Episode 133: The Power of Companion Planting with Ian Gould

Ian Gould is a leading figure in regenerative agriculture in the UK, whose focus is on incorporating plant diversity into conventional farming systems to improve both environmental health and productivity. His work includes researching how companion planting and varietal differences within the same species, such as wheat, can enhance crop resilience, improve nutrient uptake, and optimize biomass production.

In this episode, John and Ian discuss:

• The role of multi-species cover crops in improving soil health and productivity

• Innovations in companion cropping and intercropping for increased yields and reduced pest pressures 

• The challenges and benefits of integrating plant variety diversity into mainstream agricultural

• How smaller, more vegetative plants are often more resistant to frost in the UK climate

• Nutrition management for disease and pest resistance

• The importance of varietal differentiation as a critical component for optimizing yield and achieving environmental benefits

Ian is the director of Oakbank Game and Conservation Ltd. His work is driven by his early experiences in plant breeding. He first encountered regenerative ideas at the UK’s Groundswell Festival. 

Additional Resources To learn more about Ian’s work at Oakbank, please visit: https://oakbankgc.co.uk/

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: https://www.advancingecoag.com