There are plenty of environmental and economic benefits of composting. It is gaining ground among consumers and industries because it helps keep food and yard debris from landfills thereby cutting methane gas emissions. Compost may also promote soil health and enhance water conservation which may aid plant establishment. Knowing what to include and how to properly [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_38969" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38969" style="width: 371px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-38969" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/08/Compost-Food-300x214.jpg" alt="" width="371" height="265" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38969" class="wp-caption-text">Food and garden clippings make great compost; just mix them with a pitchfork or rake. Courtesy UF/IFAS Photography</figcaption></figure>
There are plenty of environmental and economic benefits of <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/composting">composting</a>.
It is gaining ground among consumers and industries because it helps keep food and yard debris from landfills thereby cutting methane gas emissions. Compost may also promote soil health and enhance water conservation which may aid plant establishment.
Knowing what to include and how to properly maintain a <a href="https://branding.ifas.ufl.edu/downloads/uploads/Infographics/Lawn%20And%20Garden/Compost-Basics.jpg">nutrient-rich compost</a> can be confusing with the mounds of information and myths that permeate the internet and other communication channels.
That’s why leading scientists from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are gathering with industry partners to host Get the Dirt on Compost on September 14. The workshop, offered both in-person and virtual formats, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu">UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center</a> (3205 College Ave., Davie, 33314). Advance registration is required. In-person registration costs $50, includes refreshments and lunch, and the registration to participate virtually is $25. Please use this link to register <a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Funiversityoffloridacompostworkshop.eventbrite.com%2F&amp;data=05%7C01%7Crodriguezl%40ufl.edu%7Cf33008fe92f74e11074808db9dababb0%7C0d4da0f84a314d76ace60a62331e1b84%7C0%7C0%7C638277132864611751%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=tSuP0dK1JpFVyC%2BmSa3oMwT9i4rgzd7c2DFJj%2FJpJ24%3D&amp;reserved=0">https://UniversityofFloridaCompostWorkshop.eventbrite.com</a>.
Get the Dirt on Compost is a one-day workshop for consumers of all skill levels and from various industries including growers, agriculture, and horticulture. It is designed to unravel the mysteries of compost with information based on the latest research. Participants will learn the benefits of composting, what to compost and monitor, the science behind the process, how to use compost for plant nutrition, alternative soilless media, <a href="https://branding.ifas.ufl.edu/downloads/uploads/Infographics/Lawn%20And%20Garden/thumbs/Thumb-What-is-Vermicomposting.jpg">vermicomposting</a> and much more.
<figure id="attachment_38967" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38967" style="width: 240px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-38967 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="240" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/08/Compost-bins-240x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38967" class="wp-caption-text">Compost bins come in all shapes and sizes. Courtesy UF/IFAS Photographer Tyler Jones.</figcaption></figure>
“There are a lot of myths and misinformation about compost. Everyone seems to have a magic formula for the perfect compost that will grow the best plants,” said <a href="https://flrec.ifas.ufl.edu/faculty/dr-mica-mcmillan/">Mica McMillan</a>, a UF/IFAS soil scientist focused on nutrition and water stress of palms and ornamentals and assistant professor in Fort Lauderdale. “Research shows we are trending more toward living sustainably and composting is an avenue for homeowners and growers. Plus, it is easier than most perceive, so come learn the science-based steps from the experts.”
Here are highlights from some of the topics:
<ul>
<li>Compost Basics: A Review </li>
</ul>
Learn the basics of creating, monitoring and evaluating compost products. Experts will discuss compost quality standards and the science behind compost and dive into feedstock selection, utilizing bioassays, and what changes to expect over time.
<ul>
<li>Use of Compost for Containerized Production of Native Ornamentals</li>
</ul>
Learn from case studies that utilized compost to supplement or replace peat-based soilless media to produce ornamentals native to different ecosystems of Florida.
<ul>
<li>Plant Nutrition Considerations for Compost in Soil and Media- A Real World Evaluation</li>
</ul>
Get the facts on the advantages and limitations of compost use in Florida’s landscapes, turf and nurseries. Nutrient contents, pH and longevity factors will also be highlighted.
<ul>
<li>Organics Recycling: Understanding Regulatory and Legislative Landscape around Composting in Florida</li>
</ul>
As an effective recycling tool, composting can address up to 30% of organic waste present in our waste stream. Despite this benefit, local and state regulations can hinder initial composting practices. This session examines existing rules and sheds light on factors that shape and influence them.
<ul>
<li>Kenaf compost as an alternative soilless media </li>
</ul>
Concerns about climate change, the sustainability of peat, supply chain disruptions, and increased freight and substrate costs have led to broader adoption of alternative substrates. Kenaf, a warm-season, annual and fast-growing fiber crop, may provide an alternative soilless media option for Florida&#8217;s commercial growers. Learn the intricacies of producing, composting, and using kenaf.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
###
&nbsp;
ABOUT UF/IFAS 
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
<a href="http://www.ifas.ufl.edu">ifas.ufl.edu</a>  |  <a href="https://twitter.com/UF_IFAS">@UF_IFAS</a>

