Antonio Coehlo

July 15, 2025

Farming like a forest: the syntropic revolution in southern Portugal

Listen on:

Can we grow food like a forest and regenerate soil, water, and ecosystems at the same time?

Welcome to Terra Sintrópica, where extreme climate meets cutting-edge regenerative farming. This episode is a deep dive into the real-world power of syntropic farming, a system that mimics forest ecosystems to regenerate degraded land, build soil, boost biodiversity, and cut irrigation by 90%.

It’s not a theory. It’s happening right now in one of the harshest regions in Europe.

In this episode:

  • How syntropic farming builds 60 cm of topsoil in 5 years
  • Why you should plant densely, not sparsely
  • Using chop-and-drop, root galleries & tree layers to mimic nature
  • Why this approach outperforms organic and conventional farming in carbon, biodiversity & water retention
  • Real-life success in farming without irrigation, even with 45°C summers

Why you should watch:

If you’re into regenerative agriculture, climate-resilient farming, or building living, self-sustaining food systems, this episode is packed with practical gold. Whether you’re a farmer, policymaker, food company, or eco-curious viewer - you’ll come away inspired and equipped.