Soil Sciences

Available Languages:

Narrower Topics

Related Topics: Water, Soil Sciences, Field Methods

Publications

Florida's Geological History

Kyle W. Bostick, Shelly A. Johnson, and Martin B. Main

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

The Importance of Sulfur for Florida Agricultural Production

Lakesh K. Sharma, Lincoln Zotarelli, and Christian T. Christensen

Intended for Extension clients, this publication highlights the importance of sulfur in row and vegetable crop production systems in Florida, such as its use in pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, the publication provides insights into the perspective of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on sulfur in naturally occurring aquatic systems. This publication's target audience is agricultural producers, Extension agents, crop consultants, representatives of the fertilizer industry, state and local agencies, students, instructors, researchers, and interested Florida citizens.

Florida Soil Series and Natural Community Associations

G. D. J. LaPierre, N. D. Medina-Irizarry, and M. G. Andreu

Soils often dictate the presence of different types of inherent natural communities. In this project we created a table that relates soil series to natural communities found in Florida. Correlation of soil series and natural communities was performed through the synthesis of land management plans, the Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) documentation of exemplary sites, along with the UC Davis Soil Resource Laboratory Soil Web Survey mapping information system (SoilWeb). The GPS coordinates and conservation site names of the selected locations for said soil series are also recorded in this table. Use of this table can help private landowners, land managers, and researchers detect current and former natural communities on sites.

When to Lime Soil and Liming Products Available in Florida

Lakesh K. Sharma, Hardeep Singh, and Thomas A. Obreza

It is essential to maintain the desired pH of the soil in order to cultivate plants that are robust and prolific. This axiom is true regardless of whether one is growing crops or plants in an agricultural or urban setting. Because it has a direct impact on the availability of essential plant nutrients, soil pH, also noted as the “soil reaction,” is a crucial factor to consider. The internet is rife with misleading information describing the concept of soil acidity and alkalinity as well as how the soil reaction affects plant growth. If you want to change the pH of Florida soil, it is not advisable to use the information found on the internet, as different types of soil require different lime quantities, types, and application techniques. In contrast, some soils may require elemental sulfur application to lower the soil pH. In Florida, recommendations to change soil pH should come from a local expert.