Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences

Gabriela Reyes, Ashley Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, andAna Zangroniz

En Florida, el 80 % de los residentes viven entre 10 millas de la costa. Como resultado, los hábitats costales, como los manglares, han sido significativamente alterados por las actividades humanas. Los manglares urbanos son manglares ubicados en ciudades y zonas residenciales. Por lo tanto, los manglares urbanos pueden ser altamente impactados por la actividad humana, pero a la vez siguen proporcionando importantes servicios ecosistémicos, o beneficios para la sociedad. De hecho, por su ubicación, más personas pueden benificiarse de estos manglares urbanos que de los manglares prístinos, que a menudo se encuentren en áreas protegidas. El siguiente documento describe el papel de los mangles en áreas urbanas. Este documento está dirigido a los residentes costales, los gestores de recursos costeros, y los planificadores urbanos que quieren aprender sobre los manglares y su importancia en las ciudades.

Timothy A. Ebert, Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, Daniel L. Stanton, andPhilippe Rolshausen

Building a physical barrier around citrus trees or groves can prevent contact between trees and Asian citrus psyllids, the carrier of the pathogen that causes huanglongbing. This new 4-page article is for growers, scientists, and industries that are interested in this approach to protect citrus from huanglongbing. Written by Timothy A. Ebert, Arnold W. Schumann, Laura Waldo, Daniel Stanton, and Philippe Rolshausen, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences.

Catherine Kaylor, Laura K. Reynolds, Shirley Baker, Angela B. Collins, Leslie Sturmer, andAshley Smyth

Hard clams provide many benefits to Florida’s coastal ecosystems beyond supporting the clam aquaculture industry. One of these benefits is improved water quality through filtration and nutrient cycling. However, both pollution and overharvesting have led to a decline in native clam populations for many areas, resulting in a growing interest among restoration practitioners to rebuild clam populations. There are two clam species native to Florida currently used in restoration: the northern hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, and the southern hard clam, Mercenaria campechiensis. This publication is intended for academics, restoration practitioners, and policy makers interested in shellfish restoration. The goal of this document is to describe the similarities and differences between these two species and to serve as a resource for selecting the best hard clam for a restoration project.

Laura Reynolds, Carrie Reinhardt Adams, Enrique Latimer, Charles W. Martin, Christine Rohal, and Jodi Slater

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Hui-Ling (Sunny) Liao, Ko-Hsuan Chen, Florencia Marcon, Robert (Robbie) Jones, Brittany Justesen, Joseph Walter, Ann Blount, Cheryl Mackowiak, Doug Mayo, and Marcelo Wallau

The beef cattle ranchers in Florida reported some health issues related to cattle grazing on warm-season grass pastures, such as bahiagrass and bermudagrass. The illness was not attributable to nutritional imbalances, or other possible causes. The focus then turned to what the animals were consuming, and forages were implicated. In general, the forages in Florida are just fine, however, sometimes under certain circumstances the fungi that live in our forages may produce “secondary metabolites”. All the forage harbor fungi. Some fungi are good in that they aid our forages to grow better, helping to mine nutrients from the soil or atmosphere. Sometimes they are not so good, like when high levels of ergotized seed occur in the seed heads of bahiagrass.

Lisa Krimsky, Ed Phlips, and Karl Havens

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

George Hochmuth and Ed Hanlon

George Hochmuth and Ed Hanlon

The purpose of this publication is to summarize the historical Florida research literature on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization of sweet corn. This document is not meant to present new fertilization recommendations. The intent of this document is to review literature from all sources that pertains to commercial sweet corn fertilization in Florida's growing conditions.

George Hochmuth and Ed Hanlon

SL-325, a 23-page illustrated fact sheet by George Hochmuth and Ed Hanlon, summarizes the historical Florida research literature on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization of watermelon.

Rao Mylavarapu, Willie Harris, and George Hochmuth

Shouan Zhang, Aaron J. Palmateer, Ken Pernezny, and R. T. McMillan, Jr.

