Graduate students recently shared their research with an international audience at the 23rd World Congress of Soil Science (WCSS). The event in Nanjing, China, attracted thousands of scientists from around the world. Representing UF/IFAS were Duplicate Sambani, a doctoral student in the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES), and Oluwasegun Olubisi, a doctoral student in the School of Natural Resources and Environment. Davie Kadyampakeni, an associate professor in SWES, accompanied the students as they presented research addressing two of Florida agriculture’s most pressing priorities.

Improving Soil Health in Citrus Production Systems

Sambani’s research focuses on the dynamics of citrus roots, environmental quality, and soil health, using biostimulants and beneficial microbes to improve the performance of Huanglongbing (HLB)- affected citrus trees, and is based at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center. She is studying citrus production systems in Florida and Texas to develop regionally relevant soil health management strategies. The WCSS gave her an opportunity to share findings that could ultimately benefit growers in Florida and elsewhere facing the ongoing challenges of citrus greening (HLB). Her research, “Impacts of Soil Biostimulants on ‘Valencia’ Sweet Orange Performance on Flatwoods and Ridge Soils in Florida,” examines the performance of HLB-affected citrus trees grown under Florida’s contrasting soil conditions. The findings could help guide future management recommendations for citrus producers.

“Representing UF and sharing my research with scientists and industry professionals from around the world was a privilege,” Sambani said. “It was inspiring to exchange ideas with others working toward many of the same goals in different production systems and environments. Attending the WCSS alongside my advisor, Dr. Kadyampakeni, was especially meaningful and a tremendous honor.”

“I am sincerely grateful for my advisor’s mentorship and for the additional funding that enabled me to attend the conference,” she added. “The opportunity to present our research and engage with leading scientists from around the world was an invaluable experience.”

Travel funding from the Soil Science Society of America/Agronomic Science Foundation and the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences enabled Sambani to attend the WCSS.

Strengthening Soil Health

Olubisi presented complementary research focused on soil health and nutrient management in Florida’s sandy soils. His presentation, “Enzyme-Mediated Nutrient Dynamics in Cover Crop Systems: Temporal and Spatial Optimization Strategies,” examined how cover crops influence enzyme activity and nutrient cycling. The findings could help improve nutrient management and soil stewardship, both important goals for sustainable agricultural production and Extension programming.

“Sharing how cover crops shape enzyme activity and nutrient cycling in sandy soils reminded me why this work matters far beyond my field plots in Florida,” Olubisi said.

Olubisi conducts his research at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center with his adviser, Mary Lusk, an assistant professor in SWES. She said soil enzymes are important indicators of soil health because they respond quickly to changes in management practices.

“They give us a glimpse of overall soil fertility and nutrient availability,” Lusk said. “Research like the work Oluwasegun is conducting will expand our ability to make informed management and land use decisions. That, in turn, will help optimize soil health for future agricultural production.”

“I also want to express my deep appreciation to the School of Natural Resources and Environment (SNRE) for the travel award, and to the UF Water Institute and the BREWS program, of which I am proud to be part of a cohort, for their full support of my PhD program,” he said. “Their investment is what made it possible for me to attend and present at WCSS 2026.”

Beyond Presenting Research

Both students participated in technical visits to the Institute of Soil Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Soil Museum of China, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing. The visits offered a deeper appreciation of China’s long history in soil science while providing opportunities to build relationships with researchers from around the world.

“The conversations I had with researchers from different continents stayed with me the most,” Olubisi said. “We are all chasing the same goal—healthier and more resilient soils—just from different corners of the world.”

Sambani agreed, noting that the experience extended beyond the scientific program.

“To everyone I met in China—scientists, students, collaborators, and new friends—thank you for the conversations, insights, encouragement, and shared passion for advancing soil science,” she said.

For Kadyampakeni, who chairs Sambani’s dissertation committee and co-chairs Olubisi’s committee with Lusk, accompanying the students was especially rewarding. He said investing in opportunities for young scientists to engage globally while advancing research with practical relevance for Florida agriculture is valuable.

“Watching Duplicate and Oluwasegun confidently present their research on an international stage was incredibly rewarding,” Kadyampakeni said. “Experiences like the World Congress of Soil Science expose our students to new ideas and perspectives. It also shows them that their research at UF has real-world relevance. Those connections ultimately strengthen our research, Extension programs, and our ability to serve Floridians.”

Both students returned to their research programs with renewed enthusiasm and fresh perspectives from the WCSS. They will continue developing science-based solutions that support healthy soils and resilient agricultural systems. Ultimately, that work will benefit Florida’s growers and land managers while helping protect the state’s natural resources.

World Congress of Soil Science

Feature image of Sambani and Olubisi at the Soil Museum of China was provided.

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