For many, the tractor—its steady rumble echoing across fields as it plows the land in preparation for planting—stands as the most powerful symbol of agriculture. But what if this image of farming, so deeply rooted in tradition, isn’t the way forward? What if turning the soil, a long-accepted practice, is doing more harm than good?

Some believe a better way exists—one that moves beyond monoculture and soil depletion to create rich, thriving ecosystems capable of sustainably feeding the planet. One such approach, which merges ancient agricultural wisdom with modern science, is known as regenerative agriculture.

To explore its principles, successes, and challenges, RSI spoke with Peter Medved of the Ekopolis Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing regenerative agriculture in Slovakia.