What if agricultural waste could be transformed into a resource that boosts crop yields and improves soil health? A team of UF/IFAS researchers believes poultry litter biochar (PLB) has the potential to do just that. Dr. Andressa Freitas and Dr. Vimala Nair in the UF/IFAS department of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences led the study. [&#8230;]

What if agricultural waste could be transformed into a resource that boosts crop yields and improves soil health? A team of UF/IFAS researchers believes poultry litter biochar (PLB) has the potential to do just that. Dr. Andressa Freitas and Dr. Vimala Nair in the UF/IFAS department of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences led the study. Their most recent work indicates PLB is a potential replacement for inorganic phosphorus (P) fertilizers. Conducted over two years across different soil types in Florida, the findings provide evidence for the benefits of PLB in sustainable agriculture.
<figure id="attachment_4547" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4547" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/01/plb-image-2.png"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4547 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A woman walks down a corn field row holding a bucket of poultry litter biochar. She is broadcasting the amendment to the soil." width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/01/plb-image-2-300x225.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4547" class="wp-caption-text">Applying the poultry litter biochar to the corn. (Photo from Dr. Nair)</figcaption></figure>
<h5>Testing Biochar in Florida’s Diverse Soils</h5>
The research took place at two locations: the sandy, well-drained Entisols of the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra and the nutrient-challenged Spodosols of the UF/IFAS Beef Research Unit in Gainesville. The cropping system included rye, corn, and sorghum, grown sequentially across two years. They tested three treatments: poultry litter biochar, inorganic phosphorus fertilizer, and a no-phosphorus control. In the second year, the researchers examined the effects of the first year’s treatments, highlighting PLB&#8217;s long-term potential.
“The study is designed to capture the immediate and residual effects of PLB application, especially in soils where nutrient leaching is a common issue,” <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/2019/05/24/grad-student-research-spotlight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Freitas</a> explained. “This dual focus helps to evaluate PLB’s real-world viability.”
The results were promising. In both locations, poultry litter biochar either matched or outperformed inorganic P in cumulative crop yields. At the Entisols site, PLB led to higher total biomass compared to inorganic P. At the Spodosols site, however, both treatments showed similar results.
Corn, a nutrient-demanding crop, responded particularly well to PLB (added at ~0.3% on a weight basis in relation to the soil weight) compared with inorganic fertilizer applications applied at the same total phosphorus rate, especially in the second year. This is likely due to PLB’s ability to release P gradually, delivering nutrients at critical stages of crop growth. Rye and sorghum yield also benefited, demonstrating the versatility of this biochar amendment.
“The gradual nutrient release from PLB aligns well with the nutrient uptake patterns of crops like corn,” <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty/vimala-d-nair/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Nair</a> noted. “This characteristic also reduces the risk of nutrient loss through leaching, which is a significant concern in sandy soils.”
<figure id="attachment_4551" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4551" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/01/plb-image.png"><img decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-4551 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A corn field divided into test plots for an experiment." width="1024" height="576" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/01/plb-image-1024x576.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4551" class="wp-caption-text">Corn field test plots with signs identifying application types and rates. (Photo by Barbra Larson)</figcaption></figure>
<h5>Impact on Soils</h5>
One of the study’s more significant findings was the residual impact of PLB. Plots that received PLB in the first year continued to support strong yields in the second year, even without additional P applications. This long-lasting effect could help reduce both input costs for growers and environmental impacts. By contrast, the residual effect of inorganic P was less pronounced, requiring reapplication to maintain yields.
“The residual benefits of PLB can significantly contribute to the sustainability of farming systems,” Dr. Freitas emphasized, “especially when input costs are high, or resources are limited.”
Beyond crop yields, PLB also contributed to soil health by supplying additional macronutrients. This multi-nutrient contribution may explain its superior performance in certain conditions, as well as its ability to support robust yields over time.
The biochar’s slow-release properties also align with environmental goals, minimizing the risk of P runoff and leaching. These features make PLB particularly valuable for Florida’s sandy soils, which often struggle to retain nutrients.
<h5>A Step Toward Resilient Agriculture</h5>
<figure id="attachment_4557" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-4557" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/01/corn.png"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4557 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="A corn field test plot with poultry litter biochar added to the soil." width="300" height="197" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/files/2025/01/corn-300x197.png"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-4557" class="wp-caption-text">The mature corn showing height differences between the different test plots. (Photo from Dr. Freitas)</figcaption></figure>
This study shows poultry litter biochar is a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional P fertilizers in Florida’s sandy soils. By providing a consistent nutrient supply, improving soil health, and offering residual benefits, PLB addresses multiple challenges that modern agriculture faces.
“This research demonstrates the potential of PLB to not only enhance crop production but also address environmental concerns associated with nutrient management,” Dr. Nair said. “It’s a promising development for agriculture and sustainability.”
The team cautions that more research is needed to refine application rates and understand long-term effects across different environments. With the potential to reduce costs and recycle agricultural waste, PLB could play a significant role in the future of sustainable farming.
The research is in Agronomy Journal. You can find the article here: <a href="https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/agj2.21745" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/agj2.21745</a>
<hr />
Featured image from Adobe Stock Images #340208664.