Vimala D. Nair, Willie G. Harris, andDebolina Chakraborty

Sandy soils common in Florida have a low capacity to retain phosphorus (P), increasing the risk of P loss to water resources. This publication presents a practical indicator that combines soil test P with soil P retention properties to better assess the environmental risk of P loss. The indicator helps identify sites where P movement below the root zone is more likely and supports improved fertilizer management decisions. Its use promotes nutrient stewardship while maintaining crop productivity and protecting water quality.

Rao Mylavarapu, Vimala D. Nair, andKelly T. Morgan

Clayton J. Nevins, Sarah L. Strauss, and Patrick Inglett

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Water==

Rishi Prasad, George Hochmuth, and Ann C. Wilkie

Golmar Golmohammadi, Seyed Mostafa Biazar, Rohith Reddy Nedhunuri, andNikolaos Tziolas

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has permeated every aspect of our lives. Water resource management is becoming increasingly important due to the impacts of climate change and human activities. This publication provides examples of how AI can potentially improve the forecasting of water resource variables at both the field and regional levels. The main goal is to introduce new AI techniques for forecasting key environmental factors (climate, soil, water) related to water resources in Florida. The results demonstrate how deep learning models performed consistently well and established their superiority in capturing the temporal dynamics of river discharge and groundwater in the region. The results also show a dramatic groundwater level drawdown in certain areas, which could jeopardize the ability to meet water demands for agricultural purposes. The increase in river discharge and high groundwater levels might be related to flooding in those areas.

Lakesh Sharma andYiannis Ampatzidis

This publication discusses the general concept of site-specific farming, i.e., dividing a farm into several smaller management parcels instead of considering the whole farm as a single unit. This publication provides information on methods available that could be incorporated into the farming system for smart decision-making, for example, varying nutrient applications. The publication also discusses Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) maps, Global Positioning System (GPS) units, yield monitors, and electrical conductivity maps.

Lakesh Sharma, Rishabh Gupta, Lincoln Zotarelli, andGerrit Hoogenboom

Lysimeters are often used in research concerning nutrient leachate all over the globe. However, due to factors such as Florida's high water table (a condition when the water level stays relatively close to the soil surface) in some production areas, the assessment and collection of leachate are not feasible. Another obstacle to the use of lysimeters in field research is the fact that several types of irrigation methods are used in Florida (e.g., subirrigation with seepage or drain-tile, overhead, microsprinkler, and drip irrigation) requiring different strategies for leachate assessment. This publication focuses on the use of crop models as alternatives to estimate nitrate leaching from cropping systems at a field scale. This publication's target audience is growers, extension agents, crop consultants, representatives of the fertilizer industry, state and local agencies, students, instructors, researchers, and interested Florida citizens.

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Nan Xu, Raju Khatiwada, Stewart Swanson, and Chris LaBorde

S. H. Daroub, T. A. Lang, O. A. Diaz, and M. Chen

T. A. Lang, S. H. Daroub, O. A. Diaz, and M. Chen

This EDIS document is one in a series of publications that provide current implementation guidelines for commonly employed BMPs that target the reduction of P loads leaving EAA farms via drainage water. This document is SL-232, a fact sheet of the Soil and Water Science Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date January 2006.

S. H. Daroub, T. A. Lang, R. W. Rice, O. A. Diaz, and M. Chen

S. H. Daroub, T. A. Lang, O. A. Diaz, and M. Chen

C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. Reynolds

This publication reviews the importance of seagrass, major threats to seagrass, and ways in which seagrass species diversity and genetic diversity can positively impact seagrass management and restoration. Written by C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. Reynolds, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, March 2024.

Kanika S. Inglett, Tanumoy Bera, andAnn C. Wilkie

Biofuel can be described as "any fuel made from organic materials or their processing and conversion derivatives" (USEPA 2018). This publication serves as an introduction to biofuels for Extension educators and anyone interested in learning basic terminology, concepts, and impacts of biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuels.

