Urban Soils

Gurpal S. Toor, 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. A glossary can also be found at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG457.

Alexander J. Reisinger

Properly disposing of expired or unused medications is an important step towards reducing the prevalence and impacts of prescription drug abuse throughout Florida. In addition to preventing prescription drug abuse, properly disposing of unused medications prevents accidental ingestion and poisoning of children or pets, avoids the potential of accidentally taking the wrong medication, and prevents medications from entering streams, rivers, and wetlands by being poured down the drain. This publication is intended for residents within the state of Florida looking to dispose of unused medication waste in Florida.

Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary G. Lusk, andAshley Smyth

This document describes the urban N cycle for state and county regulatory personnel tasked with developing and implementing nutrient management strategies for water quality protection. Readers of this document would benefit from already having a general understanding of nutrient pollution. Although the material covered here can be fairly complex, this document is intended to provide a more in-depth understanding of the N cycle for a reader with a basic understanding but who is looking for more specific details.

Amy L. Shober, Geoffrey C. Denny, Alexander J. Reisinger, and Eban Z. Bean

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Urban Water

Lakesh K. Sharma, Ravinder Singh, Ayush K. Sharma, and Hardeep Singh

The excitement of watching a seed sprout into a flourishing plant is a joy for all who cultivate their own urban gardens. Many think of soil as a mere support for those plants, a substance that anchors them into the ground. However, soil is a dynamic and life-sustaining medium that nourishes plants. There is a complex ecosystem beneath the soil surface, composed of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and countless microorganisms. Understanding soil fertility is vital to plant growth. This publication is written for individuals tending to lawns, shrubs, trees, or flowers in urban settings. It introduces essential terms of soil fertility, explains the role of soil properties in supporting healthy plants, and familiarizes readers with methods to enhance soil fertility within the context of urban settings. It also serves as a guide to empower non-farmers and urban residents, offering insights into plant nutrient requirements and the principles of effective nutritional care.