Regenerative Agriculture: A Multifaceted Approach to One Health and Soil Restoration

Conventional agricultural practices have long relied on intensive tillage, monoculture, and agrochemicals, adversely affecting soil health, ecosystem integrity, and human well-being. Regenerative agriculture (RA) emerges as a promising alternative, aiming to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and improve agricultural resilience. This review investigates the role of RA as a conduit for One Health principles and soil restoration. We have systematically reviewed empirical and theoretical studies focusing on the impacts of RA practices on soil health, ecosystem dynamics, and human-animal-plant interactions. Our review highlights the detrimental effects of conventional agriculture on soil structure, biodiversity, and water quality, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Through an exploration of RA techniques such as minimal soil disturbance, cover cropping, and crop rotation, we demonstrate their potential to improve soil organic carbon levels, enhance soil fertility, and mitigate climate change impacts. Furthermore, RA practices promote ecosystem resilience, support animal health and welfare, and contribute to human nutrition and well-being. We call for longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impacts of RA on One Health outcomes and advocate for the exploration of new technologies to enhance soil health and monitor ecological changes. Embracing regenerative agriculture represents a transformative shift towards sustainable food systems that benefit both people and the planet. By prioritizing soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning, RA offers a holistic approach to agriculture that aligns with the principles of One Health and contributes to global sustainability goals.