Bamboo is emerging as a promising new specialty crop for Florida. It offers opportunities for edible shoots, timber, biomaterials, and carbon storage. But until recently, growers lacked clear, science-based guidance on how to fertilize bamboo efficiently and sustainably in the state&#8217;s climate. A new study from the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_5631" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5631" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/11/bamboo-plant-CREC.jpg"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-5631 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A bamboo plant growing in a field in central Florida stands about ten feet tall." width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/11/bamboo-plant-CREC-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5631" class="wp-caption-text">Bamboo growing in the field. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>
Bamboo is emerging as a promising new specialty crop for Florida. It offers opportunities for edible shoots, timber, biomaterials, and carbon storage. But until recently, growers lacked clear, science-based guidance on how to fertilize bamboo efficiently and sustainably in the state&#8217;s climate.
A new study from the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) fills that gap. The research identifies an optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization range for Dendrocalamus asper, one of the most commercially valuable bamboo species. These findings could help Florida producers improve yield potential while also avoiding excessive fertilizer applications that waste money and threaten water quality. This research is especially timely as some Florida growers explore alternatives in response to citrus disease pressures and changing markets.
“Our results provide a starting point for sustainable bamboo production,” said <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty/davie-m-kadyampakeni/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Davie Kadyampakeni</a>, an associate professor in SWES and a co-author of the research article.
The study is based on the thesis work of SWES graduate student <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/2025/08/07/soil-science-ashs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cyrus Januarie</a>. “My goal was to help growers make informed decisions using real data rather than guesswork; as you know this is a new crop in the state,” he said.
<h5>Bamboo Nutrient Needs</h5>
<figure id="attachment_5635" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5635" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/11/bamboo-shoots-Cyrus.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-5635 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Cyrus Januarie sits on the edge of a trailer with bamboo shoots in crates behind him. Cyrus is holding up a bamboo shoot in each hand." width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/11/bamboo-shoots-Cyrus-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5635" class="wp-caption-text">Cyrus Januarie with bamboo shoots. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>
Bamboo&#8217;s rapid growth creates a high demand for nutrients, particularly N. Before this study, little information existed on how much Florida conditions require. Too little limits growth; too much threatens plant health and the environment.
“Bamboo has to have nitrogen, but we wanted to know the most effective rate,” Januarie said. “There were no localized guidelines Florida growers could rely on.”
The researchers evaluated four N rates applied to one-year-old bamboo plants (0-, 112-, 224-, and 336-kilograms N per hectare). They measured the bamboo growth responses over two years. This included plant height, culm (stem) diameter, and biomass. Then they modeled optimal N levels under each year’s weather patterns.
The greenhouse study took place at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Scientists there are studying bamboo as a potential alternative crop.
<h5>Results and Implications</h5>
Nitrogen significantly increased bamboo height, culm thickness, and biomass, as expected. However, very high N rates inhibited growth.
“We found that bamboo responds strongly to nitrogen, but there’s a threshold where adding too much is not useful,” said Januarie. “Identifying that amount is important for sustainable production.”
“Our study found that the 224 kilograms per hectare (200 pounds per acre) rate was best for biomass accumulation and moderate nutrient use efficiency,” Kadyampakeni said. “But even half that amount (100 pounds per acre) was enough to reach a desired culm diameter.”
<figure id="attachment_5637" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5637" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/11/bamboo-Davie-K.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-5637 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Davie Kadyampakeni inspects a bamboo plant in the field for nitrogen uptake." width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/11/bamboo-Davie-K-300x225.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5637" class="wp-caption-text">Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni inspecting a bamboo plant in the field. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>
The modeling they performed came to nearly the same conclusion. Predicted biomass accumulation peaked at 241 kilograms per hectare (215 pounds per acre) in the first year and 258 kilograms per hectare (230 pounds per acre) in the second year. Furthermore, it showed more N than that caused biomass to decrease.
The study provides the first science-based N recommendations for bamboo in the Southeast United States. It also highlights opportunities for future research, including:
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none">
<ul>
<li>Larger field-based studies to validate greenhouse results</li>
<li>Determining optimal N rates for mature bamboo plants</li>
<li>Long-term effects of different N application rates on bamboo growth and sustainability</li>
<li>How nutrients can be transported between branches and culms</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
“We’ve taken an important first step,” Januarie said. “More multi-year studies across different sites will help growers benefit from tailored recommendations.” 
As interest in bamboo expands, it could become a valuable addition to Florida’s agriculture. With its versatility and rapid growth, it offers new opportunities for producers to explore other markets.
The full study, “Nitrogen Fertilization Dynamics on One-Year-Old Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. &amp; Schult.f.) Backer Bamboo in Florida,” is published in Advances in Bamboo Science. You can read it online <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bamboo.2025.100150" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
<hr />
Featured image from UF/IFAS.

