Soil fertility key to agricultural resilience

Biological soil fertility is emerging as a crucial factor in enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems, especially as climate uncertainty and rising costs challenge farming practices. According to Matthieu Archambeaud, president of Icosystème, the profitability of crops depends on two main factors: the inherent potential of the field and its biological fertility, which is influenced by soil structure and organic matter content.

Calculating net equilibrium price for soft wheat

Archambeaud analyzed the production cost of soft wheat, proposing the use of a net equilibrium price, which accounts for total costs minus subsidies. Using the CHN model from Arvalis, he compared scenarios with varying yield potentials and soil fertility levels. He emphasized that biologically rich soils can naturally provide nitrogen and reduce mechanization costs due to better soil structure.

Regenerative agriculture outperforms conventional methods

According to Archambeaud, regenerative agriculture can be more cost-effective than conventional methods, even on soils with lower yield potential. A soil capped at 70 q/ha, managed through regenerative practices, has a production cost of 138 €/t, which is lower than a conventional system producing 90 q/ha at 151 €/t. He warns that pushing conventional systems to higher yields increases input costs without proportionally improving efficiency.

Limits of conventional agriculture

Conventional agriculture faces economic challenges, particularly when yield is limited to 50 q/ha. In such cases, the production cost exceeds 215 €/t, making it economically unsustainable. Switching to regenerative practices can significantly reduce costs, bringing them down to around 165 €/t. However, even this margin is often eroded by additional financial burdens such as banking fees and climate-related costs.

Beyond cost-cutting: seeking value and sustainability

Archambeaud argues that reducing costs alone is insufficient to secure a viable future for agriculture. Farmers must also seek added value through market premiums, environmental services, or carbon credits. These additional revenue streams could provide 30 to 40 €/ha in net margin, helping to offset rising expenses and uncertainties.

Future vision for agriculture

Archambeaud calls for a rethinking of agricultural systems, suggesting integration with local livestock, agroforestry, and other innovative practices. While he supports regenerative agriculture, he cautions against viewing it as a complete solution to the financial challenges facing farming. The key question, he says, is what long-term vision and strategies farmers are willing to adopt to ensure the sustainability of agriculture in the coming decades.