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Animals are essential in every living system. Animal manure is an important step to bring nutrients back into the soil. Besides their manure, grazing animals act as natural mowers. Integrating animals into the farming system mimics natural grazing ecosystems, where herds move, fertilize, and stimulate plant life in cycles. When properly managed, animals help regenerate land, enhance soil fertility, increase biodiversity, and improve long-term carbon storage.
The Role of Animal Impact
Animals play a crucial role in stimulating plant growth and enhancing soil fertility. As they graze, they naturally prune plants, encouraging regrowth and deeper root development. Their hooves mix plant residues into the soil, helping to incorporate organic material and create small indentations where seeds and water can collect, improving germination and moisture retention. The periodic impact of grazing animals increases carbon sequestration by promoting stronger plant growth and healthier root systems.
However, for grazing to be beneficial, it must be managed properly. If animals remain in one area for too long, overgrazing can occur, leading to soil degradation and reduced plant health. By rotating animals between different fields in a practice known as holistic grazing management, farmers can ensure that vegetation has time to recover, preventing land exhaustion and maintaining a steady cycle of nutrient return to the soil through manure and organic matter.
Different Animals, Different Benefits
The benefits of animal integration extend beyond cattle to pigs, chickens, ducks, and other livestock—each contributing uniquely to the system. Chickens, for instance, scratch the soil, breaking up compacted areas while consuming pests and fertilizing the ground with their droppings. Pigs root through the soil, aerating it and incorporating organic material. Ducks control insect populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Beyond domesticated animals, wildlife and beneficial insects also play a vital role in a regenerative farm. Pollinators, birds, and worms contribute to plant reproduction, pest control, and soil aeration. Encouraging biodiversity ensures a balanced ecosystem, reducing the need for external inputs and increasing the land’s natural resilience.
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Key Principle 6: Integration of Trees