What if agricultural waste could be transformed into a resource that boosts crop yields and improves soil health? A team of UF/IFAS researchers believes poultry litter biochar (PLB) has the potential to do just that. Dr. Andressa Freitas and Dr. Vimala Nair in the UF/IFAS department of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences led the study. Their most recent work indicates PLB is a potential replacement for inorganic phosphorus (P) fertilizers. Conducted over two years across different soil types in Florida, the findings provide evidence for the benefits of PLB in sustainable agriculture.
Applying the poultry litter biochar to the corn. (Photo from Dr. Nair)
Testing Biochar in Florida’s Diverse Soils
The research took place at two locations: the sandy, well-drained Entisols of the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra and the nutrient-challenged Spodosols of the UF/IFAS Beef Research Unit in Gainesville. The cropping system included rye, corn, and sorghum, grown sequentially across two years. They tested three treatments: poultry litter biochar, inorganic phosphorus fertilizer, and a no-phosphorus control. In the second year, the researchers examined the effects of the first year’s treatments, highlighting PLB’s long-term potential.
“The study is designed to capture the immediate and residual effects of PLB application, especially in soils where nutrient leaching is a common issue,” Dr. Freitas explained. “This dual focus helps to evaluate PLB’s real-world viability.”
The results were promising. In both locations, poultry litter biochar either matched or outperformed inorganic P in cumulative crop yields. At the Entisols site, PLB led to higher total biomass compared to inorganic P. At the Spodosols site, however, both treatments showed similar results.
Corn, a nutrient-demanding crop, responded particularly well to PLB (added at ~0.3% on a weight basis in relation to the soil weight) compared with inorganic fertilizer applications applied at the same total phosphorus rate, especially in the second year. This is likely due to PLB’s ability to release P gradually, delivering nutrients at critical stages of crop growth. Rye and sorghum yield also benefited, demonstrating the versatility of this biochar amendment.
“The gradual nutrient release from PLB aligns well with the nutrient uptake patterns of crops like corn,” Dr. Nair noted. “This characteristic also reduces the risk of nutrient loss through leaching, which is a significant concern in sandy soils.”
Corn field test plots with signs identifying application types and rates. (Photo by Barbra Larson)
Impact on Soils
One of the study’s more significant findings was the residual impact of PLB. Plots that received PLB in the first year continued to support strong yields in the second year, even without additional P applications. This long-lasting effect could help reduce both input costs for growers and environmental impacts. By contrast, the residual effect of inorganic P was less pronounced, requiring reapplication to maintain yields.
“The residual benefits of PLB can significantly contribute to the sustainability of farming systems,” Dr. Freitas emphasized, “especially when input costs are high, or resources are limited.”
Beyond crop yields, PLB also contributed to soil health by supplying additional macronutrients. This multi-nutrient contribution may explain its superior performance in certain conditions, as well as its ability to support robust yields over time.
The biochar’s slow-release properties also align with environmental goals, minimizing the risk of P runoff and leaching. These features make PLB particularly valuable for Florida’s sandy soils, which often struggle to retain nutrients.
A Step Toward Resilient Agriculture
The mature corn showing height differences between the different test plots. (Photo from Dr. Freitas)
This study shows poultry litter biochar is a practical and sustainable alternative to traditional P fertilizers in Florida’s sandy soils. By providing a consistent nutrient supply, improving soil health, and offering residual benefits, PLB addresses multiple challenges that modern agriculture faces.
“This research demonstrates the potential of PLB to not only enhance crop production but also address environmental concerns associated with nutrient management,” Dr. Nair said. “It’s a promising development for agriculture and sustainability.”
The team cautions that more research is needed to refine application rates and understand long-term effects across different environments. With the potential to reduce costs and recycle agricultural waste, PLB could play a significant role in the future of sustainable farming.
The research is in Agronomy Journal. You can find the article here: https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/agj2.21745
Featured image from Adobe Stock Images #340208664.

