IN THE NEWS  

World Soil Day 2025

How the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences help students grow careers This blog post is republished from the UF Career Connections Center "Career Hub." Every year on Dec. 5, World Soil Day is a reminder that life begins with the ground beneath us. Soil grows our food, filters our water, stores carbon and supports thriving ecosystems and communities. For some UF students and alumni, soil is more

Finding the Right Nitrogen Rate for Sustainable Bamboo Production in Florida

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

The Hidden Work of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture and Forests

Mycorrhizal fungi play an often unseen but vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. These small, subterranean powerhouses sustain both agricultural productivity and forest resilience through their partnerships with plants. Two recent UF/IFAS Extension publications bring new attention to how this component of soil microbiology directly informs land management. Additionally, these EDIS documents detail how mycorrhizal fungi can enhance

UPCOMING EVENTS  

  • Biogeochemistry