practice aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Bio-Intensive Horticulture Method

This method enables high productivity on small plots with low investment, facilitating access to land and promoting sustainable livelihoods (SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth). Techniques include:

• Permanent planting strips.
• Surface compost application.
• Minimum tillage to rapidly increase soil fertility.

Efficient use of resources and planning allows small teams to generate income through diversified direct sales.

Agroforestry and Living Hedges

Incorporation of agroforestry systems and landscape elements creates biological corridors that attract pollinators and beneficial fauna, improve microclimates, and enhance landscape aesthetics, contributing to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Controlled Rotational Grazing

Livestock integration through holistic management uses the “herd effect” to:

1. Fertilization: Livestock manure and urine close fertility cycles.
2. Root Stimulation: Grazing and trampling encourage deeper root growth, accelerating carbon sequestration (SDG 13).

Water Management and Hydrological Strategies

Addressing climate change impacts, CROPS4LIFE employs:

• Infiltration Ditches and Contour Lines: Capture runoff and recharge aquifers.
• Mulching: Reduce soil evaporation to increase water retention.

These interventions improve farm water autonomy and resilience against droughts, supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Challenges and Lessons Learned

The transition to regenerative agriculture demands comprehensive technical training and a cultural shift from prioritizing immediate yields to long-term ecosystem health. CROPS4LIFE highlights the importance of collaborative governance among farmers, technicians, and public authorities to overcome these challenges, advancing SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Conclusion

The CROPS4LIFE project exemplifies how regenerative agricultural practices contribute to a decarbonized, equitable agri-food system. By integrating ecological, social, and economic principles, the project advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being. Strategic planning and multisectoral commitment remain essential to scaling these practices and restoring ecosystem functions that sustain food production.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Focus on sustainable agriculture, improving soil fertility, and increasing food production through agroecological practices.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Mitigation of climate change through carbon sequestration and decarbonisation of agricultural systems.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and sustainable land management.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promotion of circular economy principles, organic amendments, and sustainable resource use.
5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Water resource management through hydrological design techniques to improve water retention and reduce drought impact.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, and strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought, and floods.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Levels
   • Indicator for carbon sequestration and soil health improvement, measuring the increase in soil organic carbon to mitigate climate change.
2. Soil Fertility and Structure
   • Indicators related to soil profile structure, nutrient retention, and microbial activity to assess soil health.
3. Biodiversity Metrics
   • Indicators measuring biological diversity, presence of pollinators, and fauna useful for pest control.
4. Water Retention and Efficiency
   • Indicators related to water infiltration, evaporation reduction, and aquifer recharge to evaluate water management effectiveness.
5. Crop Yield and Productivity
   • Indicators measuring productivity improvements from bio-intensive horticulture and diversified cropping systems.
6. Livestock Integration Effects
   • Indicators assessing manure contribution to soil fertility and root stimulation effects from controlled rotational grazing.
7. Adoption of Sustainable Practices
   • Implied indicators include the extent of minimum tillage, use of cover crops, crop rotation, and organic amendments.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: openaccessgovernment.org