Terminology

Other Contacts: Mark V. Hoyer andElizabeth Moreau

This document is the first in a series of Information Circulars developed by the LAKEWATCH Program. It is an introduction to the basic terminology and concepts used in the water management arena. First published Aug. 2000

Frank J. Mazzotti andJoy J. Vinci
Other Contacts: Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Eric Suarez, andAaron I. Chimelis

J. H. Frank and J. L. Gillett-Kaufman

Gail Hansen
Other Contacts: Keighly Graves

Shawna Loper, Amy L. Shober, and Alexander J. Reisinger

This article is part of a series entitled Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners. The rest of the series can be found at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_soils_and_fertilizers_for_master_gardeners.

Elizabeth Moreau andGretchen L. Lescord

Lakes are diverse and come in all shapes and sizes. The Trophic State Classification System allows people to group waterbodies into one of four categories, called “trophic states,” based on their level of biological productivity. Knowing what these terms mean can help you understand how your waterbody compares to others, and what changes in its water quality over time could mean. This publication explains how water chemistry is used to determine a waterbody’s trophic state; what criteria are used to define the four trophic states; which trophic state category your waterbody fits into; and how the Trophic State Classification System can be useful.

Razieh Farzad andStephanie R. B. Brown

This publication offers a comprehensive list of definitions and acronyms intended as an educational tool for Extension educators and a reference for industry members developing traceability plans. The goal of this document is to ensure that key terms related to traceability requirements are clearly understood, thereby supporting compliance efforts for high-risk foods as mandated by the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This resource also supports the accurate documentation of critical tracking events (CTEs) and key data elements (KDEs) across the food supply chain, helping industry members effectively implement and maintain traceability plans.

Basil V. Iannone III, Emily C. Bell, Shannon Carnevale, Jeff E. Hill, Julie McConnell, Martin Main, Stephen F. Enloe, Steven A. Johnson, James P. Cuda, Shirley M. Baker, and Michael Andreu

This publication introduces a standardized set of seven terms compiled by the members of the UF|IFAS Invasive Species Council that can describe most situations involving invasive species, limit the confusion caused by jargon and incorrect usage, and deliver a simplified and unified message about the impacts of invasive species and how to best prevent and control them, potentially increasing the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of invasive species Extension and outreach programs.

Michael T. Olexa and Christopher Hill

Circular 1139, a multi-part handbook by Michael T. Olexa and Ian Goldfarb, helps Floridians recognize which agricultural and household activities may involve solid and hazardous wastes. It also provides an introduction to the agencies and statutes that govern solid and hazardous waste disposal. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics,  December 2013. 

Michael T. Olexa and Christopher Hill

Circular 1139, a multi-part handbook by Michael T. Olexa and Ian Goldfarb, helps Floridians recognize which agricultural and household activities may involve solid and hazardous wastes. It also provides an introduction to the agencies and statutes that govern solid and hazardous waste disposal. Published by the UF Department of Food and Resource Economics, December 2013.  

Emma Matcham, Lauri M. Baker, Jay Capasso, Osvaldo Gargiulo, Lauren Geiss, Emma Matcham, Kelly T. Morgan, Ricky Telg, andLincoln Zotarelli

This glossary provides clear, unified definitions for terms and is intended to help aid communication with nutrient management professionals across the state, especially when sharing new site-specific nutrient management recommendations. This glossary should help lessen confusion on how the listed terms are defined and interpreted, thereby helping to improve communication within and across disciplines. Written by Lauri Baker, Jay Capasso, Osvaldo Gargiulo, Lauren Geiss, Emma Matcham, Kelly Morgan, Ricky Telg, and Lincoln Zotarelli, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, April 2025.

Emily Caffrey, Joshua Patterson, Ruth Francis-Floyd, and Roy P. E. Yanong

<p>This publication provides information on the status of oyster fisheries and aquaculture in Florida as well as general information about how oysters are grown in agricultural and restoration systems. It then introduces a series of technologies that have been developed in other US states and in other countries, strategies that may have utility in Florida. Finally, it covers some specifics of the permitting process as it relates to oyster aquaculture in Florida.</p>

Michael T. Olexa, Jeffery Van Treese II, and Christopher A. Hill

This information is included in the Handbook of Florida Fence and Property Law, Circular 1242. Of interest to farmers and farmland owners in particular, this handbook is designed to inform property owners of their rights and responsibilities in terms of their duty to fence. Discussed areas include a property owner’s responsibility to fence when livestock is kept on the property, the rights of adjoining landowners to fence, the placement of fences, encroachments, boundary lines, easements, contracts, nuisances, and a landowner’s responsibilities towards persons who enter his property.

Alexander J. Reisinger, Andrea Albertin, Eban Bean, Ashley Smyth, andP. Christopher Wilson

Water quality is a broad term used to describe a range of physical, chemical, and/or biological characteristics of water. Many different factors contribute to water quality. The decision of whether the quality of a given water body is good or bad, whether it is acceptable or unacceptable, varies from place to place and depends on the intended use of that water body. In Florida, water quality criteria have been established for six different types of water bodies, and these criteria vary by the use of each water body type. This publication defines general terminology and approaches used to describe water quality. It is targeted towards individuals who have an interest in water quality issues but may not have training in the specific details of these issues. Ultimately, this publication will allow the reader to have a deeper understanding of specific water quality issues and regulations.