{"id":167920,"date":"2025-07-28T05:00:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T09:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/?p=167920"},"modified":"2025-07-22T15:15:27","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T19:15:27","slug":"farm-nutrient-cycling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/2025\/07\/farm-nutrient-cycling\/","title":{"rendered":"Nutrient Cycling on the Farm: 5 Practices to Implement Now"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Regenerative practices on farmland are not new. They have been carried out by people across the world for centuries. One important aspect of maintaining a regenerative agricultural system<\/a> is nutrient cycling<\/strong>. It\u2019s a closed system that emulates natural cycles inside the bounds of a farm or pasture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most literature about nutrient cycling is related to livestock, where keeping nutrients within the bounds of the pasture is important for maintaining its regenerative potential. However, nutrient cycling is a process that occurs in wild areas<\/strong>\u00a0and can be fostered on farms without livestock.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If we view soil organisms as another kind of livestock, we get a better sense of how nutrient cycling practices work \u2013 even in home gardens. There are easy ways you can enact a nutrient cycle in growing spaces<\/strong>, as well as those that work in livestock systems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Nutrient Cycling?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The basic definition is this: nutrient cycling is how nutrients move through a system<\/strong> via processes of consumption, excretion, and decay. The most common attribution of the term as it relates to farming is with ranchlands<\/strong>. However, any system \u2013 even those without livestock \u2013 can cycle nutrients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Below Ground<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Young
The rhizosphere hums with microscopic life doing big work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the space within an inch of most plant roots, there are <\/span>millions upon millions<\/span> of living organisms<\/a> that move nutrients around. This is the rhizosphere<\/strong>, where the most essential nutrient exchange takes place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is the foundation of a healthy farm, where bacteria<\/strong>, fungi<\/strong>, archaea<\/strong>, and other micro-organisms<\/strong> work together and feed on one another. It\u2019s a scene present in natural spaces too. In order for elements to break down and be ready for absorption by plants, we need these organisms to convert them into a form suitable for uptake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Above Ground<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Drops
Plant roots use water and nutrients to grow while also releasing nutrients usable by soil organisms.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And then there is the air and water<\/strong>. In order for plants to grow, feed livestock, or simply develop fruit, they need to be able to transform water and nutrients into usable ones. Once they\u2019ve done this, their tissues can expand and grow above and below ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the same time, they excrete nutrients back into the earth, where the soil organisms can benefit. Similarly, they exude different compounds into the air and nearby water, which are pulled into the atmosphere via condensation and evapotranspiration<\/strong>. Animals do this in a more visible and obvious way, as their manure fertilizes the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Living in the soil are micro-organisms, but there are also macro-organisms<\/strong>. Earthworms and beetles tunnel through the soil, adding tilth, and feed the soil with their excretions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Nutrient Cycle: 5 Steps\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s not hard to have a more cyclically-nutrient-rich farm. By including various established regenerative practices<\/strong>, you\u2019re able to keep it going without much need for intervention. After you put a few practices in place, there\u2019s an element of passivity that sets in, allowing you to focus your energies on more pressing needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Till Less<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"A
Less tilling means more life stays working underground all season.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One way to keep nutrients in the soil is to preserve your topsoil by tilling less often<\/strong>. This not only keeps the soil on your farm, but also keeps the organisms below intact. There are different ways to farm without tilling as often as a conventional farm would from season to season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One way to do this is to simply add material to the top layer of the soil. A hefty dose of well-rotted compost or manure<\/strong> topped off with a substantial layer of mulch<\/strong> is great for planting, and offers no disturbance to the. Using hay bales as planters is yet another way to do it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are intermediary means of tilling less \u2013 for instance, using <\/span>no-till planting tools<\/span><\/a> that create a furrow just deep enough to plant seed. Gently broadforking\u00a0the earth<\/strong> between seasons is another means of low-till cultivation. For larger plots, rotary power harrow or slicer planters work, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All of these protect the most important part of the nutrient cycle: the soil. This reduces erosion<\/strong>, builds rich soil<\/strong> over time, and ensures that water and nitrogen are captured<\/strong> within the bounds of the farm, rather than escaping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Feed the Soil, Not the Plants<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"A
A quick soil test beats guessing what roots crave.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Conventional practices focus on inputs that pump up crops<\/strong>, making them more desirable for the marketplace. But using hefty doses of synthetic fertilizers can cause problems for soil and the surrounding environment down the line. Eutrophication is an example of nutrient leaching that comes from overfertilization of crops, largely with synthetic inputs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of focusing solely on the crops you\u2019re growing, start with a soil test<\/strong> that tells you which nutrients are needed to have healthy soil at the most basic level. Then, consider the additional nutrients<\/strong> needed to bolster your market share.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you\u2019re inbetween seasons, give your soil a break and foster nutrients by planting cover crops<\/strong>. Before they flower, chop them and drop them on the soil surface. As they break down, they\u2019ll feed the soil and mulch the surface, preserving the soil\u2019s structure and top layer<\/strong>. They also <\/span>protect local water quality<\/span><\/a> by absorbing surface water that builds up in heavy rain and snow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plant Native<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Bright
Border strips of natives help keep nutrients close.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the best ways to keep nutrients within the farm or pasture is to plant native. That means wildflower strips in between crop rows or on the borders of the cultivation space. It also means native forage plants<\/strong> that not only bolster the local ecology, but also return to the pasture once they\u2019ve been digested.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Native plants aren\u2019t maintenance-free, but they don\u2019t require the kinds of inputs or management that non-native plants do. Native forage plants in particular offer more nutrition<\/strong> to livestock than non-native forages and feeds do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They also keep the farm\u2019s system closed by inviting in local wildlife<\/strong>. These wildlife <\/span>offer services<\/span><\/a> to the farm, like pest control, soil maintenance, and even hunting fodder if you\u2019re working on a conservation-intensive rangeland. Native plants are primed to <\/span>work with local soil organisms<\/span><\/a> in a more efficient manner, as they\u2019ve evolved to do so over millennia. Planting them promotes higher soil fertility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leave the Leaves<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"Female
Use shredded leaves to tuck in beds and keep soil life warm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One obvious example of a pristine nutrient cycle is the process of growth and decay that occurs in forests. Trees in deciduous woodlands grow supple green leaves that turn in autumn and eventually fall to the earth in winter<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The leaves insulate the forest floor<\/strong>, and detrivores (organisms that feed on decaying matter) convert fallen leaves into nutrients that can be used by trees and plants. They also offer habitat to overwintering insects<\/strong><\/a> and amphibians, who nestle in through the cold to emerge again in spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can mimic this by leaving the leaves along the more forested areas of your land. This keeps the carbon and nitrogen<\/strong> in the farm, rather than escaping into the air via a brushfire or disposal. If they need to be moved, throw them in your compost pile, or shred them and mulch your winter beds with them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Leaf mold<\/strong> is an incredible resource for farmers who grow from seed. A small part of a seed starting mix has a better structure with decomposed leaves included. To make your own leaf mold, fill your raised beds with fallen leaves, or throw them in large contractor bags and let them sit over winter. Then add the crumbled nutrient-rich matter to your seed starting mix at no more than \u2159 of the mixture<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rotate Pastures<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"A
Grazing smart means healthier plants, animals, and bottom lines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u2019re a rancher, one of the most beneficial practices you can take up is <\/span>pasture rotation<\/span><\/a>. This conserves all of the nutrients on the ranch and gives the land a bit of a rest as it attempts to recover from a heavier grazing period. Instead of dealing with low-quality livestock, simply get into the rotation<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To implement this on your range, you\u2019ll need to divide the acreage into evenly sectioned pastures. Fencing and water access<\/strong> are important here. You\u2019ll also need a food source, but if you plant native forages, simply letting the pasture rest and reseeding every other year will suffice.<\/span><\/p>\n