What if agricultural waste could be transformed into a resource that boosts crop yields and improves soil health? A team of UF/IFAS researchers believes poultry litter biochar (PLB) has the potential to do just that. Dr. Andressa Freitas and Dr. Vimala Nair in the UF/IFAS department of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences led the study. […]

Poultry Litter Biochar: sustainably boosting crop yields and soil health

&#160; Q: You are pursuing a career in soil and water science—how did you become interested in agriculture? A: I’m a native of Nepal; our country is vastly agricultural. I am from the district of Dang which is one of Nepal’s most fertile valleys lying between the Mahabharat Range in the north and the Churia [&#8230;]

&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_1025" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1025" style="width: 246px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1025 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Jaya &quot;Jay&quot; Nepal " width="246" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/irrec/files/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-08-at-8.47.42-PM-246x300.png"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1025" class="wp-caption-text">Jaya &#8220;Jay&#8221; Nepal is a Ph.D. student at UF/IFAS-Indian River Research and Education Center. His research involves nanoparticle biochar application to cool and warm-season vegetables.</figcaption></figure>
Q: You are pursuing a career in soil and water science—how did you become interested in agriculture? A: I’m a native of Nepal; our country is vastly agricultural. I am from the district of Dang which is one of Nepal’s most fertile valleys lying between the Mahabharat Range in the north and the Churia range in the south. My family members and ancestors are traditional farmers who used to grow rice, maize, and vegetables. Our family migrated to Dang from Terai, the nation’s breadbasket region. My family grows mustard, beans, vegetables, and maize—we call corn maize. One of our main crops is cowpeas, a staple food in Nepal. Agriculture has always been a significant part of my life. My late uncle (father’s brother) mostly did agriculture throughout his life, fields where we used to roam as kids. My father also farmed but later studied to become an associate professor at Nepal Sanskrit University in Beljhundi, Nepal. My mother is also a teacher. Q: Please tell us about your formal education – from grammar school to the completion of your MSc degree. A: As a youth, I studied at a local school, Shree Pashupati Viddya Ashram, and completed high school at Gorkha International College. When I was a young man, I gradually developed an interest in science. My next step was to earn a bachelor&#8217;s degree in agriculture degree at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Tribhuvan University in Nepal. I conducted research on <a href="http://(http://pubs.sciepub.com/wjar/3/4/3/)">biochar </a> during my undergraduate project, which ignited my interest in the field of soil science.
&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_1039" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1039" style="width: 164px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1039" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/irrec/files/2022/04/University-of-Tokyo-211x300.jpg" alt="" width="164" height="234" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1039" class="wp-caption-text">The day Jaya &#8220;Jay&#8221; Nepal graduated the University of Tokyo</figcaption></figure>
Then, I left my country to study at the University of Tokyo in Japan. There, my soil science studies were funded with a Japanese Monbukagajusho or MEXT scholarship. My graduate studies were supervised by <a href="https://info70291.wixsite.com/liads-utokyo">Dr. Kensuke Okada</a>, a renowned leader in international agricultural development, focusing on soil and water science—of course.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
SOILS RESEARCH in WEST AFRICA 
As part of my research, I traveled to West Africa. My destination was Kamboinse, Ouagadougou, in the nation Burkina Faso. In Burkina Faso, my study involved sorghum, a crop grown internationally for food—most often processed into flour. My work was concentrated on phosphate rock fertilizer, an essential source of phosphorus for plants. Phosphate rocks are the natural resource from which phosphorous is produced and are Burkina Faso’s major export, mainly transported to Morocco and Egypt, where there are processing factories.
<figure id="attachment_1027" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1027" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1027 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/irrec/files/2022/04/JayinAfrica-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1027" class="wp-caption-text">Jaya &#8220;Jay&#8221; Nepal conducted research with sorghum in Africa for his master&#8217;s degree studies.</figcaption></figure>
<figure id="attachment_1029" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1029" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1029 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/irrec/files/2022/04/IMG_0371-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1029" class="wp-caption-text">In the sorghum production field</figcaption></figure>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The left-over rocks deemed unsuitable for export can be utilized directly, but their effect is low. As part of my investigations, I evaluated phosphate rock fertilizer prepared by mixing the rock and calcium together as a fertilizer. We found that the calcined phosphate rock fertilizer will be required <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jcsproc/247/0/247_27/_article/-char/en">at the 10kg/ha rate to get a good sorghum yield</a>. From the University of Tokyo, I received a master&#8217;s degree in International Agricultural Development with a concentration in soil science in September 2019.
