Kelly Lozensky and his wife, DeAnna, embarked on a transformative journey in agriculture. Initially burdened by diminishing profitability due to escalating input costs, they restructured their farming system. Their decision to eliminate synthetic fertilizers marked the beginning of a shift towards enhancing soil health and adopting resilient crops. By 2019, they had completely phased out synthetic fertilizers, embracing indigenous microorganisms (IMOs) to stimulate the soil biome.

This transition not only improved soil health but also significantly reduced the need for chemical inputs like fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. The couple's innovative approach involved experimenting with diverse crop combinations and sequences, focusing on high-carbon cereal crops and heritage varieties. These changes resulted in increased profitability, allowing them to purchase land and reduce farmed acres while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Redefining Soil Health Through Natural Systems

The Lozenskys' quest for sustainable farming began with a focus on soil health. They initiated variable-rate applications to minimize fertilizer usage, gradually reducing it by 20% annually over five years. This strategy proved successful, as areas without fertilizers showed no significant yield losses and experienced fewer pests and diseases.

Eliminating synthetic fertilizers was a pivotal step. By leveraging fields with higher organic matter, they stimulated existing soil life to provide natural fertility. The introduction of IMOs further enhanced microbial populations, leading to improvements in soil structure, water infiltration, and compaction reduction. These changes made seeding easier and extended equipment lifespan, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

Innovative Crop Management for Resilience

Shifting to crops requiring less fertility was another critical aspect of their transformation. The Lozenskys discontinued growing corn, soybeans, and sunflowers, opting instead for more resilient options like cereal grains, yellow mustard, and yellow field peas. Their experiences with cover crops, particularly after hail damage, highlighted the benefits of diverse plant contributions to soil life and weed suppression.

Experimentation with different crop combinations, such as mustard and sweet clover, allowed them to integrate legumes and cereals effectively. This approach minimized equipment use and fostered a natural system of fertility. Additionally, incorporating heritage grains reduced seed costs and enhanced disease resistance and drought resilience. The resulting cropping system provided greater flexibility, enabling the family to enjoy more recreational time and quality moments with their children.