Regenerative Agriculture
What is Carbon Cycle Farming?

"Can farming heal the planet? Regenerative Agriculture, often dubbed 'Carbon Cycle Farming,' harnesses the power of fungi, mycorrhizal networks, and photosynthetic bacteria to restore soil health and lock carbon underground. More than just growing crops, this innovative approach is gaining traction worldwide as a solution to climate change and a blueprint for sustainable food production. But what’s driving its rise?"
 
 
 
Carbon cycle farming is a method that cultivates crops by utilizing soil microorganisms without relying on chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It incorporates elements of permaculture and organic farming while enabling rapid soil improvement (within 1 to 3 years).
 
 
 

Key Features

 
No chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or compost needed: Soil microorganisms naturally provide nutrients, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.
Utilization of carbon materials: Materials like rice husks, aging bamboo, and wood chips are added to enrich microbial activity.
Reduction of pests and diseases: Healthy soil leads to fewer pests and plant diseases.
 
 
 
 
 

How Carbon Cycle Farming Works

Fostering Soil to Grow Crops

 
Conventional farming directly supplies nutrients to plants through fertilizers. In contrast, carbon cycle farming prioritizes nurturing the soil, allowing microorganisms to sustain plant growth.
 
 
 

Microorganisms Produce Natural Fertilizer for Plants

 
One of the most crucial microorganisms is filamentous fungi. These fungi help maintain soft, fertile soil, and their secretions serve as nutrients for plants. Natural farming follows the same process, but soil improvement can take up to seven years. By introducing carbon materials, this period is significantly reduced to 1 to 3 years.
 
 
 

What Are Carbon Materials?

 
Carbon materials are organic substances rich in carbon that serve as food for soil microorganisms. Using suitable carbon materials enhances microbial activity and creates fertile soil.
 
 
Examples of Suitable Carbon Materials (in order of importance):
Aging bamboo (avoid young bamboo)
High carbon content ensures long-term, stable soil improvement.
 
Rice husks
Easily accessible and rich in carbon, providing long-lasting benefits.
 
Wood chips (finely shredded)
Slowly decomposes, improving soil drainage and aeration.
 
 
 
 
 

Benefits of Carbon Cycle Farming

 
✅ Cost reduction: Eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, significantly lowering farming expenses.

Stable crop yields: Healthier soil results in crops that are more resilient to climate changes and diseases.

Environmental benefits: Prevents soil and water contamination by avoiding synthetic chemicals.

Enhances the natural taste of crops: Limits excessive nitrate accumulation, bringing out the crops’ authentic flavors.
 
 
 
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I transition from conventional farming gradually?

A. Yes. You can continue regular planting while gradually adding carbon materials to improve the soil.
 

Q2. How much carbon material is needed?

A. Depending on soil conditions, the recommended amount is 50 to 200 kg per 1,000 m² (0.25 acres).
 

Q3. Why does this method reduce pests and diseases?

A. Excessive nitrate in the soil softens plant leaves, making them attractive to pests. By utilizing carbon materials, microorganisms break down excess nitrate, strengthening crops naturally and reducing pests and plant diseases.
 
 
Carbon cycle farming leverages the power of nature to cultivate sustainable and stable agriculture by enhancing soil health.

Causes of Pest Damage and the Mechanism of Nitrate Nitrogen Formation

1. Why Pest Damage Occurs: The Influence of Nitrate Nitrogen

 
When plants absorb excessive nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻) from the soil, their leaves become softer and more attractive to pests.
 
Plants with high nitrate nitrogen content retain more water, which promotes pest growth and increases feeding damage.
 
 
 

2. How Nitrate Nitrogen Increases

 
Use of Pesticides and Chemical Fertilizers → Reduction of Soil Microorganisms
 
Pesticides and chemical fertilizers reduce beneficial soil microorganisms, disrupting the soil’s natural balance.
 
Oxygen-requiring (aerobic) bacteria decrease, causing soil to harden.
 
 
Oxygen Deficiency in Soil → Growth of Anaerobic Rotting Bacteria
 
Poor soil aeration leads to oxygen deficiency, allowing anaerobic bacteria (which thrive without oxygen) to dominate.
 
These bacteria cause incomplete decomposition of organic matter.
 
 
Incomplete Decomposition → Increased Nitrate Nitrogen
 
The activity of anaerobic bacteria produces excessive nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻).
 
Nitrate nitrogen dissolves easily in water, making it readily absorbable by plants.
 
Plants Absorb Nitrate Nitrogen → Increased Pest Damage
 
Plants absorbing high amounts of nitrate nitrogen develop soft leaves, making them an ideal food source for pests.
 
The high water content in leaves also encourages the spread of plant diseases.
 
