An SHI field day was held at Quarterway Cotton Growers in Plainview, Texas, on February 21, 2023. Despite the challenging conditions marked by high winds and blowing dust, the presence of ground cover effectively demonstrated the benefits of soil health management in minimizing soil erosion — an example of an effective soil health management system. The event included speakers from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Assistant Professor of Soil Microbial Ecology and Biochemistry at Texas Tech University and SHI Technical Specialist Dr. Lindsey Slaughter also spoke on identifying soil characteristics indicative of soil health. These dynamic presentations resulted in significant engagement among the 50 participants, 35 of whom were growers representing large cotton acreage. Questions also centered on the fungal-to-bacteria ratio and its influence on crop yields, highlighting the growers’ keen interest in adopting practices that contribute to healthier soils and potentially better yields. Thank you to SHI Soil Health Educator Jessica Kelton for organizing this field day.
Assistant Professor of Soil Microbial Ecology and Biochemistry at Texas Tech University and SHI Technical Specialist Dr. Lindsey Slaughter describes soil texture to growers from a soil pit in Plainview, Texas, during SHI’s Soil Health Field Day in coordination with Texas A&M University Extension, Texas Tech University, and Better Cotton Initiative at Quarterway Cotton Growers’ facility. Photo credit: Jessica Kelton, SHI Soil Health Educator.
If you would like to get in contact with an SHI Soil Health Educator, Technical Specialist, or Farmer Mentor, please visit our Contacts page.