Bamboo growing in the field. (Photo provided)
Bamboo is emerging as a promising new specialty crop for Florida. It offers opportunities for edible shoots, timber, biomaterials, and carbon storage. But until recently, growers lacked clear, science-based guidance on how to fertilize bamboo efficiently and sustainably in the state’s climate.
A new study from the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) fills that gap. The research identifies an optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization range for Dendrocalamus asper, one of the most commercially valuable bamboo species. These findings could help Florida producers improve yield potential while also avoiding excessive fertilizer applications that waste money and threaten water quality. This research is especially timely as some Florida growers explore alternatives in response to citrus disease pressures and changing markets.
“Our results provide a starting point for sustainable bamboo production,” said Davie Kadyampakeni, an associate professor in SWES and a co-author of the research article.
The study is based on the thesis work of SWES graduate student Cyrus Januarie. “My goal was to help growers make informed decisions using real data rather than guesswork; as you know this is a new crop in the state,” he said.
Bamboo Nutrient Needs
Cyrus Januarie with bamboo shoots. (Photo provided)
Bamboo’s rapid growth creates a high demand for nutrients, particularly N. Before this study, little information existed on how much Florida conditions require. Too little limits growth; too much threatens plant health and the environment.
“Bamboo has to have nitrogen, but we wanted to know the most effective rate,” Januarie said. “There were no localized guidelines Florida growers could rely on.”
The researchers evaluated four N rates applied to one-year-old bamboo plants (0-, 112-, 224-, and 336-kilograms N per hectare). They measured the bamboo growth responses over two years. This included plant height, culm (stem) diameter, and biomass. Then they modeled optimal N levels under each year’s weather patterns.
The greenhouse study took place at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. Scientists there are studying bamboo as a potential alternative crop.
Results and Implications
Nitrogen significantly increased bamboo height, culm thickness, and biomass, as expected. However, very high N rates inhibited growth.
“We found that bamboo responds strongly to nitrogen, but there’s a threshold where adding too much is not useful,” said Januarie. “Identifying that amount is important for sustainable production.”
“Our study found that the 224 kilograms per hectare (200 pounds per acre) rate was best for biomass accumulation and moderate nutrient use efficiency,” Kadyampakeni said. “But even half that amount (100 pounds per acre) was enough to reach a desired culm diameter.”
Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni inspecting a bamboo plant in the field. (Photo provided)
The modeling they performed came to nearly the same conclusion. Predicted biomass accumulation peaked at 241 kilograms per hectare (215 pounds per acre) in the first year and 258 kilograms per hectare (230 pounds per acre) in the second year. Furthermore, it showed more N than that caused biomass to decrease.
The study provides the first science-based N recommendations for bamboo in the Southeast United States. It also highlights opportunities for future research, including:
Larger field-based studies to validate greenhouse results
Determining optimal N rates for mature bamboo plants
Long-term effects of different N application rates on bamboo growth and sustainability
How nutrients can be transported between branches and culms
“We’ve taken an important first step,” Januarie said. “More multi-year studies across different sites will help growers benefit from tailored recommendations.”
The full study, “Nitrogen Fertilization Dynamics on One-Year-Old Dendrocalamus asper (Schult. & Schult.f.) Backer Bamboo in Florida,” is published in Advances in Bamboo Science. You can read it online here.
Featured image from UF/IFAS.

