Assessment of Regenerative Agriculture and Biostimulation as Forms of Alternative Agriculture

Globally, several management practices in Agriculture, such as the application of pesticides/chemicals, inorganic fertilizers, and monocultural practices have contributed to land/soil degradation. This resulted in a loss of soil fertility and ultimately, poor quality of our food crops/plants. As the population of people increases daily, there is a critical need to improve crop productivity (yields) of nutritious, economical, and culturally appropriate food crops and promote healthier soils in our agroecosystem. Recent studies and discoveries have shown that the basis for agriculture, crop production, and human security in the future is healthy soil. Evidence has shown that “alternative” agricultural practices may provide solutions to curb issues surrounding soil and water degradation (FAO, 2015). These practices are adopted to promote healthier soils and can result in increasing crop productivity, greater economic viability, and increased local food security. Major emphasis is placed on ‘regenerative agriculture’ and ‘biostimulation’ as conservation and alternative approaches/management practices improve soil health and agricultural productivity. This paper presents a review and an assessment of regenerative agriculture and plant biostimulation and their potential benefits to soil health and agricultural production. It will summarize and communicate the benefits of these two innovative alternative practices to agriculturists, government officials, and farmers.