Education

UF researchers test volcanic rock dust as a soil health booster for Florida farms

University of Florida scientists are conducting a four-year, USDA-funded study worth nearly $750,000 to evaluate whether spreading basaltic volcanic rock dust can improve soil health and crop productivity across Florida’s varied farmlands. The research targets the state’s nutrient-poor sandy soils as well as highly organic soils, with the goal of reducing dependence on conventional fertilizers. Findings could inform soil management practices in warm, humid agricultural regions throughout the South and in irrigated farming areas nationally.

Sources: UF News