THE VALUE OF SCIENTIST NETWORKING One of the most valuable aspects of my studies in Japan and Africa is that I made a network of friends across different cultures I continue to communicate with. Students and professors who share the same scientific interests can collaborate and continue to support each other throughout their careers. Q. Please explain your education at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC): A. I started as a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida, <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/">Soil and Water Sciences Department</a>, in Spring 2020. At IRREC, my research as a Ph.D. student is under the direction of <a href="https://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/people/faculty/zhenli-he/">Dr. Zhenli He</a> at the Soil and Environmental Quality Laboratory, who is a highly experienced scientist in the field. I received a research assistantship for my Ph.D. research to evaluate carbon nanomaterials for agriculture and, more specifically—soil and water quality. My work involves the evaluation of carbon nanomaterials for crop production and implications to plant-soil-environment. It covers the three critical aspects of farming-crop, soil, and the environment.
&nbsp;
VEGETABLES AND NANOPARTICLES RESEARCH
<figure id="attachment_1035" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1035" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1035 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="294" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/irrec/files/2022/04/JayBeets-300x294.png"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1035" class="wp-caption-text">Jaya &#8220;Jay&#8221; Nepal harvests beets from a cool-season vegetable experiment with nanoparticles.</figcaption></figure>
The center of my work at the UF/IFAS-IRREC takes place at the IRREC greenhouses and research farm. We grow lettuce in the greenhouse and rotate beets and corn in the field. Beets are cultivated between November to March as the cool-season crop. We recently harvested the beets in late March. After beets, we grow corn as a warm-season vegetable, which we recently sowed in the field. We will study the performance of carbon nanomaterials in plants, soil, and the environment and publish our findings. We will then be able to guide growers on how to manage their farms using carbon nanomaterials.
&nbsp;
 Q. In about a year and a half, you will complete your doctorate research and coursework and become a Ph.D. soil and water scientist. What are your aspirations for your future as a scientist? A. I love science and would like to continue research even after my Ph.D. This can be either as a postdoctoral researcher, research assistant, or academic position in a university or research institution. As a researcher trained in soil and water sciences, I am particularly interested in studying the effect of different management practices on crop production and soil biochemical quality. I want to continue to examine the composition of various soils, how it affects plant or crop growth, and how alternative soil treatments affect crop productivity. Also, in the future I would like to do more mechanistic research. Mechanistic research is defined as “trying to understand how things work.” Such research is designed to understand biological processes or the mechanism of action of an intervention. My goal is to develop strategies for optimizing the use of nutrients and understand the mechanisms that drive such changes, which can be meaningful to farmers and scientists around the globe. I want to research and develop methods of conserving and managing soil that farmers can use across the globe. Q. Jay, what do you ascertain about the future of agriculture on a global level as it pertains to soil and water science? A. Well, globally, the challenge remains to continue to produce more food while preserving our soil and water resources, which are limited. From the 1960s onward, post the green revolution, we have been able to produce many crops by applying agrochemicals, and extensive irrigation. This pushed the yields higher for a certain time, but our efficiency of production is lower. That is, we now need a lot more inputs to produce the same amount of food as we did before. The rate of productivity increase has declined, particularly since the 1990s Agriculture systems have mostly plateaued at low yield potential, and agrochemical delivery efficiency is also very low. It is caused by the declining soil quality, which is caused because of a combination of things. The quality of soils has been declining because we are taking a lot from the soils but not replenishing soil nutrients as much as we should. The imminent climate change crisis is going to make things even more complicated. Moving forward, the soil is the only substantial resource we have for producing food. We must learn how to manage our soils better to adapt to climate change. If we manage the soil well, we can sequester carbon and manage CO2 emissions simultaneously. Improving the resource use and efficiency of soil and water will be critical in achieving food security across the globe. We must save our soil and water resources. How we will adapt and learn to manage our soil and water will determine the fate of the food industry, farming, and the entire environment. I expect this to be increasingly more critical in the future.

