TEIKEI Agriculture

What is TEIKEI agriculture?

TEIKEI Agriculture goes beyond regenerative agriculture and aims to ensure the sustainable, intergenerational management of agricultural land. The aim is to shape agriculture in such a way that it not only meets the needs of today's generation, but also remains attractive, feasible and, of course, profitable for future generations. One key aspect is the issue of land ownership, which must be secured across generations in order to ensure long-term use for organic farming.

Land use and ownership in TEIKEI agriculture

In the TEIKEI Agriculture land ownership plays a central role, as the regenerative enhancement of the soil and the establishment of sustainable systems often only show visible results after one to two decades. During this time, forest gardens are planted, soils are regenerated and natural cycles are strengthened. However, this long-term investment in soil fertility and ecological diversity can be jeopardized when land is reallocated or reassigned due to inheritance or short-term leases.

Inheritances and short-term leases, for example over 30 years, offer no long-term security for the preservation and continuation of regenerative agriculture. Land is often used differently or intensively farmed after a change of ownership, which can undo decades of ecological enhancement. It is therefore crucial that land ownership is structured in such a way that it lasts beyond one generation in order to uphold the principles of TEIKEI Agriculture to preserve.

Natural farming as part of TEIKEI agriculture

A key element of the TEIKEI Agriculture is the integration of the principles of Natural Farmingwhich further emphasizes working in harmony with nature rather than against it. Natural Farming, developed by Masanobu Fukuoka, promotes the idea of minimal human intervention, allowing ecosystems to regenerate and sustain themselves. This approach complements the goals of TEIKEI Agriculturewhich focuses not only on regenerative technologies, but also on giving nature priority in agricultural practices.

Important aspects of natural farming are

No tillageNo plowing preserves the natural structure of the soil and microbial life.
Use of cover cropsInstead of relying on fertilizers, farmers rely on natural vegetation to enrich the soil with nutrients.
Avoidance of chemical interventionsLike regenerative agriculture, natural farming avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in order to promote biodiversity.
No dependence on compost: While many organic farming methods rely heavily on compost, the organic farming method Natural Farming that the soil retains its fertility through natural decomposition and the recycling of organic materials.
Diversity instead of monocultureFukuoka's method promotes polycultures, where different plant species are grown together to take advantage of natural symbioses and avoid overuse of the soil.

By integrating natural farming into the TEIKEI Agriculture we ensure that the land is cared for in a way that respects natural cycles, improves soil quality and creates resilient agricultural systems that can be passed on to future generations.

Regenerative agriculture as part of TEIKEI agriculture

Regenerative agriculture is a central component of the TEIKEI Agriculture. It focuses on regenerating agricultural land by making the soil more fertile, healthy and resilient. In contrast to conventional agriculture, which damages the soil through monocultures, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, regenerative agriculture promotes natural regeneration and the long-term balance of ecosystems.

Important principles of regenerative agriculture:

Carbon sequestration: Carbon is the key to life and plays a central role in regenerative agriculture. By storing carbon in the soil, the soil structure improves and more water can be stored, which promotes life on the land. This leads to an exponential increase in soil fertility and biodiversity.
Water and land management: Water is a critical factor in regenerative agriculture. By understanding the topography and water movement in the landscape, measures are taken to store water and optimize its use. This encourages the creation of "islands of life" where flora and fauna can thrive. One innovative method is "keyline design", which channels water from valleys to ridges to maximize water use.
Promotion of natural ecosystem processes: Rather than controlling nature, regenerative agriculture encourages natural processes. Animals play a central role by being moved in high densities across pastureland, stimulating plant growth and supporting nutrient cycles. The interaction of plants and animals is used to improve soil fertility and create ecological niches.
Biomass recycling: By returning biomass such as compost, prunings and animal manure to the soil, the nutrient cycle is maintained. This helps to ensure that the soil becomes more fertile year after year and that agricultural land can be used in the long term.
Avoidance of synthetic interventions: Regenerative agriculture consistently dispenses with unnatural fertilizers, pesticides and the excessive use of machinery. This not only protects the soil from further damage, but also promotes biodiversity.

Scientific foundations and education:

Mathematics plays an unexpectedly important role in regenerative agriculture, be it in the planning of water systems or the understanding of growth processes in nature. A deeper understanding of mathematical relationships helps to better understand and promote natural processes. In addition, the implementation of regenerative techniques requires a comprehensive knowledge of soil science, ecology and agricultural science in order to achieve the best possible results. Education therefore plays a crucial role in providing both farmers and communities with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the success of regenerative and natural agriculture.

Natural vs. regenerative agriculture: differences, benefits and the importance of their connection

The Natural agriculture (Natural Farming) and the regenerative agriculture share many common principles, but there are also significant differences in their approaches. While the Natural agriculture relies on minimal human intervention and relies heavily on the earth's natural processes, regenerative agriculture aims to actively improve the soil through targeted measures such as carbon sequestration, water management and the use of animals.

Advantages of natural farming lie in its simplicity and low dependence on technology or human labor. It is highly cost-effective and creates a system that is largely self-sustaining. The downside is that this method can take a long time to deliver the desired yield, depending on the location, and it may be less adaptable to different climates and soils.

The regenerative agriculture on the other hand, promotes active intervention by the farmer to accelerate natural regeneration processes. This leads to faster results in terms of soil fertility and biodiversity. A disadvantage could be the higher workload and the need for technical aids that are not required in natural farming.

It is important to combine both approaches, as the combination of natural farming and regenerative methods offers a more comprehensive and sustainable solution. While natural farming ensures long-term stability and self-sufficiency, regenerative agriculture complements this approach with targeted measures to rapidly improve soil quality and yields. This combination makes it possible to achieve both short-term and long-term goals in harmony with nature.

Challenges and the future

FAO* studies have shown that, on average, the world's arable soils can only support around 60 harvests before they are so depleted that plants can no longer grow. Regenerative agriculture requires a change in thinking, away from the idea of static conservation towards a dynamic understanding of growth and change. sustainability in this context means continuous development and adaptation, not stagnation. Through the conscious use of technologies such as drones to map the landscape and the application of traditional knowledge, resilient, fertile and sustainable agricultural systems can be created.

*FAO = "Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations"

Regenerative vs industrial agriculture