Episode 117: Exploring Innovative Agricultural Practices with Steve Diver

Steve Diver, Farm Superintendent at the University of Kentucky’s Horticulture Research Farm in Lexington, boasts a rich background in sustainable agriculture. With a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University, he honed his expertise while serving as a horticultural and soils consultant in Central Texas. Diver founded Agri-Horticultural Consulting in 2010, specializing in soil analysis and consultancy services tailored to eco-agriculture, organic and sustainable farming, and environmental sciences.
Diver's professional journey underscores his status as a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, with a focus on regenerative farming practices. His extensive experience spans soil health, microbial ecology, and innovative water management techniques geared toward advancing regenerative agriculture principles.
In this episode, Steve and John discuss:
The rhizosphere, root exudates, and soil enzymes' role in agriculture
How microbial inoculants can reduce synthetic nitrogen applications while increasing crop yields
Habitat-based management and the resilience of biological systems
Water structuring techniques and their potential impact on plant growth
Introduction to plasma-activated water and its role in nitrogen absorption by crops
Consideration of regulatory challenges in agriculture and navigating evolving policies
Additional Resources “Tuning in to Nature: Solar Energy, Infrared Radiation, and the Insect Communication System” by Philip S. Callahan is no longer in print, but you may find used copies on thriftbooks.com or amazon.com
About John Kempf John Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.
Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition - a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.
Support For This Show & Helping You Grow Since 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.
AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.
AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.
Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.
Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: www.advancingecoag.com
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VIDEO: To learn more from John Kempf about regenerative agriculture, watch this conversation between John and three AEA grower partners about how regenerative agriculture is changing lives and conventional farming: • How regenerative agric...

[@tinfoilhatscholar]

Excellent discussion. Much appreciated. John, I think its time for another comprehensive review of the "plant health nutrition pyramid". It is an amazing thought paradigm and i hope you'll showcase it more. Thank you.

[@marynunn1708]

Two geniuses trading success stories. PRICELESS! Thank you both so much.

[@davidhunt3881]

Quantum biology would be a great funk fusion band name. Been thinking a lot about quantum entanglement and biology since John mentioned mycorrhizal communication in Oregon that occurs faster than the speed of light. There is so much we don't know. How exciting, thanks for all the work that you do.

[@danlefever6254]

When I explain the AEA paradigm to growers of any size, (to 😊an average of 2 or more persons per week), I always tell them it's a Quantum Leap above organic. Now I know I am not exaggerating in the least, and it really is Quantum Biology!

[@tinfoilhatscholar]

Indeed. I hope you're also tuned into the quantum biology collective podcasts! And don't forget Mae-Wan Ho's quantum jazz;)

[@James-ol2fr]

I always perk up when I hear about Dr. Carey Reams or Betsy Ross! My personal feeling is that not enough of their findings are publicly available, and I love when others tell their story. I had hoped to meet Mrs. Ross at some point, as I am a fellow Texan. Was very sad to hear of her passing. I actually remember a little clip of Betsy Ross in a prairie area talking about the fungal to bacteria ratio being high, not like the ratio that we'd been told to expect, and I'd always wondered if she was speaking against Dr. Ingham's idea. Nicole Masters also just did a presentation for Dr. Ingham's channel in which she politely mentions having a much higher fungal soil on one of her recent project sites. -Katherine

[@inigomontoya8943]

I’ve enjoyed much of Elaine’s work but she never seems to change even when presented with hard evidence to the contrary. Now If only I could afford the $5,000 course I’d know the real secrets.

[@kitmburau]

Great work as always John!

[@suburbanbiology]

Well dang now I feel obligated to actually read “Gels, cells and the engines of life”. Bought it when you interviewed the author but haven’t had time to actually read it yet. Great interview!!!!

[@lutherevans968]

Looking forward to hearing the RFK interview!

[@JohnPierce-so8hw]

You had me at lignocellulosic.

[@grant2531]

There is a grower in the Fraser Valley, BC, Canada, Dan at “The Local Harvest”, who has been doing no till organic agriculture for 7-8yrs. His produce might be what you are looking for.

[@matthewcerini699]

There are doctors now who are claiming that eating plants is not optimal for humans and they have results and data to back it up. I understand that plants have nutrition, but in my years of regen studies, I am plagued by this one paradox - If a healthy plant is one that can best protect itself from predators (which includes humans), then how can they be part of a healthy human diet? For example, oxalates and sugar (Brix) in most fruits and vegetables, etc. I am sure there are many scientific explanations, but I have never seen this question asked by anyone but me - and I have never been provided with an answer. I am willing to play the role of the ignorant one in order to learn the truth. Thanks. Love your podcasts.

[@outlander330cc]

While I'm not as knowledgable as some I had a couple thoughts when I read your comment. I wouldn't call them predators. The insects that we are making plants resistant to are more trash collectors than predators, they are trying to cycle sub-optimal nutritionally poor biomass. On the other hand, John and others have talked about how when you get your plants to be very healthy they may be fully resistant to insects and disease, but they are more appealling to deer, birds etc. They are a natural part of the human and animal food chain. If plants were going to be resistant to animals and humans, what would a healthy plant's role be in the world and and the food chain? It wouldn't have a reason to exist.

[@matthewcerini699]

@@outlander330cc Thanks. I'm not saying they don't have nutrition and have a role as sustenance when no meat is available or useful as medicine (because they are toxic to parasites, etc.) I am saying that there is growing evidence that plants may not be optimal for humans as part of our regular diet. I am seeing that bio engineers are trying to create GMO spinach with low oxalates. Also, there are examples where certain highly cultivated plants (opium, corn, sugar cane...) produce products that humans are addicted to, but are not healthy for humans, especially when highly processed. Are certain plants good for people or are people good for the plants? Who is in control?

[@KimClark-1]

Who are these doctors? I wonder if they live without plants or plant-based products in their diets. Probably not.

[@matthewcerini699]

@@KimClark-1 You've heard of the carnivore diet? I am pretty sure that plant-based products are not part of their diets. There are many practicing it, including doctors and some of them have shared their tests publicly and the results are in the normal range if not better than the average in many cases. To them, it's a viable option and they claim they never felt better. Dr. Anthony Chaffee is one of them that comes to mind.

[@KimClark-1]

@@matthewcerini699 I have heard of all kinds of diets, many over the years (decades) promoted by doctors. I won’t bother checking into the carnivore diet, mainly because I love animals and don’t eat them. I have seen ‘carnivores’ like cats who have been fed meat exclusively go out and eat grass to make up for nutrient deficiencies. And then they throw it up. But keep trying. I also don’t eat meat because I could do without the antibiotics and added hormones. Where do these Carnivores get their fiber? Or are they waiting for their GI tracts to inform them that over the long term they need fiber to feed their microbiota?