Jaya “Jay” Nepal is a Ph.D. student at UF/IFAS-Indian River Research and Education Center. His research involves nanoparticle biochar application to cool and warm-season vegetables.
Q: You are pursuing a career in soil and water science—how did you become interested in agriculture?
A: I’m a native of Nepal; our country is vastly agricultural. I am from the district of Dang which is one of Nepal’s most fertile valleys lying between the Mahabharat Range in the north and the Churia range in the south. My family members and ancestors are traditional farmers who used to grow rice, maize, and vegetables. Our family migrated to Dang from Terai, the nation’s breadbasket region.
My family grows mustard, beans, vegetables, and maize—we call corn maize. One of our main crops is cowpeas, a staple food in Nepal. Agriculture has always been a significant part of my life. My late uncle (father’s brother) mostly did agriculture throughout his life, fields where we used to roam as kids. My father also farmed but later studied to become an associate professor at Nepal Sanskrit University in Beljhundi, Nepal. My mother is also a teacher.
Q: Please tell us about your formal education – from grammar school to the completion of your MSc degree.
A: As a youth, I studied at a local school, Shree Pashupati Viddya Ashram, and completed high school at Gorkha International College. When I was a young man, I gradually developed an interest in science. My next step was to earn a bachelor’s degree in agriculture degree at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Tribhuvan University in Nepal. I conducted research on biochar  during my undergraduate project, which ignited my interest in the field of soil science.

 

The day Jaya “Jay” Nepal graduated the University of Tokyo
Then, I left my country to study at the University of Tokyo in Japan. There, my soil science studies were funded with a Japanese Monbukagajusho or MEXT scholarship. My graduate studies were supervised by Dr. Kensuke Okada, a renowned leader in international agricultural development, focusing on soil and water science—of course.

 

 

 

 

 

SOILS RESEARCH in WEST AFRICA 

As part of my research, I traveled to West Africa. My destination was Kamboinse, Ouagadougou, in the nation Burkina Faso. In Burkina Faso, my study involved sorghum, a crop grown internationally for food—most often processed into flour. My work was concentrated on phosphate rock fertilizer, an essential source of phosphorus for plants. Phosphate rocks are the natural resource from which phosphorous is produced and are Burkina Faso’s major export, mainly transported to Morocco and Egypt, where there are processing factories.

Jaya “Jay” Nepal conducted research with sorghum in Africa for his master’s degree studies.
In the sorghum production field
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The left-over rocks deemed unsuitable for export can be utilized directly, but their effect is low. As part of my investigations, I evaluated phosphate rock fertilizer prepared by mixing the rock and calcium together as a fertilizer. We found that the calcined phosphate rock fertilizer will be required at the 10kg/ha rate to get a good sorghum yield. From the University of Tokyo, I received a master’s degree in International Agricultural Development with a concentration in soil science in September 2019.

THE VALUE OF SCIENTIST NETWORKING
One of the most valuable aspects of my studies in Japan and Africa is that I made a network of friends across different cultures I continue to communicate with. Students and professors who share the same scientific interests can collaborate and continue to support each other throughout their careers.
Q. Please explain your education at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC):
A. I started as a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida, Soil and Water Sciences Department, in Spring 2020. At IRREC, my research as a Ph.D. student is under the direction of Dr. Zhenli He at the Soil and Environmental Quality Laboratory, who is a highly experienced scientist in the field. I received a research assistantship for my Ph.D. research to evaluate carbon nanomaterials for agriculture and, more specifically—soil and water quality. My work involves the evaluation of carbon nanomaterials for crop production and implications to plant-soil-environment. It covers the three critical aspects of farming-crop, soil, and the environment.

