Leading Difficult Conversations Series #3: Creating a Safe Conversation Environment

This publication series is intended for leaders who bear the responsibility of having difficult conversations as part of their professional responsibilities. Earlier in this publication series, the foundational principles of preparing for difficult conversations were established: (1) defining the issue and (2) determining your motive for the conversation. Once those principles are put into practice, the next phase of having a difficult conversation is creating a safe environment for the conversation. Components of creating a safe environment include recognizing a conversation?s content and conditions, understanding the threats to a safe environment, and utilizing skills to overcome threats to restore safety. This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication was written by Christy Chiarelli.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc384

Abundance of Soil Insect Pests in Florida Sugarcane

This 6-page fact sheet written by Ron Cherry, Mabry McCray, Hardev Sandhu, and Michael Karounos and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department is intended to inform sugarcane growers, scouts, pesticide applicators, and researchers about fluctuations of economically important sugarcane pests and implications for the management of those pests.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1313

Insect Management for Onions, Leek, and Garlic

Sweet varieties of bulbing onions, which make bulbs under short day conditions and do not store well, are by far the most common onions grown in Florida. They are generally grown on small acreages in the winter for local and farmers markets. In Hillsborough County and in the Suwannee Valley, strawberry growers are the major producers of onions, many of which are harvested green. This 2-page fact sheet written by Xavier Martini and Susan Webb and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department reviews the management of the two major onion pests in Florida: thrips and seedcorn maggot.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig153

An Introduction to Utilizing Community Leaders to Expand Resiliency Efforts Following a Disaster

In the southeastern United States, many agricultural, vulnerable, and rural communities (AVRCs) must cope with natural disasters regularly. These natural disasters not only harm communities, crops, and livelihoods, but also can negatively impact the mental health of affected individuals, including those living in AVRCs. The purposes of this new 3-page article are to (1) provide tips on identifying specific individuals who could qualify as community leaders and (2) provide details on how partnering with community leaders can be beneficial for mental health communication and outreach. Written by Lisa Lundy, Jacqueline Aenlle, Ricky Telg, Tracy Irani, Angie Lindsey, Ashley Mcleod-Morin, Michaela Kandzer, and Phillip Stokes, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc383

Oyster-Predator Dynamics and Climate Change

Oysters are one of the most important natural resources found in coastal and estuarine areas of Florida, but some Florida oyster populations appear to be declining. One possible driver of oyster population decline is increased mortality from oyster predators, including marine snails. But other environmental factors, such as changes in temperature or salinity, may also affect oysters. This 5-page fact sheet written by Gabrielle Love, Shirley Baker, and Edward V. Camp and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences describes how a changing climate may affect oysters directly but also indirectly by affecting their predators.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa228

Design, Construction, and Installation of a Drainage Lysimeter for Use on Sandy, Well-Drained Soils under Turfgrass

Using lysimeters to collect water quality samples can provide a better understanding of nutrient or other solute migration below the surface, which can inform landscape management for environmental protection. This 6-page publication presents the materials, construction, installation, and management of a specific drainage lysimeter design in a step-by-step format. Written by Jovana Radovanovic, Eban Z. Bean, and Alexander J. Reisinger, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2021.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae554

Lighting and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways: Summary of ASAE Standard S279.18

Agricultural vehicles on public roads can pose risks to their drivers and to drivers of other vehicles. Proper lighting and marking increase visibility of the farm equipment. This 6-page publication summarizes agricultural equipment lighting and marking standards. Written by Serap Gorucu, Charles Brown, and Carol Lehtola, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, revised February 2021.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae175

Pollination of Cucurbita spp. (Squash and Pumpkin) Crops in Florida

Squash and pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) are economically significant crops in Florida with over 7,900 acres in production and an estimated value of $35,412,000. Without insect pollination, however, crop yields for zucchini, crookneck, spaghetti, butternut and the rest of the large and delectable crew of squash and pumpkin species grown in Florida would be low to nonexistent. This 7-page fact sheet written by Rachel E. Mallinger and Oscar E. Liburd and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department explains the pollination biology and requirements for squash and pumpkin, describes the signs and causes of poor pollination, and provides recommendations for improving pollination of these crops in Florida.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1311

Galling Damage to Woody Ornamentals: Diagnosis and Potential Causes

Galling or witch's broom damage on the newly expanding buds and leaves of woody ornamental plants has become increasingly common. Diagnosing this damage can be difficult because the most common causes are obscure or occur well before damage symptoms appear. This 6-page fact sheet written by Adam Dale, Erin Harlow, Carrie Harmon, and Chris Marble and published by the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department is intended to help landscape managers, nursery growers, and pest control professionals diagnose characteristic galling damage, mitigate damage that occurs, and, when possible, prevent it from occurring.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1310

Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agricultural Operation Management: Part III: Best Practices for Efficient Aerial Surveying

With the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in the agricultural domain, ensuring the consistency and completeness of aerial surveys is critical in order to establish repeatability and consistency in data collection activities. This publication covers five main steps to ensure that aerial data collections are repeatable and consistent among missions. It is one of a three-part series focusing on the applications, configuration, and best practices for using UASs in agricultural operations management. Written by Aditya Singh and James Fletcher, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2021.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae553