Bamboo is emerging as a promising new specialty crop for Florida. It offers opportunities for edible shoots, timber, biomaterials, and carbon storage. But until recently, growers lacked clear, science-based guidance on how to fertilize bamboo efficiently and sustainably in the state’s climate. A new study from the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences […]

Finding the Right Nitrogen Rate for Sustainable Bamboo Production in Florida

With a global market valued at nearly $67 billion, bamboo may offer an alternative crop for some Florida growers reeling from a devastated citrus crop, says a University of Florida expert. “Bamboo is a good alternative crop to diversify beyond citrus,” said Michael Rogers director of the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), part of [&#8230;]

With a global market valued at nearly $67 billion, bamboo may offer an alternative crop for some Florida growers reeling from a devastated citrus crop, says a University of Florida expert.
<figure id="attachment_55947" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-55947" style="width: 276px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-55947 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="The director of the UF Citrus Research and Education Center stands in a citrus grove." width="276" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2025/09/Rogers_090225-276x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-55947" class="wp-caption-text">Michael Rogers. Courtesy, UF/IFAS photography.</figcaption></figure>
“Bamboo is a good alternative crop to diversify beyond citrus,” said <a href="https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty/michael-rogers/">Michael Rogers</a> director of the <a href="https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/">Citrus Research and Education Center</a> (CREC), part of the UF <a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/">Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences</a> (UF/IFAS). “The clumping bamboos grow well in Florida, can be grown on existing grove land and there is demand for the product.”
That’s why some Florida farmers are starting to grow the <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/clumping-bamboo/">clumping bamboo</a>, a plant with many uses. People eat bamboo shoots in Asian cuisine. They’re also used for furniture, construction material and textiles, among many things.
There’s also a good economic reason to grow bamboo here.
“Being able to source raw bamboo from the United States will cut down on import costs and encourage the growth of bamboo markets here in the United States,” Rogers said. “There are already operations established for packing and processing of edible bamboo shoots in Florida, and facilities are setting up to be able to process bamboo poles for lumber and other uses. So, there is a market and demand, we just need to be able to supply the raw products to meet this demand.”
CREC scientists are studying bamboo as one of many possible alternatives to citrus.
Researchers assure growers and the public that, although many varieties of running bamboo are invasive, clumping bamboo is considered a low risk for invasion, as <a href="https://invasivespecies.ifas.ufl.edu/">determined by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Pants</a>.
Growers have planted more than 1,000 acres of clumping bamboo in Florida so far. But some of those plantings have failed because of unintentional errors made when trying to grow the crop, Rogers said.
When learning to grow a new crop there are unknowns. Growers might inadvertently plant too many bamboo clumps per acre &#8212; which causes crowding and stunting of plants &#8212; plant the wrong species or variety or provide improper nutrient, irrigation and weed-control practices.
“We started studying bamboo so we could provide recommendations to growers if they choose to plant bamboo,” said Rogers, who spoke at the <a href="https://citrusexpo.net/">Citrus &amp; Specialty Crop Expo</a> Aug. 21.
Bamboo offers plenty of advantages for citrus growers:
<ul>
<li>It’s easy to transition from one crop to the other. Growers can easily return to citrus if bamboo doesn’t work for them, or when new citrus options become available.</li>
<li>Row-spacing is similar to commercial citrus groves.</li>
<li>Once bamboo is established – four or five years after planting &#8212; there is a crop to harvest every year.</li>
<li>There are few pests thus far, but scientists will monitor this.</li>
</ul>
The main concerns are weed management and proper fertilization and irrigation. Bamboo is also labor-intensive.
<figure id="attachment_55949" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-55949" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-55949 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A soil scientist bends as he tours a UF/IFAS bamboo farm in Lake Hamilton, Florida. " width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2025/09/Bamboo3_Touring-an-IFAS-bamboo-farm-in-Lake-Hamilton-FL-225x300.jpeg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-55949" class="wp-caption-text">Davie Kadyampakeni tours a UF/IFAS bamboo farm in Lake Hamilton, Florida. Courtesy UF/IFAS.</figcaption></figure>
“Our biggest concern is how to get the product from the field to the end user if labor continues to be an issue,” Rogers said. “UF/IFAS is working on mechanical harvesters for bamboo to make that practice more economical.”
<a href="https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty/davie-kadyampakeni/">Davie Kadyampakeni</a>, an associate professor of <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/">soil, water, and ecosystem sciences</a> at CREC, leads the center’s research into bamboo.
“We are learning new things about planting densities, fertilization rates and irrigation rates for different ages of bamboo,” he said. “We are also learning new things about potential production per acre and will finalize this information in a few years. We will make this information available after publishing the work and develop new guidelines for bamboo production in Florida.”
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>
&nbsp;