 

VEGETABLES AND NANOPARTICLES RESEARCH

Jaya “Jay” Nepal harvests beets from a cool-season vegetable experiment with nanoparticles.
The center of my work at the UF/IFAS-IRREC takes place at the IRREC greenhouses and research farm. We grow lettuce in the greenhouse and rotate beets and corn in the field. Beets are cultivated between November to March as the cool-season crop. We recently harvested the beets in late March. After beets, we grow corn as a warm-season vegetable, which we recently sowed in the field. We will study the performance of carbon nanomaterials in plants, soil, and the environment and publish our findings. We will then be able to guide growers on how to manage their farms using carbon nanomaterials.

 


Q. In about a year and a half, you will complete your doctorate research and coursework and become a Ph.D. soil and water scientist. What are your aspirations for your future as a scientist?
A. I love science and would like to continue research even after my Ph.D. This can be either as a postdoctoral researcher, research assistant, or academic position in a university or research institution. As a researcher trained in soil and water sciences, I am particularly interested in studying the effect of different management practices on crop production and soil biochemical quality. I want to continue to examine the composition of various soils, how it affects plant or crop growth, and how alternative soil treatments affect crop productivity. Also, in the future I would like to do more mechanistic research. Mechanistic research is defined as “trying to understand how things work.” Such research is designed to understand biological processes or the mechanism of action of an intervention. My goal is to develop strategies for optimizing the use of nutrients and understand the mechanisms that drive such changes, which can be meaningful to farmers and scientists around the globe. I want to research and develop methods of conserving and managing soil that farmers can use across the globe.
Q. Jay, what do you ascertain about the future of agriculture on a global level as it pertains to soil and water science?
A. Well, globally, the challenge remains to continue to produce more food while preserving our soil and water resources, which are limited. From the 1960s onward, post the green revolution, we have been able to produce many crops by applying agrochemicals, and extensive irrigation. This pushed the yields higher for a certain time, but our efficiency of production is lower. That is, we now need a lot more inputs to produce the same amount of food as we did before. The rate of productivity increase has declined, particularly since the 1990s
Agriculture systems have mostly plateaued at low yield potential, and agrochemical delivery efficiency is also very low. It is caused by the declining soil quality, which is caused because of a combination of things. The quality of soils has been declining because we are taking a lot from the soils but not replenishing soil nutrients as much as we should. The imminent climate change crisis is going to make things even more complicated. Moving forward, the soil is the only substantial resource we have for producing food. We must learn how to manage our soils better to adapt to climate change. If we manage the soil well, we can sequester carbon and manage CO2 emissions simultaneously. Improving the resource use and efficiency of soil and water will be critical in achieving food security across the globe. We must save our soil and water resources. How we will adapt and learn to manage our soil and water will determine the fate of the food industry, farming, and the entire environment. I expect this to be increasingly more critical in the future.

Q: You are pursuing a career in soil and water science—how did you become interested in agriculture? A: I’m a native of Nepal; our country is vastly agricultural. I am from the district of Dang which is one of Nepal’s most fertile valleys lying between the Mahabharat Range in the north and the Churia […]

An interview with Ph.D. student Jaya “Jay” Nepal — a burgeoning soil and water scientist

GAINESVILLE, Fla. &#8212; Bin Gao, an associate professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, has been named the first recipient of the Joye Giglia Endowment Award, which recognizes research involving new technologies. The award was announced in September by John Hayes, dean for UF/IFAS research. Gao will receive $3,000 to [&#8230;]

<a href="http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Gao_Bin.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-6182 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="199" height="300" data-src="http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Gao_Bin-199x300.jpg"></a>
GAINESVILLE, Fla. &#8212; Bin Gao, an associate professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, has been named the first recipient of the Joye Giglia Endowment Award, which recognizes research involving new technologies.
The award was announced in September by John Hayes, dean for UF/IFAS research. Gao will receive $3,000 to support research on improving agricultural and environmental sustainability involving biochar, a form of charcoal that can reclaim nutrients from wastewater, and then release them when spent biochar is applied to agricultural fields.
“We’re extremely pleased to provide this support to Dr. Gao,” Hayes said. “Biochar shows great potential as a water filtration medium and a soil amendment and this work exemplifies the principals of innovation and perseverance that the award is meant to recognize.”
Biochar research is one of Gao’s main interests. Working with colleagues at UF/IFAS and other institutions, Gao has published numerous papers on synthesizing innovative engineered biochars and evaluating their ability to remove nutrients and other contaminants from wastewater.
“It is a great honor. I was very surprised to learn that I’d won,” said Gao, with the UF/IFAS agricultural and biological engineering department. “Our faculty members are pursuing a great number of important research initiatives and I expected to face tough competition.”
The award was presented for the first time this year and will be presented annually in the future, Hayes said.
The endowment comes via a $100,000 gift from the Lake Region Chapter of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. The award honors the memory of Joye Giglia, the late wife of former chapter president Frank Giglia.
Contacts:
Writer: Tom Nordlie, 352-273-3567, <a href="mailto:tnordlie@ufl.edu">tnordlie@ufl.edu</a>
Source: Bin Gao, 352-392-1864, ext. 285, <a href="mailto:bg55@ufl.edu">bg55@ufl.edu</a>
&nbsp;

