Restoring the Soil and Sustaining the Future: A Global Review of Natural Farming Practices and Impacts

Abstract

Soil degradation, climate instability, and unsustainable food production models have created a global crisis in agricultural sustainability. Natural farming offers a potential solution by restoring soil health, minimizing external chemical inputs, and enhancing ecosystem services critical for food security. This review synthesizes evidence from three regional contexts: (1) South Asia, with a focus on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in India; (2) East Asia, particularly Fukuoka farming in Japan; and (3) Latin America, emphasizing agroecological movements in Brazil, Cuba, and Mexico. A systematic evaluation of peer-reviewed literature, field trials, and regional case studies demonstrates that natural farming improves soil organic matter, enhances microbial diversity, sequesters carbon, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Empirical findings from controlled ZBNF trials in Andhra Pradesh reveal significantly higher yields, improved soil moisture, moderated soil temperatures, and greater earthworm abundance compared to conventional and organic systems. Comparable practices in Japan and Latin America show similar benefits, underscoring natural farming’s adaptability across diverse socio-ecological landscapes. Despite these advantages, challenges persist, including limited policy support, costly certification, knowledge gaps, and uneven adoption. Addressing these barriers requires integrated policy frameworks, market development, farmer-led innovations, and continued long-term scientific validation. Overall, natural farming represents more than a technical shift it is a paradigm for resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems. Its potential contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly soil health, biodiversity, and climate mitigation, positions it as a cornerstone of future agricultural transformation.