IN THE NEWS  

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

New chair chosen for Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences – from tropical Hawaii to sunny Florida

An expert in soil ecology and biogeochemistry at the University of Hawaii-Manoa has been named chair of the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) at the University of Florida. Susan Crow, a professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at UH-Manoa, will lead SWES. Rob Gilbert, dean for research and executive director for academic affairs at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural

Cover Crops in Sandy Soil: Legumes and Grasses Differ in Nitrogen Cycling

Florida’s sandy soils typically have low organic matter and high permeability. That means a greater risk of nutrient leaching before a plant or tree can use what it needs. Cover crops are an option for improving soil fertility because they can capture more nutrients during the fallow period and reduce  leaching. A new study from UF/IFAS scientists examines how different cover crops impact nitrogen in Florida’s unique climate and

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