Kira Sorochkina, Clayton J. Nevins, Patrick W. Inglett, and Sarah L. Strauss

Biological soil crusts, or biocrusts, are communities of microorganisms that form on the surface of soils, often found in deserts around the world. However, they can also occur in agroecosystems and potentially contribute nutrients to plants growing nearby. This publication is for those interested in learning more about what biocrusts look like and how they can impact agricultural soils.  

George Hochmuth andRobert Hochmuth
Other Contacts: Eban Bean andClaire Lewis

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Plant Systems

Thomas Obreza andMongi Zekri
Other Contacts: Davie M. Kadyampakeni

Since mineral nutrition is a major factor in maximizing yield of high-quality fruit, understanding the functions of mineral elements, diagnosing nutrient deficiencies, and providing needed fertilizers are essential. This 4-page fact sheet describes and discusses boron (B) and chlorine (Cl) deficiencies, functions, and recommended practices to alleviate nutritional problems.

Yuncong Li

Thomas Obreza andMongi Zekri
Other Contacts: Davie M. Kadyampakeni

Calcium and sulfur are sometimes called secondary nutrients. This term does not mean that these nutrients play a secondary role in citrus plant growth and development. Ca and S are as essential as N, P, K, Mg, and other nutrients for healthy plant growth. An inadequate supply of Ca and/or S can be a major constraint to crop production and quality.

George Hochmuth andEdward Hanlon
Other Contacts: Rao Mylavarapu

Ashley R. Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse IV, Laura K. Reynolds, Edward V. Camp y Karl Havens. Traducido por H. Dail Laughinghouse IV.

Los estuarios económicamente importantes de Florida podrían verse fuertemente afectados por el aumento del nivel del mar y la alteración del flujo de los ríos, ambos causados por el cambio climático. La resultante mayor salinidad o salinidad del agua podría perjudicar plantas y animales, alterar el hábitat de peces y aves y reducir la capacidad de los estuarios para proporcionar servicios tan importantes como la producción de mariscos y la protección de las costas contra la erosión. Esta publicación contiene información para las partes interesadas, estudiantes, científicos y agencias ambientales interesadas en comprender cómo los cambios en la salinidad impactan los estuarios de Florida con estudios de casos específicos.

Maria Silveira, Ed Hanlon, Mariana Azenha, and Hiran M. da Silva

John L. Jackson, Kelly Morgan, and William R. Lusher

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Thomas A. Obreza, Mongi Zekri, and David V. Calvert

Kelly T. Morgan
Other Contacts: Davie M. Kadyampakeni andJamie D. Burrow

Joshua Papacek, Ashley Smyth, Holly Abeels, and Alicia Betancourt

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Climate

Ashley R. Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse, Laura K. Reynolds, Edward V. Camp, and Karl Havens

Florida’s economically important estuaries could be heavily impacted by sea-level rise and altered river flow, both caused by climate change. The resulting higher salinity, or saltiness of the water, could harm plants and animals, alter fish, and bird habitat, and reduce the capacity of estuaries to provide such important services as seafood production and the protection of shorelines from erosion. This publication contains information for stakeholders, students, scientists, and environmental agencies interested in understanding how changes in salinity impact Florida’s estuaries.

George J. Hochmuth and Justin T. Jones

Rao S. Mylavarapu, William d'Angelo, and Nancy Wilkinson

This document is the Commercial Sod Test Form (SL393), one of the Soil Testing Information Sheets (Submission Forms) used by the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory. The sheet provides details about how to collect samples and testing fees. 

G. J. Hochmuth and E. A. Hanlon

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Anthony Halcyon, Mary G. Lusk, and Ann C. Wilkie

This publication explains what happens when stormwater runoff enters constructed environments, its impacts on water bodies, and how individuals can take steps to lower their own stormwater runoff footprint. This guide can increase awareness of ways to reduce each person's role in water quality impairment by stormwater pollution. This publication is intended primarily for urban residential readers and does not focus on agricultural runoff. 

Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, Perseveranca Mungofa, and Chris Oswalt

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

George Hochmuth, Laurie E. Trenholm, Esen A. Momol, Don Rainey, Claire Lewis, andBrian Niemann
Other Contacts: Eban Bean

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Rao Mylavarapu, William D'Angelo, andNancy Wilkinson

This document is the Container Media Test Form (SL134), one of the Soil Testing Information Sheets (Submission Forms) used by the UF/IFAS Extension Soil Testing Laboratory. The sheet provides details about how to collect samples and testing fees. 

Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera, Gurpal S. Toor, y Alexander J. Reisinger

Maia McGuire, Yun-Ya Yang, Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera, Gurpal Toor, andAlexander J. Reisinger

This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil and water scientists, consulting engineers, Extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) provide guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health.

Ignacio A. Rodriguez-Jorquera, Gurpal S. Toor, and Alexander J. Reisinger

This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, Extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health.

Yun-Ya Yang, Gurpal S. Toor, and Alexander J. Reisinger

This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give state and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health.

Yun-Ya Yang, Gurpal Toor, andAlexander J. Reisinger

This publication is part of a series titled Contaminants in the Urban Environment. This series is intended to give State and local government officials, soil scientists, consulting engineers, Extension agents, and citizens (1) a basic understanding of the occurrence, toxic effects, and source of various contaminants in the environment and (2) guidance on ways to protect human and environmental health.

Massimiliano Marvasi, Max Teplitski, y George Hochmuth

Rao Mylavarapu, Kelley Hines, and Tatiana Borisova

Q. Wang, Y. Li, E. A. Hanlon, W. Klassen, T. Olczyk, and I. V. Ezenwa

This document describes the use of major cover crops grown in southern Florida. The intent of this document is to identify promising cover crops adaptable to Florida's climate. Identified cover crops must also contribute to nutrient conservation and improve soil organic matter by incorporation of cover crop biomass. This document also includes discussion of other aspects of cover crop use in the vegetable production systems of south Florida.

Emma Dawson, Davie M. Kadyampakeni, Ramdas Kanissery, Tara Wade, andSarah L. Strauss

Recently, cover crops (CCs) have regained popularity as interest in soil health and agricultural sustainability increases among growers and consumers. However, their use in perennial agroecosystems and within subtropical climates is less common due to the climatic conditions and management practices of perennial systems. The aim of this publication is to provide Extension agents and growers with practical information to help them successfully cultivate CCs in Florida citrus groves. Written by Emma Dawson, Davie Kadyampakeni, Ramdas Kanissery, Tara Wade, and Sarah L. Strauss, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, September 2025.

Vivek Sharma, Charles Barrett, De Broughton, and Thomas Obreza

Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, andChris Oswalt

The Citrus under Protective Screen (CUPS) project is a novel approach to citrus production in protected agriculture environments. To support the CUPS community, including growers, researchers, and Extension agents, a specialized chatbot named CUPSchat has been developed. This article provides an overview of CUPSchat, its features, and ways it differs from mainstream chatbots. Written by Arnold Schumann, Laura Waldo, and Chris Oswalt, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, January 2026.

Suraj Melkani, Noel Manirakiza, Shirley Baker, andJehangir H. Bhadha

Soils have the capacity to function as a sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide and are crucial for climate regulation. Soil have the potential to store around 1.5 to 2.4 trillion metric tons of C in the soil globally. They contain large C pools that can store three times more C than the atmosphere and four times more than plants. These massive C sinks have the potential to reverse soil degradation, mitigate climate change, and enhance food security. It is therefore essential to monitor the C cycle by accurately measuring the amount of soil C in agricultural fields. This can help in developing sustainable management practices that can minimize C emissions and sequester C into the soil from the atmosphere. This publication describes the various current and emerging protocols that can be used to measure soil C.

