Get to know biofuels
For over 100 years, burning fossil fuels has generated most of the energy required to propel our cars, power our businesses, and keep the lights on in our homes. Almost all (95%) of the world’s… Read More
Category: Agriculture
Sustainable wastewater phosphorus recovery: keeping the P local
In a recent study, researchers at the UF/IFAS Soil and Water Sciences Department (SWSD) demonstrated that small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can benefit from struvite recovery. This method lowers phosphorus (P) output and conserves an… Read More
New NIFA-funded research to examine cover crops in organic vegetable production systems
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture just announced funding for a project comprising an interdisciplinary team from the University of Florida. The three-year project, “Quantifying the nitrogen cycling benefits of… Read More
September is National Rice Month
We set aside September to celebrate National Rice Month. While it is a minor crop in Florida, it still plays an important role. The vast majority of rice grown is in the Everglades Agricultural Area… Read More
UF/IFAS researchers examine pesticide runoff
Runoff of nutrients and pesticides is a problem that impacts many ecosystems. Improper application of these materials can have harmful effects on non-target plants and animals in aquatic systems. Citing a lack of research on… Read More
UF/IFAS researcher part of team examining global grasslands
A UF/IFAS Soil and Water Sciences Department researcher was one of more than 40 researchers examining how nitrogen changes in grassland soils. The process, known as mineralization – organic nitrogen’s conversion into inorganic nitrogen –… Read More
UF/IFAS researchers examine plant litter decomposition in grazing land
The sustainability of grazing land depends on several factors, including nutrient cycling from short-term and long-term plant litter decomposition. The plant material that falls to the ground decomposes at different rates. Plant characteristics, such as… Read More
UF/IFAS researcher surveying Florida cow-calf producers and land managers
A UF/IFAS Soil and Water Sciences Department researcher is seeking cow-calf operations in Florida to be part of a survey. Dr. Maria Silveira is leading the effort. The goal is to understand phosphorus balances and… Read More
The important role of nitrogen in Florida soils
A new UF/IFAS Extension document from Soil and Water Sciences Department (SWS) researchers highlights the important role of nitrogen (N) in Florida soils. The element is necessary for healthy plants. However, properly managing soil N… Read More
Graduate students share soil and water sciences with after-school science club
Two Soil and Water Sciences (SWS) Department graduate students shared their knowledge with an after-school science club. Michael James and Julio Pachon visited students at the Clarence R. Kelly Community Center in Gainesville on March… Read More