In rapid-growth seasons, give each pasture at least 20 to 30 days of rest<\/strong> before bringing livestock back to that section. While they\u2019re out, any pasture maintenance that needs doing can be carried out. In slower growth seasons, give your pastures 40 days each to rest.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your local Natural Resources Conservation Service<\/strong> can help with implementing a rotational system, and they can advise you on which forage plants are best for your region. Some farms are eligible for financial assistance as well, so don\u2019t forget to ask about that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a perfect way<\/strong> to keep nutrients inside the farm\u2019s system. By providing your livestock and the soil organisms with what they need to thrive, they provide you with a valuable product.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n
\n

full_link<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

How To Build A Closed Loop System<\/p>\n

\n

Use a trough to recycle rain water for food production and your very own water garden.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Achieving a closed system on your farm is easy with a few key practices. Shifting focus toward nutrient cycling can turn a labor-intensive farm into a more passive, yet fruitful, endeavor. Here, gardener and Master Naturalist Sarah Jay shares how to implement nutrient cycling on your farm to improve your soil and yields. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2074,"featured_media":167923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":[],"meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33067],"tags":[],"article-theme":[],"class_list":["post-167920","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-farm"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nNutrient Cycling on the Farm: 5 Practices to Implement Now<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Check out the nutrient cycling practices you can implement on the farm!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/2025\/07\/farm-nutrient-cycling\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta 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It was during my time at college that I began to delve into the relationship between humans and plants across the world. Over time, I learned to grow edible plants in my garden at home. That led me to fall in love with the Cross Timbers and Blackland Prairie ecoregions where I live. I spend a lot of time restoring prairies and learning about the native plants of North Texas. I also co-manage a community garden that sends donations to a local food bank. My goal in life is to educate and empower readers to grow practically, and along with their local ecosystems so they can achieve the gardens of their dreams. In 2022, I was certified as a Texas Master Naturalist. With that knowledge, I focus on invasive removal and habitat restoration at home. I enjoy growing wildflowers in my yard, and watching the wildlife benefit from those plantings. When I\u2019m not immersed in the bounty of the earth, I\u2019m making music, reading, cooking, and collaging.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sarah-jay-267bb744\/"],"url":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/author\/sarah-jay\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167920","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2074"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=167920"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/167920\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/167923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=167920"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=167920"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=167920"},{"taxonomy":"format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/format?post=167920"},{"taxonomy":"article-theme","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfarmer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-theme?post=167920"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}