Tag: Soil water and ecosystem sciences

A wide image of the greenhouse and gardens at the Experiential Learning Lab (ELL).

Sparking Student Success: Ann Wilkie Receives 2026 Catalyst Award

by Mike Loizzo
May 21, 2026

For more than 15 years, Ann Wilkie has helped spark curiosity, confidence and discovery in undergraduate researchers at the University of Florida. This accomplishment makes her a fitting recipient of the UF Center for Undergraduate Research ... READ MORE

Category: UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Al Wysocki, Ann Wilkie, Anne Donnelly, Catalyst Award, Center For Undergraduate Research, Hailey Muchnok, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Susan Crow, Undergraduate Research
Sustainable coastal city illustration showing a modern skyline powered by renewable energy, with solar panels on land and rooftops, offshore wind turbines, illuminated water-based energy systems, wildlife such as birds and deer, and a balanced integration of urban development and natural ecosystems at sunset.

Ecotech: UF researchers help launch a new field to turn nature’s solutions into innovative technology

by Jamie Groh
May 14, 2026

In a recent publication in Science Advances, a team of transdisciplinary international researchers, including researchers from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Nature Coast Biological Station ... READ MORE

Category: Blog Community, Coasts & Marine, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, Water
Tags: Biodiversity Conservation, Cedar Key, Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Resilience, Climate Solutions, Conservation Technology, Ecological Technology, Ecosystem Science, Ecosystem Technology, Ecotech, Engineering And Ecology, Environmental Challenges, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Innovation, Featured, Green Technology, Innovation Accelerator, Interdisciplinary Research, Natural Systems, Nature Coast Biological Station, Nature-inspired Technology, NCBS, Physics, Research Collaboration, Science Advances, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Solutions, Uf Research, University Of Florida
Roadside market produce. Photo taken 12-12-22.

What’s New on Ask IFAS: UF/IFAS Citrus REC (Jan.–Feb. 2026)

by Amanda Quintos
March 3, 2026

CUPSchat: A Specialized Chatbot for Citrus under Protective Screen (CUPS) Information Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, and Chris Oswalt. The Citrus under Protective Screen (CUPS) project is a novel approach to citrus production in protected agriculture ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Farm Management, Professional Development
Tags: Citrus Cultural Practices, Citrus Research And Education Center, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences
A large ballroom full of people sitting at tables listening to a speaker at the 2024 Water Institute Symposium.

SWES Research Featured at the UF Water Institute Symposium

by Mike Loizzo
February 20, 2026

Members of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) will have a strong presence at the UF Water Institute Symposium. SWES students, faculty, staff, and alumni are contributing more than 40 oral and poster presentations. ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Events, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Research, Water
Tags: Agriculture, Hydrology, Irrigation, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, UF Water Institute, UF Water Institute Symposium, Water
A large red tractor with extended arms on each side runs through a corn field, applying fertilizer.

Featured New Faculty: Paul White

by Mike Loizzo
February 10, 2026

Paul M. White is one of the newest members of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES). He is an associate professor of soil science and coordinator of the UF/IFAS Agricultural Nutrient Management Program. Based in ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research
Tags: Best Management Practices, Farming, Fertilizer, Nutrient Management, Nutrient Management Program, Paul M White, Precision Agriculture, Soil, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Sustainable Agriculture, Water
A potato field in Hastings, FL, where scientists collected soil samples for a phosphorus management research program.

Phosphorus Management in Florida Must Be Soil-Specific

by Mike Loizzo
February 6, 2026

Phosphorus is one of the most essential nutrients for plant growth. It also is one of the most challenging to manage responsibly. When applied efficiently, it supports lawns and landscapes as well as healthy crops. But when it moves off-site ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Fruits & Vegetables, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, Water
Tags: Dinesh Phuyal, Entisols, Histosols, Lilit Vardanyan, Mehlich, Nutrient Management, Nutrient Management Program, Phosphorus, Soil Chemistry, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Spodosols, Vimala Nair

Phosphorus Management in Florida Must Be Soil-Specific

by Mike Loizzo
February 6, 2026

Phosphorus is one of the most essential nutrients for plant growth. It also is one of the most challenging to manage responsibly. When applied efficiently, it supports lawns and landscapes as well as healthy crops. But when it moves off-site ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Fruits & Vegetables, Lawn, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, Water
Tags: Dinesh Phuyal, Entisols, Histosols, Lilit Vardanyan, Mehlich, Nutrient Management, Nutrient Management Program, Phosphorus, Soil Chemistry, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Spodosols, Vimala Nair
an image of the front, north-facing side of McCarty Hall A at the University of Florida, Gainesville campus.

SWES Faculty, Staff, and Student Recognized with Superior Accomplishment Awards

by Mike Loizzo
February 4, 2026

The Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) is proud to celebrate three outstanding members of our community. All three represent UF/IFAS in different ways, but each demonstrates exceptional service worthy of a 2026 Superior ... READ MORE

Category: Work & Life
Tags: Brittney Monus, Emily Colson, P. Chris Wilson, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Superior Accomplishment Award
A tractor spreads liquid manure biosolids over a pasture field.

Fertilizer Source Matters: A Comparison of Alternatives for Nutrient Content

by Mike Loizzo
January 27, 2026

Fertilizer source is one of the four Rs of fertilizer management (Right source, Right place, Right time, and Right placement). Mineral fertilizers are typically synthesized (i.e., nitrogen from the Haber-Bosch process) or mined from mineral ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Conservation, Crops, Farm Management, Natural Resources, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Best Management Practices, BMPs, Cheryl Mackowiak, Conservation, Fertility, Fertilization, Field Crops, Forage & Pasture, General Agriculture, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences
An aerial view of corn growing in 24 research plots after winter crops grew.

What Winter Crops Can – and Can’t – Deliver for Corn on Sandy Soils

by Mike Loizzo
January 21, 2026

Winter crops are often talked about as a win–win for agriculture. In general, they protect the soil by replacing bare winter fallow. By recycling nutrients, they set the stage for better yields in the next crop. Overall, winter crops should ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching
Tags: Chris H Wilson, Fertilizer, Gabriel Maltais-Landry, Julia Barra Netto-Ferreira, Nitrogen, Nutrient Management, Soil, Soil Water And Ecosystem Sciences, Southern SARE

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