With a global market valued at nearly $67 billion, bamboo may offer an alternative crop for some Florida growers reeling from a devastated citrus crop, says a University of Florida expert.
Michael Rogers. Courtesy, UF/IFAS photography.
“Bamboo is a good alternative crop to diversify beyond citrus,” said Michael Rogers director of the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), part of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “The clumping bamboos grow well in Florida, can be grown on existing grove land and there is demand for the product.”
That’s why some Florida farmers are starting to grow the clumping bamboo, a plant with many uses. People eat bamboo shoots in Asian cuisine. They’re also used for furniture, construction material and textiles, among many things.
There’s also a good economic reason to grow bamboo here.
“Being able to source raw bamboo from the United States will cut down on import costs and encourage the growth of bamboo markets here in the United States,” Rogers said. “There are already operations established for packing and processing of edible bamboo shoots in Florida, and facilities are setting up to be able to process bamboo poles for lumber and other uses. So, there is a market and demand, we just need to be able to supply the raw products to meet this demand.”
CREC scientists are studying bamboo as one of many possible alternatives to citrus.
Researchers assure growers and the public that, although many varieties of running bamboo are invasive, clumping bamboo is considered a low risk for invasion, as determined by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Pants.
Growers have planted more than 1,000 acres of clumping bamboo in Florida so far. But some of those plantings have failed because of unintentional errors made when trying to grow the crop, Rogers said.
When learning to grow a new crop there are unknowns. Growers might inadvertently plant too many bamboo clumps per acre — which causes crowding and stunting of plants — plant the wrong species or variety or provide improper nutrient, irrigation and weed-control practices.
“We started studying bamboo so we could provide recommendations to growers if they choose to plant bamboo,” said Rogers, who spoke at the Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo Aug. 21.
Bamboo offers plenty of advantages for citrus growers:
It’s easy to transition from one crop to the other. Growers can easily return to citrus if bamboo doesn’t work for them, or when new citrus options become available.
Row-spacing is similar to commercial citrus groves.
Once bamboo is established – four or five years after planting — there is a crop to harvest every year.
There are few pests thus far, but scientists will monitor this.
The main concerns are weed management and proper fertilization and irrigation. Bamboo is also labor-intensive.
Davie Kadyampakeni tours a UF/IFAS bamboo farm in Lake Hamilton, Florida. Courtesy UF/IFAS.
“Our biggest concern is how to get the product from the field to the end user if labor continues to be an issue,” Rogers said. “UF/IFAS is working on mechanical harvesters for bamboo to make that practice more economical.”
Davie Kadyampakeni, an associate professor of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences at CREC, leads the center’s research into bamboo.
“We are learning new things about planting densities, fertilization rates and irrigation rates for different ages of bamboo,” he said. “We are also learning new things about potential production per acre and will finalize this information in a few years. We will make this information available after publishing the work and develop new guidelines for bamboo production in Florida.”
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

With a global market valued at nearly $67 billion, bamboo may offer an alternative crop for some Florida growers reeling from a devastated citrus crop, says a University of Florida expert. “Bamboo is a good alternative crop to diversify beyond citrus,” said Michael Rogers director of the Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), part of […]

From citrus to bamboo? Some growers might move to this crop with a multibillion-dollar worldwide market