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Bin Gao, an associate professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, has been named the first recipient of the Joye Giglia Endowment Award, which recognizes research involving new technologies.
The award was announced in September by John Hayes, dean for UF/IFAS research. Gao will receive $3,000 to support research on improving agricultural and environmental sustainability involving biochar, a form of charcoal that can reclaim nutrients from wastewater, and then release them when spent biochar is applied to agricultural fields.
“We’re extremely pleased to provide this support to Dr. Gao,” Hayes said. “Biochar shows great potential as a water filtration medium and a soil amendment and this work exemplifies the principals of innovation and perseverance that the award is meant to recognize.”
Biochar research is one of Gao’s main interests. Working with colleagues at UF/IFAS and other institutions, Gao has published numerous papers on synthesizing innovative engineered biochars and evaluating their ability to remove nutrients and other contaminants from wastewater.
“It is a great honor. I was very surprised to learn that I’d won,” said Gao, with the UF/IFAS agricultural and biological engineering department. “Our faculty members are pursuing a great number of important research initiatives and I expected to face tough competition.”
The award was presented for the first time this year and will be presented annually in the future, Hayes said.
The endowment comes via a $100,000 gift from the Lake Region Chapter of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. The award honors the memory of Joye Giglia, the late wife of former chapter president Frank Giglia.
Contacts:
Writer: Tom Nordlie, 352-273-3567, tnordlie@ufl.edu
Source: Bin Gao, 352-392-1864, ext. 285, bg55@ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Bin Gao, an associate professor with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, has been named the first recipient of the Joye Giglia Endowment Award, which recognizes research involving new technologies. The award was announced in September by John Hayes, dean for UF/IFAS research. Gao will receive $3,000 to […]

UF agricultural engineer Bin Gao wins first Joye Giglia Endowment Award

Chemicals

Químicos

Biomass

Biomasa

Biosolids

Biosólidos

Biochar, also known as black carbon, is a product derived from organic materials rich in carbon (C) and is found in soils in very stable solid forms, often as deposits. Biochars can persist for long periods of time in the soil at various depths, typically thousands of years. The most common example is charcoal, derived from wood. Similarly, the Terra Preta soils of the Amazon Basin are one of the more widely known examples of biochar. -- <a href="http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss585">An Introduction to Biochars and Their Uses in Agriculture</a>

El biochar en ingl&eacute;s, conocido tambi&eacute;n como carb&oacute;n negro, carb&oacute;n vegetal o biocarb&oacute;n, es un producto derivado de materiales org&aacute;nicos ricos en carb&oacute;n (C), se encuentra en el suelo en formas s&oacute;lidas muy estables, frecuentemente en sitios donde se ha depositado. El carb&oacute;n vegetal puede permanecer por largos per&iacute;odos en el suelo en diferentes profundidades, generalmente miles de a&ntilde;os. El ejemplo m&aacute;s com&uacute;n de este carb&oacute;n vegetal es el derivado de la madera. As&iacute; tambi&eacute;n, los suelos de Terra Preta de la Cuenca Amaz&oacute;nica son unos de los ejemplos m&aacute;s conocidos de este carb&oacute;n vegetal. -- <a href="http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss585">An Introduction to Biochars and Their Uses in Agriculture</a>

Biochars

Publications

An Introduction to Biochars and Their Uses in Agriculture

Producing Biochar Using a Custom Designed Top-Lit Updraft (TLUD) Gasifier

Poultry Litter Biochar: sustainably boosting crop yields and soil health

An interview with Ph.D. student Jaya “Jay” Nepal — a burgeoning soil and water scientist

UF agricultural engineer Bin Gao wins first Joye Giglia Endowment Award