Khalid Hameed, Van T. Cotter, Hui-Ling Liao, andChih-Ming Hsu

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Plant Systems

M.L. Silveira, J. M. Vendramini, P. J. Hogue and J. F. Selph

Tom Obreza, Ed Hanlon, and Mongi Zekri

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Golmar Golmohammadi, Seyed Mostafa Biazar, andMaxwell Naah

Developed technologies for the desalination of seawater and brackish groundwater supplies have been demonstrated to be technically feasible, economically viable, and reliable; meanwhile, emerging technologies are still in the pilot or small-scale stages. The total installed capacity of desalination plants in the United States has expanded from around 302 million gallons per day (MGD) in 2009 to about 479 MGD in 2022. Florida leads the nation in desalination capacity, having more than 130 desalination plants. Environmental issues related to desalination are a significant factor in designing and implementing desalination technologies. Their projects require an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study to determine how the project can affect the air, land, and marine environments by considering the impact on source water, impact from concentration, issues with desalinated water products, and impact from gas emissions. The EIA also proposes measures to mitigate environmental impacts.

Qiang Zhu, Yuncong Li, Guodong Liu, andMonica Ozores-Hampton

This article describes a convenient method to estimate soil carbonate concentration using vinegar and other simple instruments for growers, Extension agents, and students interested in crop production and enhancing crop yield.

George Hochmuth, Rao Mylavarapu, and Ed Hanlon

Lakesh K. Sharma, Rishabh Khanna, and Hardeep Singh

This publication discusses the general concept of web and mobile application development and provides knowledge and stepwise instructions to develop an application in agricultural systems. The primary audience is researchers, extension personnel, consultants, and students who are interested in developing and using web and mobile applications for decision-making.

Rao Mylavarapu, Edward Hanlon, Cheryl Mackowiak, andMaria L. Silveira

The intent of this document is to record changes in bahiagrass fertilization and liming recommendations from 1990 through 2008, and to summarize efforts of the various work groups and committees.

Rao Mylavarapu, Kelley Hines and Thomas Obreza

SL-279 presents the details of several types of diagnostic tests for nutrient status and management in commercial citrus groves in Florida, as well as sample submission procedures. Includes references and a copy of the sample submission form (in the pdf version).

Alan L. Wright and K. R. Reddy

Amy L. Shober and Alexander J. Reisinger

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Amy L. Shober andAlexander J. Reisinger

SL-280, familiarizes homeowners in the Tampa Bay region with the local sources of drinking water, potential pollution sources, and actions that can protect the quality of the local drinking water supply.

Ashley Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, andEdward V. Camp

The purpose of this new 6-page document is to explain the types of ecosystem services provided by different types of living shorelines and how to quantify these values. The target audience for this document is local governments and municipalities that make decisions about developing, conserving, and restoring living shorelines; state management agencies that oversee broader scale habitat management; and finally, homeowners who will be immediately affected by any of these decisions. Written by Ashley R. Smyth, Laura K. Reynolds, Savanna C. Barry, Natalie C. Stephens, Joshua T. Patterson, and Edward V. Camp and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.

Alexander J. Reisinger, Michael D. Dukes, Basil V. Iannone III, J. Bryan Unruh, and Samuel J. Smidt

Originating from environmental or humans sources, too much nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P) in water bodies can degrade water quality. In an attempt to reduce the contribution of human sources of N and P to local waters, urban fertilizer ordinances have been adopted in at least 35 counties in Florida and 97 additional Florida municipalities. Despite this work, the efficacy of fertilizer ordinances are debated by end users. The purpose of this publication is to summarize a peer-reviewed, scientific article that investigated impacts of fertilizer on long-term water quality trends in Florida lakes (Smidt et al. 2022) and is intended to be used by UF/IFAS Extension faculty and/or regulatory officials considering adopting or modifying an urban fertilizer ordinance. We encourage green industry professionals and concerned community members to share the effectiveness of fertilizer ordinances.

Alan L. Wright

Jehangir H. Bhadha, Alan L. Wright, andGeorge Snyder

This document describes the soils in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) and their gradual change over time. The EAA is an agricultural region south of Lake Okeechobee, Florida, growing primarily sugarcane in rotation with sweet corn, winter vegetables, sod, and rice. The objective is to describe soil losses in the EAA because this region was converted from wetlands to agricultural use, and to illustrate how these changes affect the future of agricultural sustainability in the region.