From citrus trees battling HLB disease to the future of bamboo farming in Florida, UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) researchers had plenty to showcase at the 2025 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. The event brought together scientists, students, and industry professionals to explore the latest in horticulture research. [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_5215" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5215" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Davie-Lab-ASHS-2025.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5215 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A professor stands with his postdoc and graduate students at the ashs 2025 conference." width="350" height="250" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Davie-Lab-ASHS-2025-300x214.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5215" class="wp-caption-text">The UF Water and Nutrient lab team. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>
From citrus trees battling HLB disease to the future of bamboo farming in Florida, UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) researchers had plenty to showcase at the 2025 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. The event brought together scientists, students, and industry professionals to explore the latest in horticulture research. Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni, SWES associate professor, and his<a href="https://www.facebook.com/soil.management/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Water and Nutrient Management Lab</a> team from the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (REC) attended. Through poster sessions, oral presentations, and professional workshops, they shared their research. They also brought home fresh ideas to fuel their ongoing work in nutrient management, water conservation, and sustainable crop production.
Besides leading the team, <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/2025/03/14/exploring-nanofertilizers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Kadyampakeni</a> had the honor of receiving two ASHS Extension Education Materials Awards.  He was awarded First Place in the Outstanding Video and Webinar Award category under the title of: “Using Optimal Fertilization and Frequent Irrigation for Managing HLB-affected trees.” He also received First Place in the Outstanding Podcast Award category under the title of: “Digging into New Citrus Nutrient Recommendations.”
<figure id="attachment_5217" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5217" style="width: 350px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Davie-IFAS-ASHS-2025.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5217 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A group of professors holding certificates at a research conference." width="350" height="222" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Davie-IFAS-ASHS-2025-300x190.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5217" class="wp-caption-text">Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni (second from left) with UF/IFAS colleagues after the awards presentation. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>
Dr. Alisheikh Atta, postdoctoral research associate, presented his work on nutrient management and rootstock interaction to mitigate HLB-affected citrus trees, fruit yield, and postharvest quality. On top of Dr. Atta’s oral presentation, He also had the privilege to moderate the citrus section and participated in the poster presentation of the graduate students from different universities. Atta also improved his stage management in his volunteer service in moderating the oral session. He worked with senior professors in judging the poster presentation of emerging prospective scientists’ findings. He also attended several oral presentations in nutrient and irrigation management, which he said provided him with great experiences.
Therese (Tess) Thompson presented a poster titled “Impacts of Organic Amendments on HLB Citrus Tree Growth and Root Development.” One of the best parts of the conference for Tess was the resources for professional development. She attended a resume and CV workshop as well as sessions on careers in horticulture. She also connected with students at Colorado State University (CSU), where she will begin her PhD studies this fall.
<figure id="attachment_5211" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5211" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Tess-Thompson-at-ASHS-2025.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-5211 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A graduate student stands next to her soil science research poster at the ASHS annual conference." width="300" height="285" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Tess-Thompson-at-ASHS-2025-300x285.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5211" class="wp-caption-text">Therese &#8220;Tess&#8221; Thompson stands by her research poster. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>
“Seeing research from CSU and making connections with other students before I start there was a massive plus,” Tess said. “It was also a great learning experience listening to presentations where I do not have a lot of experience, like in post-harvest processing.”
“I received great reactions for my research, and I will use the comments to improve future presentations,” she added. “It was a very encouraging learning environment!”
Labake Agunbiade, a PhD student, presented on “Effects of varying rates of irrigation and potassium fertilization on the growth of bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) in Florida.” She had the chance to share her research on irrigation management and potassium fertilization for bamboo production. This is an important area of study, since there are currently no clear guidelines for growing bamboo in Florida.
She took part in several oral and poster sessions. She learned about exciting research on topics like soil and water management, artificial intelligence, and how light is used in agriculture.
“Hearing about all these different studies was both interesting, inspiring, and gave me new ideas to think about for my work, especially with the feedback from my presentation,” Labake said.
She also met with other researchers, students, and professors from different backgrounds. Many were open to sharing their work and experiences. Labake said this made the conference even more valuable and left her with renewed perspectives and new ideas. She looks forward to using what she learned and staying in touch with the amazing people she met during the conference.
<figure id="attachment_5213" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5213" style="width: 292px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Cyrus-poster-ASHS-2025.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-5213 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A graduate student explains his soil science research poster to attendees at the ASHS annual conference." width="292" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/08/Cyrus-poster-ASHS-2025-292x300.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5213" class="wp-caption-text">Cyrus Januarie explains his research during the poster presentation. (Photo provided)</figcaption></figure>
Master&#8217;s student Cyrus Januarie presented a poster on “Response of young Dendrocalamus asper to variable rate phosphorus fertilization dynamics in a controlled environment.” This allowed him to share his nutrient management research on bamboo. His aim is to contribute to the development of production guidelines.
“The findings will provide science-based information to Florida growers for this emerging and promising alternative crop,” he noted.
Additionally, Cyrus attended several oral sessions, mostly on plant nutrient management. He learned about various useful techniques and technologies in agricultural and environmental systems. Most importantly, he is grateful for the valuable feedback he got from industry and academic leaders. Networking at the conference gave Cyrus the chance to meet face-to-face with some LinkedIn connections.
A travel grant from UF/IFAS made it possible for several students to attend the conference. It also allowed them the chance to visit New Orleans and experience its vibrant culture.
&nbsp;
<hr />
Authors: Dr. Alisheikh Adem Atta, Labake Agunbiade, Cyrus Januarie, and Therese &#8220;Tess&#8221; Thompson. Edited and posted to the blog by Mike Loizzo.

