
Welcome to the SoilCraft Regen Agronomy Podcast! In this powerful episode, Denver Black sits down with Craig Harding at Riverside Farm in Zambia to unpack what it really means to ālearn how to farm again.āAfter years of intensive input-based systems, Craig finds himself in a whole new worldāwhere fungicides are gone, synthetic nitrogen is slashed, worms are working overtime, and fields are literally growing inches of new topsoil.What caused this radical shift? A regenerative system rooted in biology, humility, and alignment with the Creatorās design.š¾ IN THIS EPISODE:ā
Craigās journey from rigid crop programs to real-time field intuitionā
Why his $1.2 million worth of worm castings may be more valuable than a fertilizer shedā
What it means when your drill sinks too deepābecause your soil is too rich!ā
How 32% wheat protein came with no basal fertilizer and half the nitrogenā
Why legumes may be holding your soil-building efforts backā
The difference between āavailableā and āsolubleā nutrientsāand why it mattersā
Can dryland farmers do this too? YESāand maybe they mustš§ BIG IDEAS:Regeneration isnāt just conservationāitās a biological cascadeNo-till without biology = slow progressThe real question isnāt can we eliminate fertilizer, but can we build soil so it eliminates the need itselfFarming is no longer about āwhat to killāāitās about what to feedLegumes might not be the soil builders we think they are when grown aloneš NUTRIENT VALUE BREAKDOWN:From just 2 inches of worm castings, Denver and Craig measure:š§Ŗ 320 lbs/ac Nitrogenš§Ŗ 1,000 lbs/ac PāOā
š§Ŗ 3,840 lbs/ac Calciumšæ All biologically availableānot leaching, not burning, just there when the plant needs itš£ TAKEAWAYS:This isnāt theory. This is real change. Real savings. Real soil wealth.āWeāre not spraying 5 fungicides anymore. Weāre spraying biology.āāI didnāt just have to relearn fertilizerāI had to relearn farming entirely.āāWe used to plant in bricks. Now weāre planting on a worm farm.āIf youāre wondering whatās possible with regenerative agricultureāespecially in arid, tropical, or high-value cropping systemsāthis is your episode.š„ JOIN THE CONVERSATION:We're not here to push a silver bullet. We're here to build a system. One that works where you are. So share your questions, challenges, and storiesāweāre listening. šš Learn more or connect with us at SoilCraft.comš„ Subscribe for more videos, field trials, and regenerative insightsš¬ Got a topic or testimony to share? Drop it in the comments or email us.#SoilCraft #RegenerativeAgriculture #LearningToFarmAgain #WormCastings #OrganicMatter #SoilBiology #NoTill #FertilizerReduction #FaithAndFarming #RegenAgPodcast #ZambiaAgriculture
Jun 9, 2025
53 min

Summary:In this engaging podcast, Denver Black sits down with Trent Gray Bill and Matt Powers at the Soilcraft Conference to discuss the transformative power of regenerative agriculture and education. The conversation explores Matt's journey from musician to educator in the permaculture space, the importance of health and soil in agriculture, and innovative teaching methods that promote authentic learning. The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of relationships, personal growth, and the principles of regenerative soil management.Takeaways:The podcast captures the essence of the Soilcraft Conference.Matt Powers' work in regenerative agriculture is transformative.Education should be tailored to individual learning styles.Health and nutrition are critical components of agriculture.Permaculture principles can guide sustainable farming practices.Collaboration is essential in the agricultural community.Unschooling promotes authentic learning experiences.Soil health is foundational to regenerative practices.Relationships play a vital role in personal and professional growth.Citizen science can empower individuals to test and understand their environment.Chapters:00:00 The Healing Power of Singing and Community04:14 Introduction to Matt Powers and His Work04:44 Matt Powers' Journey into Agriculture15:24 The Principles of Permaculture and Regenerative Practices28:14 Transforming Education and Unschooling39:50 The Role of Challenges in Growth and Relationships
Feb 6, 2025
46 min