Alan L. Wright, Edward A. Hanlon, and J. Mabry McCray

Travis W. Shaddox andJerry B. Sartain
Other Contacts: J. Bryan Unruh andMarco Schiavon

George Hochmuth, Ed Hanlon, and Allen Overman

George Hochmuth, Rao Mylavarapu, and Ed Hanlon

Rao S. Mylavarapu, Jacque. W. Breman, William D. Thomas, and Henry E. Jowers

John Hallas, Cheryl Mackowiak, andAnn C. Wilkie

Biosolids are the liquid, semisolid, and solid fractions of the treated waste stream from a domestic wastewater treatment facility (WWTF). On August 29, 2010, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) formally adopted its rule for the management of wastewater biosolids, Chapter 62-640, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C. 2010). This article from the Florida Biosolids series covers applicability of the rule, the intent of Chapter 62-640, F.A.C., land application requirements, biosolids storage, cumulative application limits, setback distances, pH, soil depth, runoff prevention, additional application site restrictions for Class B biosolids, NMPs, and special geographic areas.

John Hallas, Ann C. Wilkie, andCheryl Mackowiak

Biosolids are the liquid, semisolid, and solid fractions of the treated waste stream from a domestic wastewater treatment facility. This article provides an overview of biosolids, biosolids classes, pathogen reduction, vector attraction reduction, and metal contaminants, and also discusses the purpose, applicability, and history of Chapter 62-640, Florida Administrative Code.

Noel Manirakiza, Suraj Melkani, Xue Bai, Yang Lin, andJehangir H. Bhadha

This factsheet highlights four common conservation agricultural practices that can be implemented to limit organic soil loss. Organic soils (Histosol) are the most important soils that play a crucial role in mitigating global warming by acting as a repository for terrestrial carbon. Within south Florida, nearly 450,000 acres of Histosols are at risk from soil loss via oxidation, and growers would like to know the best ways to manage their soils to limit soil loss. Using the USDA-NRCS framework, we have identified four conservation practices—cover cropping, crop rotation, organic amendments, and conservation tillage—that can be implemented to address organic matter loss within the region.

T. W. Shaddox

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial and Homeowner audience(s).

Alan L. Wright and K. R. Reddy

Rao Mylavarapu, Zachary Brym, Luis Monserrate, and Michael J. Mulvaney

Xue Bai, Yuncong Li, Noel Manirakiza, Christine Coffin, and Jehangir H. Bhadha

This factsheet presents a comprehensive overview of Histosols, also known as organic soils, in South Florida, focusing on their distribution, formation, properties, and significance. Histosols cover significant areas in Florida, especially within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), and are pivotal in supporting the region's sugarcane production. Their formation is influenced by organic parent materials, the tropical climate, vegetation types, topography, and time, which together shape their unique chemical, physical, and biological properties. Moreover, this publication reviews past developments and anticipates future changes in Histosol classification and management. By revealing the past, present, and future of Histosols in South Florida, this publication can help improve land management in the region and enhance the understanding of Histosols for audiences including agricultural producers, Extension agents, state and local agencies, decision-makers, researchers, and students.

Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, andArthur G. Hornsby

Drinking water comes from a variety of sources including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. While public water systems are monitored under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, private wells are not regulated. Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. This EDIS publication is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about home water testing. It also serves as a guideline for well owners to understand household drinking water testing and what tests would be appropriate for the situation.

Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura K. Reynolds, andAngela B. Collins

Nitrogen is natural and necessary, yet nitrogen levels above natural levels can cause algal blooms and eutrophication of coastal systems. The purpose of this document is to describe how oysters and oyster reefs remove nitrogen. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is intended for policymakers, environmental organizations, and coastal residents who want to know about oysters' role in improving water quality through nitrogen removal. Written by Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura Reynolds, and Angela Collins.

