Healthy Land. Healthy Food. Healthy Lives.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2020
Microbe-Plant-Human Bridge BY ANN ADAMS
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n November 2019 we completed the 2019 REGENERATE Conference: Health from the Soil Up, that we hosted with the Quivira Coalition and the American Grassfed Association. With the focus of this conference on health from the soil up, I got to thinking about how we are learning so much about soil health now and wouldn’t it be great if we could apply what we are learning in that arena to improving our human potential. It seems as if we may be the weak link in the system, yet we have the incredible opportunity to be a major ally. Regenerative agriculture-focused soil scientists agree on the key principles and practices for good soil health. They all revolve around the symbiotic relationship known as the “Plant-Microbe Bridge.” I think we need to create a microbe-plant-human bridge to reach our full potential as a civilization using the follow five principles.
Flexible Management INSIDE THIS ISSUE Holistic Management is an adaptive management tool. Remaining flexible to changing weather and markets is key to proactive management. Learn how the Hibbard Ranch has changed practices on page 7 and Thousand Hills Ranch on page 8.
In Practice a publication of Holistic Management International
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1) Engage in Mutualism Dr. Christine Jones notes that plant life is more about productivity and photosynthetic potential of the plants than their actual biomass because the microbial community influences that potential. For example, mycorrhizal fungi can significantly increase photosynthetic rate. Likewise grazing a plant too severely or frequently can stress it and reduce its potential. So the right amount of stress and disturbance is key to unleashing the potential in the system rather than inhibiting it. Similarly, with humans we know there are good stressors (like new opportunities) and bad stressors (like chronic worry). How much of our human potential is lessened because of a society or social system that is parasitic rather than mutualistic? How might we change that? 2) Feed Life Microbes are actually creating health out of nutrients through symbiosis. If we understand that a symbiotic system results in everyone being fed and nourished, creating health, then we are inspired to create a culture that respects and honors all life and encourages observation, humility, and cooperation. 3) Encourage Diversity The greater diversity of plants and animals, the more robust the system. Just as innovative agricultural producers are experimenting with
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how to introduce and encourage diversity in their systems to gain the benefits that occur through effective symbiotic relationships, so too we can look at the health within families, organizations, businesses, communities, and nations with a focus on diversity as a benefit and asset rather than a liability or danger. 4) Design Effective Systems Regenerative agricultural producers look at what practices are actually damaging the system and costing money—thus reducing the overall production and profitability. The same questions could be asked regarding the function of our families or communities. How do our systems and relationships encourage our family or community to create resilience and productivity? 5) Engage in Appropriate Disturbance In a healthy ecosystem, disturbance levels must be appropriate and actually support regeneration and life, rather than wreaking havoc on biological communities. To me this principle is kin to the idea that respectful dialogue can challenge paradigms and dogma in a way that strengthens the community rather than tearing it apart. As we begin 2020, I hope you consider how you can use these five principles to help you prioritize your actions and strategies to create systems to improve your health and that of your community from the soil up.
