Phenotypic landscape of the photosynthetic performance and seed productivity of spinach germplasm under organic conditions - Vijay Joshi The Southern Cover Crop Variety Trial Program - Assessing Regional Adaptation of Cover Crop Varieties Across the Southern US (Year 2) - Virginia Sykes Production of short, medium and long season specialty crops in high-residue, no-till farming systems - Arianna Bozzolo Comparison of Plastic Mulch and Cover Crops - Roller Crimper Systems on Weed Pressure Soil Moisture and Yield in Organic Strawberry Production - Arianna Bozzolo Impacts of Organic Soil Amendments on Hemp Production - Arnab Bhowmik Biomass Source of Biochar and Genetic Background of Tomato Influence Plant Growth and Development and Fruit Quality - Rishikesh Ghogare Nitrogen Utilization from Compost in Organic Strawberries - Mark Kindred Interactions between photoselective plastics and insect pest dynamics in an organic brassica vegetable system -Dilip Nandwani Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation: A Non-chemical Approach to Managing Weeds and Nematodes in Sweetpotato - Simardeep Singh Potential Establishment of Entomopathogenic Fungi as an Endophyte in Citrus Trees Over Time - Joseph Paoli Impact of Biosolid Compost - Madeleine Tenny
The evolving effects of climate change and intensive agricultural practices have adversely affected soil health and crop yields. This necessitates the need to maintain and improve soil health for sustainable food production. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from pyrolysis of biomass is being considered as a novel soil amendment that can potentially restore soil health and improve crop yields. Several studies have reported both positive and negative effects of biochar on crop yields while focusing mainly on one type of biochar and a single plant cultivar. However, the effects of different types of biochar and its interaction with plants with different genetic backgrounds has remained unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the impact of six different biochars on the growth performance and fruit quality of three tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars. The hypotheses that (1) biochars derived from different feedstock sources would produce unique phenotypes in a single cultivar of tomato, and (2) single feedstock-derived biochar would produce different phenotypes in each of the three tomato cultivars were supported by obtained results. This study demonstrated that plant genetic background and biomass source are important variables to consider for using biochar as a soil amendment.
Biosolids, derived from treated sewage sludge, represent a significant resource in sustainable agricultural production, with approximately 70 percent being utilized for land application in the United States. Recognized for their potential as organic fertilizers, biosolids undergo meticulous processing to meet grade AA standards before being blended with locally sourced organic materials, such as woody yard debris, in preparation for municipal distribution. This study delves into the effects of biosolids on soil and seed germination rates using various concentrations ranging from 1% to 7%. Findings reveal that higher concentrations of biosolids in soil significantly delay the germination of lettuce seeds. Through replicated mesocosm experiments at the Southwest Florida Research and Extension Center (SWFREC), UF/IFAS, Immokalee, we evaluate the effects of biosolids on lettuce (Lactuca sativa) growth and physiology. Lettuce was cultivated in 17cm tall pots filled with the soil amendments of biosolids compost in concentrations of 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% (v/v) over a 60-day period. Comprehensive data collection includes measurements of plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthetic gas exchange, leaf area index (LAI), fresh and dry plant biomass, visual ratings, and spectral reflectance data at 340-2500 (nm) with a portable spectroradiometer. Data analysis of weekly and post-harvest collected data analyzed the implications of biosolid usage in agriculture, shedding light on significant effects on crop productivity, soil health, and agricultural sustainability. Keywords: Biosolids, Organic Fertilizer, Soil Contaminants, Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Plant Physiology, Agricultural Systems