 
 

3. Solution: Improve Soil with Carbon Recycling Farming

Enhance Soil Aeration with Carbon Materials
 
Adding materials such as bamboo chips and rice husks promotes the activity of aerobic microorganisms.
This improves soil structure, enhances drainage and aeration, and prevents oxygen deficiency.
 
 
 
Restore Microbial Balance and Reduce Nitrate Nitrogen
 
Carbon materials serve as a food source for microorganisms, stabilizing the decomposition process.
This prevents excessive nitrate nitrogen formation, making plants less attractive to pests.
 
 
 
Reduce the Need for Pesticides and Control Pests and Diseases Naturally
 
 
Healthier soil strengthens crops, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.
 
 
 

Conclusion: Pest Damage is a "Sign of Soil Health"

 
✅ A high number of pests often indicates an imbalance in the soil and excessive nitrate nitrogen levels.

✅ By practicing carbon recycling farming, you can prevent oxygen deficiency, control nitrate nitrogen levels, and reduce pest damage naturally.
 
 
 

Hypothesis on the Relationship Between Pests and Nitrate Nitrogen

 
Pests may indirectly benefit from nitrate nitrogen as a food source.
Additionally, in soils with excessive nitrate nitrogen, there is a higher risk of root rot, prompting plants to absorb more nitrate nitrogen. As a result, leaves rich in nitrate nitrogen grow, providing an attractive food source for pests.
 
One possible hypothesis is that pests consuming plant leaves may help regulate the nitrogen balance in the soil. As pests feed, their excrement and remains return to the soil, where microorganisms break them down, potentially improving soil conditions over time.
 
If this hypothesis is correct, pests may not be merely harmful but could also play a role in soil purification.

Carbon Cycle Farming: Full Process for Ridge Formation (Chronological Order)

 
 
 
This method gradually increases soil microorganisms to naturally enrich the soil.
 
 

Preparation Stage: Basic Ridge Formation

 Digging the ridge (at least 40 cm deep)
 
A shovel (Scoop) is preferable to a hoe.
 
Dig the soil deeply.
Swap the upper and lower soil layers.
Mix carbon materials such as charcoal or wood chips.
Do not include fresh grass to prevent decay.
Adding food for microorganisms
 
Apply roasted salt 1: water 1500 or seawater 1: water 50 to the soil.
Add a small amount of rice bran or brown sugar (food for bacteria).
Lightly compact the soil
 
Step on the soil slightly to reduce oxygen.
Then, cover with transparent plastic.
 

Step 1: Cultivating Aerobic Bacteria (1–2 months)

  Cover with transparent plastic
 
Seal the ridge with transparent plastic.
Expose it to sunlight to increase photosynthetic bacteria (aerobic bacteria).
Photosynthetic bacteria proliferate
 

 
These bacteria decompose organic matter in the soil.
This creates an environment where actinomycetes can increase.
 
 
Remove the transparent plastic after 1–2 months
 

 
Photosynthetic bacteria decrease due to sunlight and environmental changes.
 
Actinomycetes multiply and begin decomposing carbon materials.
 
 
 
 

Step 2: Cultivating Anaerobic Bacteria (1 month)

  Loosen the soil slightly and compact it again
 
Lightly till the soil to supply oxygen.
Then, step on it lightly to compact it again.
Cover with black plastic (for 1 month)
 
Block sunlight with black plastic.
Reduce oxygen, allowing anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Clostridium) to thrive.
 
Anaerobic bacteria break down actinomycetes residues and organic matter.
 
 
 

 
 
 

Step 3: Proliferation of Filamentous Fungi (Natural Transition)

Remove the black plastic
 
When the soil is exposed to air, filamentous fungi begin to grow.
Filamentous fungi improve the soil
 
They decompose microbial residues and organic matter.
The soil undergoes granulation, improving drainage and aeration.
The soil becomes suitable for crop growth.
 
 
 
 

Final Soil Characteristics 

Granulated soil with improved drainage, water retention, and aeration
 
Resistant to diseases
 
Requires little to no fertilizers
 
Crops grow through natural cycles
 
 

Role of Sealing and Enclosure in Step 1 and Step 2

Step 1 (Sealing with Transparent Plastic Film)

The transparent plastic film is sealed to increase internal humidity and temperature.
 
Sunlight passes through, activating aerobic bacteria (such as photosynthetic bacteria).
 
As these bacteria break down organic matter, oxygen is gradually consumed, reducing oxygen levels in the soil.
 
This process prepares the soil for the next stage, where anaerobic bacteria can thrive.
 
✅ Sealing the transparent plastic film promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria and facilitates a smooth transition to an anaerobic environment.
 
