Sarah L. Strauss
0000-0001-7494-5320

Specialist

associate professor, soil microbiology, Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee, FL

SWES Profile

Publications

Cover Crops for Florida Citrus: Practical Considerations and Their Impact on Soil Microbes

Emma Dawson, Davie Kadyampakeni, Ramdas Kanissery, Tara Wade, and Sarah L. Strauss

Recently, cover crops (CCs) have regained popularity as interest in soil health and agricultural sustainability increases among growers and consumers. However, their use in perennial agroecosystems and within subtropical climates is less common due to the climatic conditions and management practices of perennial systems. The aim of this publication is to provide Extension agents and growers with practical information to help them successfully cultivate CCs in Florida citrus groves. Written by Emma Dawson, Davie Kadyampakeni, Ramdas Kanissery, Tara Wade, and Sarah L. Strauss, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, September 2025.

2025–2026 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Root Health Management

Davie M. Kadyampakeni, Kelly T. Morgan, and Sarah L. Strauss

2025–2026 Florida Citrus Production Guide

An Overview of Key Soil Nitrogen Cycling Transformations

Clayton J. Nevins, Sarah L. Strauss, and Patrick Inglett

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Water==

Biological Soil Crusts in Agroecosystems

Kira Sorochkina, Clayton J. Nevins, Patrick W. Inglett, and Sarah L. Strauss

Biological soil crusts, or biocrusts, are communities of microorganisms that form on the surface of soils, often found in deserts around the world. However, they can also occur in agroecosystems and potentially contribute nutrients to plants growing nearby. This publication is for those interested in learning more about what biocrusts look like and how they can impact agricultural soils.

Costs of Using Cover Crops in Citrus Production, 2022–23

Tara Wade, Shourish Chakravarty, and Sarah Strauss

This publication presents the results from a static one-year cost analysis assessing the viability of planting cover crops in citrus row middles in a Florida grove to determine whether implementing them will be economically feasible for citrus growers. The authors developed a partial budget for cover crops in a typical Florida orange grove, calculating breakeven prices for oranges in terms of price per box (equivalent to 90 lbs of oranges) and price per pounds solids (amount of soluble solids per box of oranges). We also incorporated additional net costs for citrus grove cover crops across historical yield and quality scenarios. Given that cover crops are effective in improving soil quality and suppressing weed growth and have short-term savings in the form of reduced mowing, we believe that the results from our study will benefit citrus growers considering planting cover crops in their grove row middles.

Sarah L. Strauss 0000-0001-7494-5320