How to plan a 4-year crop rotation like an Agroecologist

In this eye-opening episode of Deep Seed, we travel to a humble farm in northwest Italy that’s quietly becoming a blueprint for regenerative agriculture. Agroecologist Tommaso Gaifami takes us deep into the heart of a four-year transformation where degraded monocultures gave way to complex, biodiverse systems that are resilient, productive, and deeply rooted in community.

Tommaso shares how he and his team at Marsilea reimagined a conventional arable farm at Cascina Romanengo by integrating regenerative practices like cover cropping, minimum tillage, agroforestry, and soil biology mapping. We also explore how stakeholder collaboration, regional policy support, and diversified food chains can drive a successful and scalable agroecological transition.

Expect a deep dive into:

• Practical crop rotation strategies for different soil conditions and climates
• The economic role of cover crops, clover, and millet in building fertility and resilience
• Tools like roller crimpers and sod seeders for low-impact cultivation
• How to build a regional network of farms to optimize logistics and reduce costs
• Why the role of the agroecologist is key to the future of sustainable food systems

Whether you’re a farmer, policymaker, food systems thinker, or just someone wondering what comes after industrial agriculture - this conversation is not to be missed! You’ll hear how smart crop rotations, local collaboration, and ecological design are reshaping how we grow food, manage soil, and rebuild rural landscapes. It’s a masterclass in agroecology, straight from the field.

This podcast was produced in partnership with Soil Capital, a company that supports regenerative agriculture by financially rewarding farmers who improve soil health & biodiversity.