We research and teach about soil, water, and environmental sciences in urban, agricultural, and natural ecosystems. As a university of Florida department within the institute of food and agricultural sciences and the college of agricultural and life sciences, we offer degree, certificate, and extension programs on campus and online. Since our origins, more than 100 years ago, we have made significant contributions to improving the productivity of Florida’s agriculture, helping protect the state's unique ecosystems, and contributing to soil and water science at national and international levels.
IN THE NEWS
UF/IFAS scientists host next ‘STEPS’ toward phosphorus sustainability with national think tank in South Florida
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for food security and human survival, and it is an element that cannot be replenished. That is why using phosphorus efficiently is essential and the focus of a national research effort led by leading scientists across the country to promote phosphorous sustainability. University of Florida scientists
Graduate students win regional awards for nutrient management research
Producers know the importance of proper nutrient management for productive crop development. They also know that the right fertilizer in the right amount, place, and time, along with appropriate water management, should have minimal impact on the environment. Two graduate students in the UF/IFAS department of soil, water, and ecosystem sciences (SWES) took their research on this topic to the recent annual meeting of the Southern Branch of the
Researchers study sustainable options for tomato farming
Two studies on tomato production are giving farmers more sustainable options for fertilizer use and maintaining soil health. UF/IFAS researchers explored the use of controlled-release urea (CRU) compared to conventional soluble urea (U) in one study. The other focused on the impact of standard tomato production on plant and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics. It also examined the effect of N fertilization rates on tomato plants and