Our Team.

At Deep Roots, our team is comprised of dedicated agronomists, soil scientists, and environmental experts, all driven by a shared passion for sustainable agriculture and soil health. With decades of combined experience, our specialists bring cutting-edge knowledge and innovative practices to every project. We work closely with farmers, landowners, and communities to diagnose soil issues and implement customized solutions that enhance soil fertility and productivity. Our commitment to continuous learning and research ensures that we stay at the forefront of soil health advancements, enabling us to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients and the environment.

  • Alistair Barnes | Founder

    Alistair's journey into soil science began on an apple farm in southern England, where he spent his childhood engaging in his favorite pastime: working with clay soil to construct civil engineering marvels that controlled water flow in dry creeks. This early fascination with soil and engineering laid the foundation for his future career. Eager for new opportunities, Alistair moved to Texas, where he encountered a new and formidable challenge. He faced the task of rehabilitating seven acres of land that had been left denuded by a drilling contractor, resulting in pure sugar sand on a steep slope in a subtropical climate with over 50 inches of rain annually.

    To tackle this challenge, Alistair realized he needed significant help. He discovered that transforming sand into productive soil required billions of microbial "workers"—primarily bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms were introduced to the land in a suspension containing food and micronutrients, which allowed them to thrive, multiply, and rejuvenate the sand. This innovative approach enabled seeds to germinate and grow, effectively turning barren sand into fertile ground capable of supporting healthy plant life. Alistair’s dedication to soil health led to unexpected connections with farmers in Cat Spring, where he helped establish a "soil health" group now known as Deep Roots Tx.

  • Tyler Horne | President

    Tyler Horne is the President of SoilWorks Inc., where he drives the company's mission to revolutionize soil management and promote sustainable agricultural practices. With over 15 years of experience in soil science and environmental technology, Tyler has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge solutions that enhance soil health and productivity. Before leading Deep Roots TX, Tyler held senior roles in research and development at leading environmental firms, where he focused on innovative soil treatment technologies and sustainability initiatives. His expertise in soil conservation and agricultural efficiency has positioned Deep Roots TX as a leader in the industry. Tyler holds a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the University of California, Davis, and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and forums. Passionate about environmental stewardship, he is dedicated to advancing soil health and supporting sustainable farming practices worldwide. In his spare time, Tyler enjoys exploring nature and advocating for conservation efforts, reflecting his commitment to protecting our planet for future generations.

  • Clay Thompson | Soil Specialist

    Clay was born and raised on the coastal prairies of Texas. Growing up in Richmond, Rosenberg, and Sugarland, he spent many holidays and summers on his extended family’s farm in northern Louisiana, annoying cattle and building makeshift dams in gullies. He received his degree in Anthropology from the University of Houston, with an emphasis on cultural ecology, or how humans and their environment co-create one another. During and after school he worked and lived on an organic farm and dairy west of Houston, before traveling abroad with his now wife to work on farms and wellness centers in SE Asia. Before finding his way into soil and landscape health services, he worked as an archaeologist, digging countless holes across the country. These days he’s eager to hear about your land and property to see how we might make your corner of the earth even more lovely.