RESEARCH ARTICLE Defining and validating regenerative farm systems using a composite of ranked agricultural practices [version 1; peer review: 2 approved] Tommy L.D. Fenster 1,2 , Claire E. LaCanne 1,3 , Jacob R. Pecenka 1,4 , Ryan B. Schmid 1 , Michael M. Bredeson 1 , Katya M. Busenitz 1,5 , Alex M. Michels 1,6 , Kelton D. Welch 1 , Jonathan G. Lundgren 1 1 Blue Dasher Farm, Ecdysis Foundation, Estelline, South Dakota, 57234, USA 2 California State University East Bay, Hayward, California, USA 3 Center for Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources, University of Minnesota Extension, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 4 Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA 5 Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA 6 Department of Natural Resource Management, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, 57007, USA First published: 15 Feb 2021, 10:115 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.28450.1 Latest published: 15 Feb 2021, 10:115 https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.28450.1 v1 Abstract Background: Ongoing efforts attempt to define farms as regenerative to aid marketers, policymakers, farmers, etc. The approach needs to balance precision with function, and must be transparent, simple, scalable, transferable, incorruptible, and replicable. Methods: We developed practice-based scoring systems to distinguish regenerative cropland and rangeland, and validate them based on whether these scores scaled with regenerative goals on actual farm operations. Study systems included cornfields of the Upper Midwest, almond orchards of California, and rangeland systems of the Northern Plains. Response variables included soil carbon and organic matter, soil micronutrients, water infiltration rates, soil microbial communities, plant community structure, invertebrate community structure, pest populations, yields, and profit. Results: Regenerative outcomes were strongly correlated with our approach to farm scoring. Soil organic matter, fine particulate organic matter, total soil carbon, total soil nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium and sulfur all increased alongside regenerative matrix scores in one or both of the cropping systems. Water infiltration rates were significantly faster in more regenerative almond orchards. Soil bacterial biomass and Haney soil health test scores were higher as cropland incorporated more regenerative practices. Plant species diversity and biomass increased significantly with the number of regenerative practices employed on almonds and rangelands. Invertebrate species diversity and richness were positively associated with regenerative practices in corn, almonds, and rangelands, Open Peer Review Reviewer Status Invited Reviewers 1 2 version 1 15 Feb 2021 report report John M. Holland , Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Fordingbridge, UK Jenny Bussell, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Leicestershire, UK 1. Richard W. Teague, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Vernon, USA 2. Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. Page 1 of 24 F1000Research 2021, 10:115 Last updated: 02 SEP 2021