Summary:In this conversation, Dr. Tom Dykstra discusses the intricate relationship between plant health, water management, and the role of mites in agriculture. He emphasizes the importance of understanding overwatering, the bioelectromagnetic aspects of plant physiology, and the nutritional needs of plants and insects. The discussion also delves into the complexities of insect perception and the implications of plant health on pest management strategies.Takeaways:Overwatering can lead to unhealthy plants that attract pests.Mites play a role in cleaning out unhealthy plants.Bioelectromagnetics can influence plant health and insect behavior.Water quality is crucial for effective irrigation and plant growth.Calcium is essential for plant health and nutrient uptake.Insects perceive their environment through various frequencies.Healthy plants can coexist with mites without significant damage.The two-spotted spider mite thrives in dehydrated conditions.Plant catabolism can attract pests like spider mites.Understanding plant health is key to managing pest populations.Chapters:00:00 Compensating for Salt and Overwatering00:56 The Benefits of Dousing Plants with Water02:55 Water Saturation and Soil Infiltration04:44 The Role of Xylem Tissue in Water Uptake07:41 The Importance of Water Quality11:21 Root Growth and Watering Practices15:14 The Impact of Drip Irrigation on Root Growth18:57 The Role of Insects in Plant Health20:20 The Problem with Eradicating Mites21:17 Considering Energy and Frequency in Food Consumption22:27 The Solution: Overwatering and Irrigation Management25:21 Introduction and Technical Difficulties25:35 Background and Conference Attendance27:03 Dr. Dykstra's Introduction and Degrees in Entomology28:29 Bioelectromagnetics and Insect Sensory Systems32:55 Insect Vision and Frequencies39:24 Infrared Frequencies and Dielectric Antenna44:56 Research on the Two-Spotted Spider Mite48:28 The Relationship Between Plant Health, Dehydration, and Two-Spotted Spider Mites54:37 The Disassociation Between Cell Membrane and Cell Wall During Dehydration59:56 The Impact of Protein Breakdown and Dipeptides on Mite Feeding01:11:14 The Presence of Mites in a Healthy Plant Relationship
Sep 30, 2024
1 hr 7 min

Summary:In this conversation, Dr. Tom Dykstra discusses the intricate relationship between plant health, water management, and the role of mites in agriculture. He emphasizes the importance of understanding overwatering, the bioelectromagnetic aspects of plant physiology, and the nutritional needs of plants and insects. The discussion also delves into the complexities of insect perception and the implications of plant health on pest management strategies.Takeaways:Overwatering can lead to unhealthy plants that attract pests.Mites play a role in cleaning out unhealthy plants.Bioelectromagnetics can influence plant health and insect behavior.Water quality is crucial for effective irrigation and plant growth.Calcium is essential for plant health and nutrient uptake.Insects perceive their environment through various frequencies.Healthy plants can coexist with mites without significant damage.The two-spotted spider mite thrives in dehydrated conditions.Plant catabolism can attract pests like spider mites.Understanding plant health is key to managing pest populations.Chapters:00:00 Compensating for Salt and Overwatering00:56 The Benefits of Dousing Plants with Water02:55 Water Saturation and Soil Infiltration04:44 The Role of Xylem Tissue in Water Uptake07:41 The Importance of Water Quality11:21 Root Growth and Watering Practices15:14 The Impact of Drip Irrigation on Root Growth18:57 The Role of Insects in Plant Health20:20 The Problem with Eradicating Mites21:17 Considering Energy and Frequency in Food Consumption22:27 The Solution: Overwatering and Irrigation Management25:21 Introduction and Technical Difficulties25:35 Background and Conference Attendance27:03 Dr. Dykstra's Introduction and Degrees in Entomology28:29 Bioelectromagnetics and Insect Sensory Systems32:55 Insect Vision and Frequencies39:24 Infrared Frequencies and Dielectric Antenna44:56 Research on the Two-Spotted Spider Mite48:28 The Relationship Between Plant Health, Dehydration, and Two-Spotted Spider Mites54:37 The Disassociation Between Cell Membrane and Cell Wall During Dehydration59:56 The Impact of Protein Breakdown and Dipeptides on Mite Feeding01:11:14 The Presence of Mites in a Healthy Plant Relationship
Sep 30, 2024
1 hr 13 min

