Application of Regenerative Agriculture: A Review and Case Study in an Agrosilvopastoral Region

Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta (), Jorge Mongil-Manso and Adrián Jiménez-Sánchez
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Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta: Department of Geology and Geochemistry, Autónoma University of Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Jorge Mongil-Manso: Department of Environment and Agroforestry, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Forest, Water & Soil Research Group, Catholic University of Ávila, 05005 Ávila, Spain
Adrián Jiménez-Sánchez: Kerbest Foundation, 05005 Ávila, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: While agriculture is experiencing localized crises, its indispensable role as the foundation of humanity’s food supply requires its uninterrupted functioning. This conventional system is therefore in a state of competition with alternative models, particularly agroecology, which offers a different paradigm for food production. Given this situation and the need to gather reliable information on regenerative agriculture (RA), this article provides a literature review on its principles, objectives, and edaphic benefits. Additionally, it presents a case study that offers practical knowledge of the techniques and actions implemented by an agroforestry farm in central Spain. With this goal, this article addresses key aspects of RA, such as the use of cover crops, and the integration of livestock, emphasizing its role in improving soil quality and increasing biodiversity, among other benefits. After reviewing numerous scientific articles, and despite widespread interest in RA, there is no commonly accepted definition, so there is a wide range of ways to define RA. Until a generalized definition is accepted, we advocate making proposals and implementing methods with extreme caution and based on the regional or local context in which it is defined. In this sense, based on the implementation of RA at the Kerbest Foundation farm, we propose regenerative agriculture as a set of agroecological actions and processes that fundamentally provide functional soil quality, food quality, ecosystem services, and, especially, healthy and economically profitable livestock farming. Based on all of the above, we can argue that RA is no longer merely a commitment made by farmers but, rather, an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable solution grounded in scientific knowledge and technical experience.

Keywords: agroecological transition; farm landscape function; grazing management; organic agriculture; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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