 

Step 2 (Using Black Plastic Film, But Not Sealing It Completely)

When the transparent plastic film is removed, oxygen in the soil is already reduced.
 
 
 

Supplementary information about plastic mulch

 
Covering the soil with black plastic film blocks sunlight, causing photosynthetic bacteria to die off and allowing anaerobic bacteria to become dominant.
 
However, if the black plastic film is completely sealed, harmful putrefactive bacteria may proliferate.
 
Allowing some airflow helps actinomycetes to thrive, balancing the soil ecosystem.
 
✅ The black plastic film blocks light, but it should not be completely sealed to encourage the growth of actinomycetes.
 
 
 

Conclusion

Step 1 requires sealing → This enhances aerobic bacteria activity while reducing oxygen, creating optimal conditions for anaerobic bacteria.
 
Step 2 should not be completely sealed → Allowing moderate airflow supports actinomycetes, preventing putrefaction and ensuring proper fermentation.
 
 
This approach optimizes the balance of soil microorganisms while preventing undesirable decomposition.

🌱 Increasing Mycorrhizal Fungi (After Planting Begins)

 
Purpose: To form a symbiotic relationship with crops and enhance nutrient absorption.
 
 

🛠 Method

 
Select crops that form associations with mycorrhizal fungi
 
Solanaceae (e.g., eggplant, tomato, bell pepper)
Legumes (e.g., peas, broad beans, soybeans)
Grasses (e.g., corn, rice)
Limit phosphorus fertilizer
 
High phosphorus levels inhibit mycorrhizal colonization.
Use organic fertilizers or compost instead of chemical fertilizers in the early stages.
Introduce mycorrhizal fungi if needed
 
Use commercial mycorrhizal inoculants (Glomus species, etc.).
Mix soil rich in natural mycorrhizal fungi to promote colonization.
Reduce tilling (No-Till Farming)
Mycorrhizal fungi create underground hyphal networks, so frequent tilling damages their growth.
Consider shallow tilling or no-till methods.

✅ Benefits of Increasing Mycorrhizal Fungi

 
Improves phosphorus and mineral uptake (reduces fertilizer needs).
Enhances water retention, making crops more drought-resistant.
Boosts disease resistance, leading to healthier crops.
Stabilizes soil conditions for long-term sustainability.
 
 

🎯 Summary

✅ Increasing filamentous fungi first creates a favorable soil environment for mycorrhizal fungi.
Reducing phosphorus levels and minimizing tillage helps mycorrhizal fungi thrive.
This method supports sustainable farming by reducing fertilizer use while maintaining soil health.
By following this process, it is possible to harness natural microbial interactions for a more sustainable agricultural system.

 
 
Why This Process is Effective

This process is effective because it balances soil microorganisms and utilizes natural mechanisms to support plant growth. The key reasons are as follows:
 
 
1️⃣ Utilizing the Roles of Microorganisms
 
Photosynthetic bacteria break down organic matter and improve soil conditions.
Actinomycetes suppress pathogenic bacteria while enriching the soil.
Anaerobic bacteria decompose the remains of actinomycetes and stabilize soil balance.
Filamentous fungi break down organic matter and help form soil aggregates.
Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient and water absorption.
 
 
2️⃣ Promoting Soil Aggregation
 
The activity of filamentous fungi improves drainage and water retention, making it easier for roots to grow.
When soil aggregates form, oxygen and water are supplied in balance, promoting healthy plant growth.
 
 
3️⃣ Suppressing Pathogens and Reducing Pesticide Use
 
Actinomycetes and filamentous fungi compete with harmful pathogens, naturally inhibiting their growth.
This process reduces reliance on pesticides while maintaining crop health.
 
 
4️⃣ Reducing Chemical Fertilizer Use and Enhancing Soil Sustainability
 
Mycorrhizal fungi help plants efficiently absorb phosphorus and nitrogen.
Microbial activity naturally decomposes organic matter, enriching the soil without the need for synthetic fertilizers.

How to Build a Drainage Ditch for a Field

 
 
1. Digging the Drainage Ditch
40cm to 60cm.
 
2. Penetrating the Hardpan
down to 80cm to break through the hardpan (a compacted soil layer). This allows excess water to drain downward more easily.
 
3. Effects of the Hardpan
 
4. Impact on Plants
 
 
5. Appropriate Depth
 
The standard depth of the drainage ditch should be 40cm to 60cm.
Digging some areas down to 80cm improves water drainage.
 
The distance from the ground surface to the groundwater level should be 20cm to 40cm.
 
If you find moist soil after digging 20cm, it indicates that the groundwater level is close.
 
 
⚠ Note
carefully observe the site before proceeding with the work.