Rishi Prasad and George Hochmuth

Mary G. Lusk

The purpose of this guide is to provide tips for how to check, maintain, and use your septic system in the days leading up to a hurricane and immediately after any associated flooding. This guide is intended for residents who have a residential septic system connected to their home. Written by Mary G. Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, October 2024.

Mary G. Lusk

Several of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping(TM) (FFL) principles provide guidance on how to reduce the amount of nutrients applied to and mobilized from urban landscapes to water resources. Principle # 7: Recycle Yard Waste and Principle # 9: Protect the Waterfront are two examples from this program that can be important steps towards protecting Florida’s water. The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance on specific actions that you can take to help reduce nutrient inputs to our water, with a focus on the FFL Principles  # 7 and # 9. This publication is intended primarily for urban residents who manage their own landscapes and may also be used by landscaping professionals, homeowner’s associations, and municipal decision makers.

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.

Mary G. Lusk

The purpose of this publication is to provide step-by-step guidance on how to find soil data about a given parcel of land in the Web Soil Survey. This publication can be used by residents, growers, gardeners, construction personnel, landscape managers, septic system installers and inspectors, and many others. Written by Mary G. Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, February 2025.

Tanjila Jesmin, Xue Bai, andJehangir H. Bhadha

Climate change poses significant challenges to Florida's soil health by intensifying erosion, nutrient depletion, compaction, and salinization, which threaten agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events further exacerbate these issues, affecting the diverse soil types across the state. Implementing adaptive soil management strategies, such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, organic amendments, and efficient water management, is essential for building resilience and sustaining productivity. This publication provides valuable insights for farmers, growers, ranchers, crop consultants, researchers, and policymakers to support sustainable soil management in response to climate change.

Rao Mylavarapu

SL-275 highlights the role of phosphorus, interactions with the environment, and its potential impact on water quality. It is intended to serve audiences such as high school students, farmers, and the general public seeking information on the causes and mechanisms of potential phosphorus effects on water quality. Includes references.

Massimiliano Marvasi, Max Teplitski, y George Hochmuth

Lakesh Sharma, Ayush K. Sharma, Andrew V. Ogram, andHardeep Singh

The chemical reduction of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by hydrogen for incorporation into plant tissue is known as N fixation. Along with the carbon, N has a role in maintaining the optimum source and sink ratio, which ensures crop growth and biological yield. N is available in great concentration (˜80%) in the atmosphere in N2 form, but plants cannot absorb or uptake N in N2 form. N fertilizers are available in straight, mixed, and nano and liquid fertilizers. These approaches are not enough, though, to maximize N use efficiency to 100%. A significant amount of nitrogen is still lost in air and water bodies, leading to multiple negative impacts to the environment. Therefore, N fixation through the crop itself is a practical approach to reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen and enhance the sustainability of the food production systems. This publication discusses various methods for BNF and its importance to the sustainability of crop production.

Anthony Halcyon, Mary G. Lusk, andMarco Schiavon

This guide is meant to inform homeowners and landscape personnel about common mistakes to avoid and the importance of using appropriate watering procedures when irrigating turfgrass to further promote the vitality of lawns. Written by Anthony Halcyon, Mary G. Lusk, and Marco Schiavon, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, September 2025.

Mongi Zekri, Thomas Obreza, and Arnold Schumann

Hui-Ling Liao andAdesuwa S. Erhunmwunse

Soil microorganisms, including soil bacteria and fungi, play important roles in pasture systems. They contribute to enhanced soil structure, nutrient cycling, and plant resilience. This publication discusses effects of bahiagrass and rhizoma perennial peanut integration on soil microbial diversity. Written by Hui-Ling Liao and Adesuwa S. Erhunmwunse, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, July 2024.

Adesuwa S. Erhunmwunse, Hui-Ling Liao, andKaile Zhang

Soil microbes play important roles in soil health processes, such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and aggregate stability. Soil testing labs now include microbial analyses, which often come with unfamiliar terms. This publication aims to educate producers, Extension agents, policymakers, and the public on how to interpret these soil microbial results to better understand their implications for soil health and crop production.