Nutrition and Irrigation Management for Florida HLB-Affected Trees

To improve production of huanglongbing (HLB) affected trees, nutrition, irrigation, and soil pH should be considered together, because each can influence the efficacy of the others in overcoming the effects of HLB on tree performance. This two-sided poster published by the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department through the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center was written by Tripti Vashisth, Davie Kadyampakeni, and Jamie D. Burrow.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1367

Applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Agricultural Operation Management: Part II: Platforms and Payloads

Unmanned aerial systems (UASs, UAVs, or drones) have emerged as an important tool for farmers, Extension agents, and landowners to map, monitor, and manage their properties. This 5-page publication provides an overview of the primary components of typical UASs to help growers, landowners, and/or Extension agents who want to configure and/or purchase a UAS or sensor system for agricultural operations. This document is one of a three-part series focusing on the applications, configuration, and best practices for using UASs in agricultural operations management. Written by Aditya Singh and James Fletcher, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2021.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae552

Leches a base de plantas: Soya

La leche de soja es una leche vegetal elaborada a partir de semillas de soja (Glicine max). A diferencia de algunas de las leches de origen vegetal que se comercializan recientemente, la leche de soja tiene una larga historia como bebida en todo el mundo y se comercializa en los Estados Unidos durante más de un siglo. Si se ha preguntado cómo se compara con la leche de vaca, esta publicación describe los ingredientes y el contenido de nutrientes de la leche de soja producida comercialmente y sus posibles beneficios y riesgos para la salud.
This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department is the Spanish translation of FSHN20-54/FS422, Plant-Based Milks: Soy, written by Jessica Goldberg, Daniela Rivero-Mendoza, and Wendy J. Dahl.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs430

Soil-Test-Based Phosphorus Recommendations for Commercial Agricultural Production in Florida

This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is intended to address agronomic and environmental issues related to phosphorus (P) dynamics in Florida agricultural soils and soil test P interpretation and management for agricultural crops. This document aims to provide science-based information to agricultural clientele, including commercial producers, small farmers, Extension agents, crop consultants, landscape professionals, representatives of the fertilizer industry, state and local agencies, students and instructors of high schools and colleges, researchers, and interested Florida citizens. Written by Rao Mylavarapu, Yuncong Li, Maria Silveira, Cheryl Mackowiak, and Mabry McCray.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss699

The Facts about Mothballs

Mothballs are widely available for purchase and familiar to many people. However, mothballs are one of the most misused products, and their misuse can cause harmful effects to people or the environment. This new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office will give the basics about what mothballs are, where they can be used, and their status as a pesticide. Written by Brett W. Bultemeier.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi289

Private Wells 101: Bacterial Contamination and Shock Chlorination

Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. This new 4-page EDIS publication is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about their well-water system and understanding how to properly shock, or disinfect, the well if there is evidence of drinking water contamination. Written by Yilin Zhuang and Mary Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss700

Purchasing Car Insurance: What College Students Should Know

Florida law requires drivers to have car insurance that provides financial protection in the event of a mishap. This 4-page publication provides an overview of auto insurance requirements in Florida as well as a glossary of car insurance terms for college students. Written by Nicholas Horvath, Jorge Ruiz-Menjivar, and Sarah M. Ellis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, January 2021.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy1493

Spatial Measurements on USGS Topo Maps

United States Geological Survey topographic maps provide a variety of geospatial measurement tools thanks to their built-in georeferencing capabilities. Georeferencing facilitates display of geographic coordinates and measurement of distances, perimeters, and areas on PDFs using the measure tools built into Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. This 7-page fact sheet written by Hartwig H. Hochmair and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation explains and showcases the use of these geospatial readout functions. It also provides background information about and assistance with estimating point coordinates on the Universal Transverse Mercator grid cast on USGS topographic maps as an optional layer.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr433

Chronic Kidney Disease and Nutrition

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a public health issue within the United States because an estimated 37 million adults or 15% of the population have this disease. CKD is a disease characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function. Early prevention techniques such as a well-balanced diet reduce the progression of this disease. The purpose of this new 6-page article is to provide an overview of CKD and nutritional considerations. Written by Sofia Acevedo, Danielle Aycart, and Jeanette Andrade, and published by the UF/IFAS Food Science and Human Nutrition Department.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs429

Recycling Organic Materials to Improve Your Florida-Friendly Edible Landscape

This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is intended to educate homeowners on environmentally friendly ways to enhance soil fertility for vegetables, herbs, and fruits in the home landscape. It discusses strategies for recycling nutrients in place or via composting systems to create productive edible landscapes with less waste. Adopting these methods into your landscape maintenance routine will build organic matter and add nutrients to the soil naturally. Written by Terra Freeman, Tiare Silvasy, Lynn Barber, Tom Wichman, Esen Momol, Tina McIntyre, Jacqlyn Rivas, and Jen Marvin.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep599