A Regenerative Shift to Syntropic Agriculture

In “Springing into the Syntropic Way,” author James Skeet, founder of Spirit Farm in New Mexico and a Thriving Communities Advisor, introduces syntropic farming (also called syntropic agroforestry) — a regenerative agricultural approach inspired by natural forests. The idea: humans act as stewards and catalysts rather than controllers, helping accelerate nature’s own processes of succession, diversity, and resilience. (newmexicospirit.farm)

The concept was popularized by Swiss farmer Ernst Gotsch while working in Brazil. Skeet describes how his farm team first encountered a syntropic plot in California (Renato Dourado’s project) and decided to begin integrating those principles at Spirit Farm. (newmexicospirit.farm)

Core Principles at Work

Key practices and mindsets that differentiate syntropic farming:

• Always keep soil covered — use living or dead plant material so soil is never bare. (newmexicospirit.farm)

• Prune strategically — pruning isn’t only about cutting back; it stimulates growth, contributes biomass, and helps shape structure. (newmexicospirit.farm)

• Dense & diverse plantings — combining many species in close quarters attracts more nutrients, builds micro-ecosystems, and increases resilience. (newmexicospirit.farm)

• Listening & humility — it’s not just about technique. There’s a spiritual or philosophical dimension: being open to what the land “wants,” observing, adapting, and dialoguing with the living system. (newmexicospirit.farm)

Skeet also situates syntropic farming as consonant with what many indigenous traditions already know about tending land — working with nature rather than overriding it. (newmexicospirit.farm)

What It Looks Like in Practice — and in Spirit

On Spirit Farm, the team is beginning to apply these methods both in the hoop house and outdoors. The article suggests the shift is not merely technical, but also philosophical — reframing how humans relate to the ecosystem:

• It views forests as an archetype of harmony and interdependence.

• It suggests humans can help turn deserts into forests by establishing conditions for water flow and life to return.

• This is as much about planting love and care as about planting crops. (newmexicospirit.farm)

Why It Matters & What’s Next

Syntropic agriculture offers a powerful alternative to conventional monocrop farming. Because it mimics natural patterns and supports biodiversity, it can:

• Improve soil health, resilience, and fertility over time

• Reduce dependency on chemical inputs

• Increase ecosystem stability and recovery from stressors (drought, pests, storms)

• Foster a deeper, reciprocal relationship between stewards and land

Spirit Farm’s adoption is still in its early stages, but the shift in mindset is already taking root: less control, more listening; more cooperation, less imposition. If you’re intrigued by regenerative models that blend ecology, spirituality, and agriculture, syntropic farming is worth exploring.