Food and garden clippings make great compost; just mix them with a pitchfork or rake. Courtesy UF/IFAS Photography
There are plenty of environmental and economic benefits of composting.
It is gaining ground among consumers and industries because it helps keep food and yard debris from landfills thereby cutting methane gas emissions. Compost may also promote soil health and enhance water conservation which may aid plant establishment.
Knowing what to include and how to properly maintain a nutrient-rich compost can be confusing with the mounds of information and myths that permeate the internet and other communication channels.
That’s why leading scientists from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) are gathering with industry partners to host Get the Dirt on Compost on September 14. The workshop, offered both in-person and virtual formats, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (3205 College Ave., Davie, 33314). Advance registration is required. In-person registration costs $50, includes refreshments and lunch, and the registration to participate virtually is $25. Please use this link to register https://UniversityofFloridaCompostWorkshop.eventbrite.com.
Get the Dirt on Compost is a one-day workshop for consumers of all skill levels and from various industries including growers, agriculture, and horticulture. It is designed to unravel the mysteries of compost with information based on the latest research. Participants will learn the benefits of composting, what to compost and monitor, the science behind the process, how to use compost for plant nutrition, alternative soilless media, vermicomposting and much more.
Compost bins come in all shapes and sizes. Courtesy UF/IFAS Photographer Tyler Jones.
“There are a lot of myths and misinformation about compost. Everyone seems to have a magic formula for the perfect compost that will grow the best plants,” said Mica McMillan, a UF/IFAS soil scientist focused on nutrition and water stress of palms and ornamentals and assistant professor in Fort Lauderdale. “Research shows we are trending more toward living sustainably and composting is an avenue for homeowners and growers. Plus, it is easier than most perceive, so come learn the science-based steps from the experts.”
Here are highlights from some of the topics:
Compost Basics: A Review 
Learn the basics of creating, monitoring and evaluating compost products. Experts will discuss compost quality standards and the science behind compost and dive into feedstock selection, utilizing bioassays, and what changes to expect over time.
Use of Compost for Containerized Production of Native Ornamentals
Learn from case studies that utilized compost to supplement or replace peat-based soilless media to produce ornamentals native to different ecosystems of Florida.
Plant Nutrition Considerations for Compost in Soil and Media- A Real World Evaluation
Get the facts on the advantages and limitations of compost use in Florida’s landscapes, turf and nurseries. Nutrient contents, pH and longevity factors will also be highlighted.
Organics Recycling: Understanding Regulatory and Legislative Landscape around Composting in Florida
As an effective recycling tool, composting can address up to 30% of organic waste present in our waste stream. Despite this benefit, local and state regulations can hinder initial composting practices. This session examines existing rules and sheds light on factors that shape and influence them.
Kenaf compost as an alternative soilless media 
Concerns about climate change, the sustainability of peat, supply chain disruptions, and increased freight and substrate costs have led to broader adoption of alternative substrates. Kenaf, a warm-season, annual and fast-growing fiber crop, may provide an alternative soilless media option for Florida’s commercial growers. Learn the intricacies of producing, composting, and using kenaf.
 
