Unlocking the Secrets of Soil Health: A West Texas Farmer’s Insights for Thriving Crops

Soil health is crucial for strong and sustainable farming. Lately, more farmers and researchers are paying attention to it.

Jeremy Brown, an organic farmer from Dawson County, emphasizes its importance. “It’s at the forefront of every decision we make here on my farm,” he shares. Over the past 15 years, Brown has cultivated a variety of crops, including cotton, sorghum, wheat, and peanuts. His commitment to soil health comes from his faith: “The Bible talks about stewardship. I believe this is God’s creation, and I’m here to take care of it.”

Interestingly, Brown wasn’t always an organic farmer. Although he grew up in agriculture and studied it, he wasn’t taught what good soil is. This lack of knowledge is common among many farmers in West Texas. “The hardest thing to change is what’s between our ears,” he notes. Many local farmers stick to the methods their families have used for generations.

Brown is critical of traditional farming methods. The heavy use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, he says, harms both the environment and our health. “If the soil isn’t healthy, it won’t produce enough crops or the nutrient-rich food consumers need,” he explains.

To improve soil health, Brown suggests six key principles:

1. Know Your Context: Understand your soil’s specific conditions, such as climate and ecology.
2. Keep the Soil Covered: Use cover crops or mulch to prevent erosion and retain moisture.
3. Maximize Biodiversity: Increase the variety of plants and microbes to boost soil health.
4. Maintain Continuous Living Plants/Roots: Keep living roots in the soil year-round to help microbes and nutrient cycling.
5. Integrate Livestock: Employ managed grazing to enhance soil health naturally.
6. Minimize Soil Disturbance: Reduce tillage to maintain healthy soil structure.

Brown advocates for change, saying, “We shouldn’t see dust blowing into the air today. We know better now than during the Dust Bowl.” He acknowledges that dry conditions can make these practices challenging, so he recommends starting small. “Don’t leap from one extreme to the other, or you’ll make costly mistakes,” he advises.

In the end, he believes better soil health will benefit everyone—not just farmers. Maintaining soil isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about ensuring a healthier future for all.