Episode 148: Digging Into Regenerative Soil with Matt Powers

Episode 148: Digging Into Regenerative Soil with Matt Powers

Author: John Kempf March 27, 2025 Duration: 1:12:28

Matt Powers is a permaculture and soil health educator who began to explore organic and regenerative food systems after his wife's cancer was diagnosed with cancer. He has written 24+ books, created courses, and taught thousands of people about the links between soil biology, plant health, and human well-being.

With a background in music and education, Matt shifted to regenerative agriculture by gathering expert knowledge and conducting research. He has developed new microscopy techniques, debunked soil health myths, and helped farmers better understand microbiomes for sustainable agriculture.

In this episode, John and Matt discuss: 

  • The essential role of soil microbes in plant nutrition and human health

  • How advanced microscopy techniques help verify soil biology, allowing farmers to make informed decisions about microbial inoculants and soil amendments

  • Common misconceptions about composting and fertilizers that lead to poor soil health

  • Mycorrhizal fungi and how they naturally enhance soil structure, plant growth, and drought resistance

  • The ability of nematodes and other microbes to change their function and morphology in response to environmental conditions

  • The connection between mindset, emotional health, and the gut microbiome, and how beliefs can influence overall well-being

Additional Resources
To learn more about Matt Powers and his work with the Permaculture Student and other resources, please visit: https://www.thepermaculturestudent.com/

To check out more of Matt's videos, please visit his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Jg0zsgjNxjltlFjE0YvNw

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


Hosted by John Kempf, Regenerative Agriculture Podcast digs into the practical science of farming in a way that restores land and boosts farm resilience. This isn't just theory; each conversation focuses on the underlying principles that allow professional growers and agronomists to genuinely improve their soil health, crop quality, and operational profitability. You'll hear detailed discussions with researchers and practitioners who are successfully implementing these methods, breaking down complex ecological interactions into applicable knowledge. The dialogue consistently returns to how systems thinking can lead to greater yields and financial sustainability, moving beyond conventional inputs. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a forward-thinking community, all dedicated to understanding how agriculture can heal ecosystems. Kempf guides these explorations with a clear, experienced voice, making the intricate science of soil microbiology and plant nutrition accessible and immediately relevant to daily decisions on the farm. If you're working the land and looking for a deeper, evidence-based understanding of how to regenerate your farm's entire ecosystem, this is an essential resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Podcast Short: BioCoat Gold and the Future of Risk-Sharing in Ag [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:24
In this Podcast Short, John discusses how shifting from extractive to collaborative business models can help farmers reclaim their economic destiny. This episode also explores: Historical farm economics, noting that whil…
Podcast Extra: John Kempf & BASS Hybrids on the Future of Corn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:38
In this podcast extra, John Kempf joins Ed Baumgartner, Founder, and Andrew Dixon, Business Development Manager, of BASS Hybrids on a BASSCAST to discuss regenerative corn production. They explore transitioning from chem…
Podcast Extra: Coffee with John Kempf - Acres Eco-Ag Conference 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:01
In this Podcast Extra episode, join John at Acres Eco Ag 2025, where he hosted a "Coffee with John Kempf" session, answering questions from the audience. In this episode, a wide range of topics are discussed, including:…
Episode 171: Turning Texas "Weeds" into Wellness with Abianne Falla [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:29
Abianne Falla used to see the native holly shrub as a pesky invasive on her family's Texas land, until the 2011 drought highlighted its resilience: it was the sole green survivor. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is North America…