 
###
 
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. 
ifas.ufl.edu  |  @UF_IFAS

There are plenty of environmental and economic benefits of composting. It is gaining ground among consumers and industries because it helps keep food and yard debris from landfills thereby cutting methane gas emissions. Compost may also promote soil health and enhance water conservation which may aid plant establishment. Knowing what to include and how to properly […]

September 14: Learn science-based composting basics from UF/IFAS experts, industry leaders at workshop

Sometimes the backbone-less residents of compost piles are strange and unnerving.  However, many invertebrates that work and live in our compost bins are necessary and beneficial to the bottom-line of well-done compost.  Besides things like worms, millipedes, springtails, and earwigs, consider the soldier fly.  This robust, almost wasp-looking fly produces larvae that are often found [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_7687" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7687" style="width: 307px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" class=" wp-image-7687" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2023/05/Hermetia-illucens2-Castner-300x204.jpg" alt="a black insect on a leaf" width="307" height="209" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7687" class="wp-caption-text">An Adult Black Soldier Fly &#8211; photo by J. Castner, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Sometimes the backbone-less residents of compost piles are strange and unnerving.  However, many invertebrates that work and live in our compost bins are necessary and beneficial to the bottom-line of well-done compost.  Besides things like worms, millipedes, springtails, and earwigs, consider the soldier fly.  This robust, almost wasp-looking fly produces larvae that are often found in compost heaps to the benefit of the gardener.  Sort of creepy, the black soldier fly is a definite contributor to the ultimate composting goal – stable, earthy-smelling organic matter.
If you saw adult soldier flies, you might take a step back and think they were wasps just short of an inch long.  Black in color with dark, somewhat metallic-blue wings and white-tipped legs, these soldier flies’ frequent sites that offer moist organic matter of either animal or plant origin.  Besides agricultural areas where soldier flies might encounter manure, they will also seek out compost heaps in residential areas.  A female soldier fly can lay about five-hundred eggs during her lifetime.  The eggs hatch in about four days and the resulting larvae begin to go to work on the organic matter.  The larvae eventually grow to a little over one inch in size during the next fourteen days.  Light brown in color, the larvae are heavily segmented almost giving them a plated or armored appearance.  The pupal stage of this fly is dark brown in color and also appears segmented or plated.
<figure id="attachment_7689" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-7689" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-7689 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="a brown wormlike creature" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/charlotteco/files/2023/05/Hermitia-illucens-puparium-Castner-300x200.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-7689" class="wp-caption-text">Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly &#8211; photo by L. Buss, UF/IFAS</figcaption></figure>
Besides working through your compost pile and turning it into great organic matter, soldier flies are being looked at as recyclers of livestock waste where they transform it into useful organic fertilizer.  Additionally, the resulting larvae can be used as high-quality feed for fish and other animals.  Soldier flies are truly the workhorses in the compost arena.
I often find soldier flies in my compost pile.  So, if you see a soldier fly or find some of their larvae wiggling through your compost, take heart &#8211; they are just doing their job!  There is nothing disgusting or grotesque about them – they are simply curators of your compost and are working for free!  For information on all types of topics related to composting, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension &#8211; Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or <a href="mailto:ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov">ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov</a>  .  Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension">@CharlotteCountyExtension</a> and follow us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ifascharco/">@ifascharco</a>.
Resource: 
Diclaro II, J. W. &amp; Kaufman, P. E. (2018) Black soldier fly.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – Featured Creatures.

An Adult Black Soldier Fly – photo by J. Castner, UF/IFAS
Sometimes the backbone-less residents of compost piles are strange and unnerving.  However, many invertebrates that work and live in our compost bins are necessary and beneficial to the bottom-line of well-done compost.  Besides things like worms, millipedes, springtails, and earwigs, consider the soldier fly.  This robust, almost wasp-looking fly produces larvae that are often found in compost heaps to the benefit of the gardener.  Sort of creepy, the black soldier fly is a definite contributor to the ultimate composting goal – stable, earthy-smelling organic matter.
If you saw adult soldier flies, you might take a step back and think they were wasps just short of an inch long.  Black in color with dark, somewhat metallic-blue wings and white-tipped legs, these soldier flies’ frequent sites that offer moist organic matter of either animal or plant origin.  Besides agricultural areas where soldier flies might encounter manure, they will also seek out compost heaps in residential areas.  A female soldier fly can lay about five-hundred eggs during her lifetime.  The eggs hatch in about four days and the resulting larvae begin to go to work on the organic matter.  The larvae eventually grow to a little over one inch in size during the next fourteen days.  Light brown in color, the larvae are heavily segmented almost giving them a plated or armored appearance.  The pupal stage of this fly is dark brown in color and also appears segmented or plated.
Larvae of the Black Soldier Fly – photo by L. Buss, UF/IFAS
Besides working through your compost pile and turning it into great organic matter, soldier flies are being looked at as recyclers of livestock waste where they transform it into useful organic fertilizer.  Additionally, the resulting larvae can be used as high-quality feed for fish and other animals.  Soldier flies are truly the workhorses in the compost arena.
I often find soldier flies in my compost pile.  So, if you see a soldier fly or find some of their larvae wiggling through your compost, take heart – they are just doing their job!  There is nothing disgusting or grotesque about them – they are simply curators of your compost and are working for free!  For information on all types of topics related to composting, or to ask a question, you can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.  Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension – Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov  .  Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resource:
Diclaro II, J. W. & Kaufman, P. E. (2018) Black soldier fly.  The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS – Featured Creatures.

Sometimes the backbone-less residents of compost piles are strange and unnerving.  However, many invertebrates that work and live in our compost bins are necessary and beneficial to the bottom-line of well-done compost.  Besides things like worms, millipedes, springtails, and earwigs, consider the soldier fly.  This robust, almost wasp-looking fly produces larvae that are often found […]

Curators of compost

UF/IFAS researchers have partnered with award-winning land developers in Central Florida to study the benefits of landscapes that move away from traditional turf lawns and instead incorporate drought-tolerant plants native to Florida. Studying two neighborhoods side-by-side, researchers will be able to scientifically measure the benefits of more sustainable landscapes. The project takes place in two [&#8230;]

