Host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with repeat guest Sarah Burnett of Texas Earth for an update on her microbial soil products and a third-party “Proving Ground” trial run through Agrelis. The blind test—on a 46-acre watermelon farm in Sampson County, North Carolina. Sarah explains why mixed bacterial/fungal inoculants and carbon sources matter, how overreliance on synthetic N can dull natural nutrient cycling, and why “place-based” regenerative practices work for both organic and conventional growers. They also cover biochar inoculation projects with Oklahoma rancher Susan Bergen, Texas Earth’s home-gardener line (Bio Floof) for moisture retention, past produce partnerships (e.g., leafy greens), and emerging demand in arid regions like the UAE. Threaded through is a defense of small, community-rooted businesses and a nod to Sarah’s late father’s early microbial insights.
More about our guests:
Sarah Burnett, owner of Texas Earth
Website
Email
For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com
Support the Conservation Stories Podcast
Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter
Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.
Upcoming Episodes Include:
• Todd Baughman and Peter Dot
• Liz Hershfield, Executive Director Cotton Council International
• Laura Seals, Assistant Director, Community Resilience Corps