Jul 6, 2021

Cause of soil fertility, nutrient loss in organic soils in EAA eyed

University of Florida scientists have found an explanation for the occurrence of high nutrient loss in the Everglades Agricultural Area. The discovery will help precipitate new approaches to soil fertility and nutrient retention in this highly coveted agricultural land in south Florida.

Highlights

• 

  Nutrient runoff within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is a highly charged concern among farmers, environmental stewards, and scientists that has served as a topic of debate for years.

• The latest study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) shows that activity of archaeal microbes in the organic soils of the EAA is the major cause of nitrification and nitrogen loss
• Scientists will use this information to help pave the way for new approaches to reducing runoff of nitrogen and phosphorus in the EAA.

For high-resolution downloadable photos, please use the following link https://bit.ly/36gS46g .

Willm Martens-Habbena measuring soil microbial activities in a sweet corn field during the study. Photo: Courtesy Willm Martens-Habbena