<a href="https://ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS</a> researchers have partnered with award-winning land developers in Central Florida to study the benefits of landscapes that move away from traditional turf lawns and instead incorporate drought-tolerant plants native to Florida. Studying two neighborhoods side-by-side, researchers will be able to scientifically measure the benefits of more sustainable landscapes.
The project takes place in two residential neighborhoods, Weslyn Park and Del Webb Sunbridge, within <a href="https://tavistockdevelopment.com/">Tavistock Development Company</a>’s new master-planned community <a href="https://sunbridgefl.com/">Sunbridge</a> and joins partners from across the state. Scientists hope to quantify the costs and benefits of these unique landscapes and analyze impacts to water conservation, water quality, reduction of fertilizer and pesticides, benefits to wildlife, and more. The research sites will provide data to validate shifting future communities toward a similar economical and environmentally responsible model.
<figure id="attachment_37071" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-37071" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-37071 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/04/FrWUENOaEAAeg5b-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37071" class="wp-caption-text">A native plant-focused design within the Sunbridge neighborhood.</figcaption></figure>
At full buildout, Sunbridge will include more than 30,000 homes. The project is currently laying the groundwork in its first phase of development with several research sites, including a planting at Sunbridge’s welcome center, Basecamp, and various model home landscapes in the community’s newest neighborhood, Weslyn Park. The applied research project will compare the unique drought-tolerant and native-plant focused designs with conventional landscapes just across the street, in the community’s more established Del Webb Sunbridge neighborhood.
<figure id="attachment_37073" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-37073" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-37073 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="225" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/files/2023/04/FrWUFE5acAIUH8b-300x225.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37073" class="wp-caption-text">A traditional landscape in the neighboring community, also part of the research project to compare to the reimagined, native landscapes.</figcaption></figure>
“We wouldn’t be able to do this if the developments were far apart,” said Basil Iannone, UF/IFAS urban ecology assistant professor. “Both communities are in similar environmental conditions, so we can do a side-by-side comparison that we’ve never done before. It allows us to learn so much about how these two different landscapes interact with the environment.”
This alternative landscape design is estimated to save 39,000 to 146,300 gallons of water per day through reduced irrigation and is estimated to reduce nitrogen use by 3,000 to 9,000 pounds per year. These numbers only include the first 300 homes and represent a significant reduction in chemical applications over current landscape practices.
These estimates are calculated using UF/IFAS irrigation and fertilization recommendations for common turfgrass yards and the average landscaped areas of the lots in the community.
&#8220;Water conservation and water-quality protection are foundational aspects of the commitment to sustainability in Sunbridge,” said Richard Levey, Chair of the Sunbridge Stewardship District. “Tavistock has partnered with UF/IFAS and University of Central Florida scientists to create a living laboratory to test how sustainable landscape practices significantly reduce water for irrigation, improve the quality of stormwater runoff and enhance the ecology of Sunbridge. The findings of these studies could have far-reaching implications to improve land-development practices throughout the state.&#8221;
Advancement of environmental research and practices are part of a broader effort known as the <a href="https://sunbridgefl.com/sunbridge-to-develop-region-wide-environmental-stewardship-plan/">Sunbridge Stewardship Plan</a>. The plan includes partnerships with UF/IFAS Extension in Lake and Osceola counties, UCF, Cherrylake, LifeSoils, the Sunbridge Stewardship District, and The Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter to develop custom, data-driven programs that prioritize the natural world and native ecosystems in Sunbridge, which encompasses 27,000 acres across Orange and Osceola Counties.
In one of the first research projects in the neighborhood, scientists examine soil fertility by testing the benefits of adding compost to soils before planting as well as stretching the amount of time the plants can go without water.
“The soil condition is really poor after development, it’s like growing something on concrete,” said Iannone.
Preliminary findings show that a little compost can go a long way. The research is still preliminary but shows the plants in composted soil are healthier. This brings more than just curb appeal.
“A healthier plant means more flowers. More flowers mean more pollinators,” Iannone said. “If you improve soil and growing conditions, you have a healthier plant, which will attract more wildlife. Treating our soil better helps plants establish better and provide more resources for wildlife more effectively. It makes total sense, but it is not something being done.”
In the future, scientists will learn more about the water-quality impacts of the different sites. They will test runoff from both conventional and modified landscapes and examine the nutrients present.
“The partnership between so many organizations coming together is what makes this research possible,” said Iannone. “We couldn’t do this without so many strong collaborators.”
The Sunbridge Stewardship Plan aims to protect the natural ecosystem of the region by improving five key areas: water quality preservation, water resource conservation, renewable energy and efficiency, ecological preservation and community engagement. The research and standards being implemented in Sunbridge during these early development stages ensure the region’s natural environment is protected for future generations.

