Nieuw project gestart: Quantifying the impact of regenerative agricultural practices on the water cycle “RegAgWat”
Currently, food systems contribute to approximately one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, are the primary cause of biodiversity loss and are responsible for the majority of surface water eutrophication. In order to help change this narrative and achieve net zero emissions by 2050, Nestlé launched their carbon roadmap, where Regenerative Agriculture (RA) plays a crucial role. RA strives not only to minimize the environmental impact of agriculture, but also to contribute to ecosystem services (“regeneration”) and is often linked to climate change mitigation and biodiversity loss. However, little is known about the potential impacts of RA on the water cycle. To track whether the implementation of RA at large scale (global) lead into water co-benefits, a specific water-related Impact Assessment Framework is required, allowing private and public sector to monitor, quantified and predicted them. Among potential water co-benefits, we can highlight:
1. Increased Soil Organic Matter: RA practices enhance soil health by increasing soil organic matter. This, in turn,
improves water retention and reduces excess evaporation, benefiting water availability and quality12.
2. Water Infiltration and Retention: RA improve water infiltration and retention through diverse plant cover and organic
matter in the soil. This helps replenish aquifers and restore waterways, contributing to long-term sustainability3.
3. Mitigating Drought Impact: As climate change exacerbates droughts, RA helps mitigate their devastating effects by
maintaining healthier soil conditions and enhancing water-holding capacity.
Our assumption is clear, by working in harmony with nature, regenerative practices can have several positive effects on water systems. But now, it is time for adopters to prove the expected outcomes.