Several independent comparisons indicate regenerative farming practices
enhance the nutritional profiles of crops and livestock. Measurements
from paired farms across the United States indicate differences in soil
health and crop nutrient density between fields worked with conventional
(synthetically-fertilized and herbicide-treated) or regenerative
practices for 5 to 10 years.

Specifically, regenerative farms that combined no-till, cover crops, and
diverse rotationsâ??a system known as Conservation Agricultureâ??produced
crops with higher soil organic matter levels, soil health scores, and
levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

In addition, crops from two regenerative no-till vegetable farms, one in
California and the other in Connecticut, had higher levels of
phytochemicals than values reported previously from New York
supermarkets. Moreover, a comparison of wheat from adjacent regenerative
and conventional no-till fields in northern Oregon found a higher
density of mineral micronutrients in the regenerative crop.

Finally, a comparison of the unsaturated fatty acid profile of beef and
pork raised on one of the regenerative farms to a regional
health-promoting brand and conventional meat from local supermarkets,
found higher levels of omega-3 fats and a more health-beneficial ratio
of omega-6 to omega-3 fats. Despite small sample sizes, all three crop
comparisons show differences in micronutrient and phytochemical
concentrations that suggest soil health is an under appreciated
influence on nutrient density, particularly for phytochemicals not
conventionally considered nutrients but nonetheless relevant to chronic
disease prevention. Likewise, regenerative grazing practices produced
meat with a better fatty acid profile than conventional and regional
health-promoting brands. Together these comparisons offer preliminary
support for the conclusion that regenerative soil-building farming
practices can enhance the nutritional profile of conventionally grown
plant and animal foods.

Soil health and nutrient density: preliminary comparison of regenerative
and conventional farming [PeerJ] [peerj.com]