UF/IFAS researchers have partnered with award-winning land developers in Central Florida to study the benefits of landscapes that move away from traditional turf lawns and instead incorporate drought-tolerant plants native to Florida. Studying two neighborhoods side-by-side, researchers will be able to scientifically measure the benefits of more sustainable landscapes.
The project takes place in two residential neighborhoods, Weslyn Park and Del Webb Sunbridge, within Tavistock Development Company’s new master-planned community Sunbridge and joins partners from across the state. Scientists hope to quantify the costs and benefits of these unique landscapes and analyze impacts to water conservation, water quality, reduction of fertilizer and pesticides, benefits to wildlife, and more. The research sites will provide data to validate shifting future communities toward a similar economical and environmentally responsible model.
A native plant-focused design within the Sunbridge neighborhood.
At full buildout, Sunbridge will include more than 30,000 homes. The project is currently laying the groundwork in its first phase of development with several research sites, including a planting at Sunbridge’s welcome center, Basecamp, and various model home landscapes in the community’s newest neighborhood, Weslyn Park. The applied research project will compare the unique drought-tolerant and native-plant focused designs with conventional landscapes just across the street, in the community’s more established Del Webb Sunbridge neighborhood.
A traditional landscape in the neighboring community, also part of the research project to compare to the reimagined, native landscapes.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this if the developments were far apart,” said Basil Iannone, UF/IFAS urban ecology assistant professor. “Both communities are in similar environmental conditions, so we can do a side-by-side comparison that we’ve never done before. It allows us to learn so much about how these two different landscapes interact with the environment.”
This alternative landscape design is estimated to save 39,000 to 146,300 gallons of water per day through reduced irrigation and is estimated to reduce nitrogen use by 3,000 to 9,000 pounds per year. These numbers only include the first 300 homes and represent a significant reduction in chemical applications over current landscape practices.
These estimates are calculated using UF/IFAS irrigation and fertilization recommendations for common turfgrass yards and the average landscaped areas of the lots in the community.
“Water conservation and water-quality protection are foundational aspects of the commitment to sustainability in Sunbridge,” said Richard Levey, Chair of the Sunbridge Stewardship District. “Tavistock has partnered with UF/IFAS and University of Central Florida scientists to create a living laboratory to test how sustainable landscape practices significantly reduce water for irrigation, improve the quality of stormwater runoff and enhance the ecology of Sunbridge. The findings of these studies could have far-reaching implications to improve land-development practices throughout the state.”
Advancement of environmental research and practices are part of a broader effort known as the Sunbridge Stewardship Plan. The plan includes partnerships with UF/IFAS Extension in Lake and Osceola counties, UCF, Cherrylake, LifeSoils, the Sunbridge Stewardship District, and The Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter to develop custom, data-driven programs that prioritize the natural world and native ecosystems in Sunbridge, which encompasses 27,000 acres across Orange and Osceola Counties.
In one of the first research projects in the neighborhood, scientists examine soil fertility by testing the benefits of adding compost to soils before planting as well as stretching the amount of time the plants can go without water.
“The soil condition is really poor after development, it’s like growing something on concrete,” said Iannone.
Preliminary findings show that a little compost can go a long way. The research is still preliminary but shows the plants in composted soil are healthier. This brings more than just curb appeal.
“A healthier plant means more flowers. More flowers mean more pollinators,” Iannone said. “If you improve soil and growing conditions, you have a healthier plant, which will attract more wildlife. Treating our soil better helps plants establish better and provide more resources for wildlife more effectively. It makes total sense, but it is not something being done.”
In the future, scientists will learn more about the water-quality impacts of the different sites. They will test runoff from both conventional and modified landscapes and examine the nutrients present.
“The partnership between so many organizations coming together is what makes this research possible,” said Iannone. “We couldn’t do this without so many strong collaborators.”
The Sunbridge Stewardship Plan aims to protect the natural ecosystem of the region by improving five key areas: water quality preservation, water resource conservation, renewable energy and efficiency, ecological preservation and community engagement. The research and standards being implemented in Sunbridge during these early development stages ensure the region’s natural environment is protected for future generations.

UF/IFAS researchers have partnered with award-winning land developers in Central Florida to study the benefits of landscapes that move away from traditional turf lawns and instead incorporate drought-tolerant plants native to Florida. Studying two neighborhoods side-by-side, researchers will be able to scientifically measure the benefits of more sustainable landscapes. The project takes place in two […]

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Curators of compost

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