Conversation with Gene Barnes

Guest Pro

Gene Barnes of Gallion Irrigation Inc., Houston Texas is our “Guest Pro”.

Excerpts from a conversation with our Guest Pro – Gene Barnes.

“What it took for me to develop what I call “Biological Water Conservation” was to become grounded in the basics of soil science, plant science and micro-biology. Once I understood the basic concepts, organic amendment application became simple to do. I created a different approach to turf and landscape management that had dramatic reduction in inputs and significantly less water requirement.” (Italics added by IE)
“We are just going back to practices that were used in agriculture prior to WWII.
We promote the formation of root mass. We are extending the ability of roots to uptake water and nutrients through increased presence of fungal hyphae. Putting on less water and having a healthier landscape.”

“It is critical to understand what is in the soil. It is real important to understand what is in anything you add to the soil, whether it is compost, compost tea or anything else for that matter. These elements need to be fine tuned to site-specific conditions. We treat the soil like a living, breathing, bio-sphere – because that is what it is!”

“Monitor the soil and adjust as required to sustain a balance. The key is a highly diverse population of organisms will tend to be self-balancing.”
 

General Information Articles • Soil Biology Articles • Posted on 12/18/2009 • Permalink

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