The UF Water and Nutrient lab team. (Photo provided)
From citrus trees battling HLB disease to the future of bamboo farming in Florida, UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) researchers had plenty to showcase at the 2025 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. The event brought together scientists, students, and industry professionals to explore the latest in horticulture research. Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni, SWES associate professor, and his Water and Nutrient Management Lab team from the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center (REC) attended. Through poster sessions, oral presentations, and professional workshops, they shared their research. They also brought home fresh ideas to fuel their ongoing work in nutrient management, water conservation, and sustainable crop production.
Besides leading the team, Dr. Kadyampakeni had the honor of receiving two ASHS Extension Education Materials Awards.  He was awarded First Place in the Outstanding Video and Webinar Award category under the title of: “Using Optimal Fertilization and Frequent Irrigation for Managing HLB-affected trees.” He also received First Place in the Outstanding Podcast Award category under the title of: “Digging into New Citrus Nutrient Recommendations.”
Dr. Davie Kadyampakeni (second from left) with UF/IFAS colleagues after the awards presentation. (Photo provided)
Dr. Alisheikh Atta, postdoctoral research associate, presented his work on nutrient management and rootstock interaction to mitigate HLB-affected citrus trees, fruit yield, and postharvest quality. On top of Dr. Atta’s oral presentation, He also had the privilege to moderate the citrus section and participated in the poster presentation of the graduate students from different universities. Atta also improved his stage management in his volunteer service in moderating the oral session. He worked with senior professors in judging the poster presentation of emerging prospective scientists’ findings. He also attended several oral presentations in nutrient and irrigation management, which he said provided him with great experiences.
Therese (Tess) Thompson presented a poster titled “Impacts of Organic Amendments on HLB Citrus Tree Growth and Root Development.” One of the best parts of the conference for Tess was the resources for professional development. She attended a resume and CV workshop as well as sessions on careers in horticulture. She also connected with students at Colorado State University (CSU), where she will begin her PhD studies this fall.
Therese “Tess” Thompson stands by her research poster. (Photo provided)
“Seeing research from CSU and making connections with other students before I start there was a massive plus,” Tess said. “It was also a great learning experience listening to presentations where I do not have a lot of experience, like in post-harvest processing.”
“I received great reactions for my research, and I will use the comments to improve future presentations,” she added. “It was a very encouraging learning environment!”
Labake Agunbiade, a PhD student, presented on “Effects of varying rates of irrigation and potassium fertilization on the growth of bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) in Florida.” She had the chance to share her research on irrigation management and potassium fertilization for bamboo production. This is an important area of study, since there are currently no clear guidelines for growing bamboo in Florida.
She took part in several oral and poster sessions. She learned about exciting research on topics like soil and water management, artificial intelligence, and how light is used in agriculture.
“Hearing about all these different studies was both interesting, inspiring, and gave me new ideas to think about for my work, especially with the feedback from my presentation,” Labake said.
She also met with other researchers, students, and professors from different backgrounds. Many were open to sharing their work and experiences. Labake said this made the conference even more valuable and left her with renewed perspectives and new ideas. She looks forward to using what she learned and staying in touch with the amazing people she met during the conference.
Cyrus Januarie explains his research during the poster presentation. (Photo provided)
Master’s student Cyrus Januarie presented a poster on “Response of young Dendrocalamus asper to variable rate phosphorus fertilization dynamics in a controlled environment.” This allowed him to share his nutrient management research on bamboo. His aim is to contribute to the development of production guidelines.
“The findings will provide science-based information to Florida growers for this emerging and promising alternative crop,” he noted.
Additionally, Cyrus attended several oral sessions, mostly on plant nutrient management. He learned about various useful techniques and technologies in agricultural and environmental systems. Most importantly, he is grateful for the valuable feedback he got from industry and academic leaders. Networking at the conference gave Cyrus the chance to meet face-to-face with some LinkedIn connections.
A travel grant from UF/IFAS made it possible for several students to attend the conference. It also allowed them the chance to visit New Orleans and experience its vibrant culture.
 
Authors: Dr. Alisheikh Adem Atta, Labake Agunbiade, Cyrus Januarie, and Therese “Tess” Thompson. Edited and posted to the blog by Mike Loizzo.

From citrus trees battling HLB disease to the future of bamboo farming in Florida, UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) researchers had plenty to showcase at the 2025 American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Annual Conference. The event brought together scientists, students, and industry professionals to explore the latest in horticulture research. […]

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