In this conversation, Denver Black and Trent Graybill discuss fall management practices in agriculture. They emphasize the importance of preparing for the next crop during the fall season and highlight the potential benefits of stimulating soil biology and breaking down crop residue. They also discuss the role of microorganisms in nutrient availability and disease prevention. The conversation touches on topics such as irrigation, exudate production, and the impact of cover crops. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of investing in the fall to lay a strong foundation for the next growing season.Takeaways:Fall is a critical time for preparing for the next cropStimulating soil biology and breaking down crop residue can have significant benefitsMicroorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient availability and disease preventionInvesting in the fall can lay a strong foundation for the next growing seasonChapters:00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context01:06 The Importance of Fall Management Practices04:17 Breaking Down Crop Residue07:13 The Role of Microorganisms in Disease Prevention10:38 Investing in the Fall for Future Benefits
Sep 18, 2024
28 min

In this conversation, Denver Black and Trent Graybill discuss fall management practices in agriculture. They emphasize the importance of preparing for the next crop during the fall season and highlight the potential benefits of stimulating soil biology and breaking down crop residue. They also discuss the role of microorganisms in nutrient availability and disease prevention. The conversation touches on topics such as irrigation, exudate production, and the impact of cover crops. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of investing in the fall to lay a strong foundation for the next growing season.Takeaways:Fall is a critical time for preparing for the next cropStimulating soil biology and breaking down crop residue can have significant benefitsMicroorganisms play a crucial role in nutrient availability and disease preventionInvesting in the fall can lay a strong foundation for the next growing seasonChapters:00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context01:06 The Importance of Fall Management Practices04:17 Breaking Down Crop Residue07:13 The Role of Microorganisms in Disease Prevention10:38 Investing in the Fall for Future Benefits
Sep 18, 2024
28 min

In this unique podcast we get the rare opportunity to interview Dr Arden Anderson and Dr Tom Dykstra after an epic conference in beautiful CDA Idaho. Just before the podcast we discovered that both of these giants in the regen space studied under Dr Phillip Callahan, ("Tuning into nature") expert in antennas, communication, frequencies, and etymology and a legend in our space. Needless to say we unpack this gem.We also take time to discuss what it takes to think deeply and make real progress by stepping out of super reductionism and studying with breadth as well as depth. We hope you enjoy this podcast and please let us know if you would like to listen to more podcasts in this format.šCall us to learn more about the solutions we have for the challenges you face in farming and ranching. [email protected] or 509.907.7305šLike, Subscribe and share with your friends.Other links:šWebsite: https://soilcraft.com/šļøRegenerative Agronomy Podcast: https://regenerative-agronomy.captiva...š Regenerative Agronomy Blog: https://soilcraft.com/blog-3/Sign up now for our newsletter: https://soilcraft.com/newsletter-signup/#healthyplants #healthysoil #healthesoil #healtheplanet #potatofarming #sustainableagriculture #farmtotable #soilhealth #resilientcrops <a href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/regenerativefarming" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
Apr 10, 2024
1 hr 14 min

Riaan Kirsten of Rainmaker joins us to describe their AOP- Advanced Oxidation Process for treating Irrigation water. Riaan will be at the Soilcraft Regenerative Agricultre Conference 2024 in CDA Idah Jan 17,18,19"What is your #1 input in crop production?Is it NPKS?No... Its waterWhat is your water like?Is it pure water?Join me as we dive into an incredible technology that allows us to free the water as a catalyst initiating electron swaps and changes. Enabling the water and whatever you apply within it to truly make an impact. Increase the amount of water you can hold Increase how deep your roots growReduce your input costsand drastically reduce the stress in your crops!šCall us to learn more about the solutions we have for the challenges you face in farming and ranching. [email protected] or 509.907.7305šLike, Subscribe and share with your friends.Other links:šWebsite: https://soilcraft.com/šļøRegenerative Agronomy Podcast: https://regenerative-agronomy.captiva...š Regenerative Agronomy Blog: https://soilcraft.com/blog-3/Sign up now for our newsletter: https://soilcraft.com/newsletter-signup/#healthyplants #healthysoil #healthesoil #healtheplanet #potatofarming #sustainableagriculture #farmtotable #soilhealth #resilientcrops <a...
Dec 15, 2023
22 min
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