UF IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences

UF IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences We are a University of Florida department within IFAS and CALS offering degree, certificate and exte or Ph.D.

We research, teach and learn about soil, water and environmental sciences in urban, agricultural and natural ecosystems. As a University of Florida department within IFAS and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), we offer degree, certificate and extension programs on campus and online (http://soils.ifas.ufl.edu/). UF/IFAS is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developin

g knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible. The Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences' expertise and programs are focused on several key areas in soil, water and environmental sciences, including carbon dynamics and ecosystem services; landscape analysis and modeling; nutrient, pesticide and waste management; soil, water and aquifer remediation; and wetlands and aquatic systems. We integrate research, teaching and extension programs in each of those areas. While our main location is McCarty Hall on the Gainesville campus, Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences faculty and programs are located at IFAS Research and Education Centers throughout the state. We offer the following degree and certificate programs:
• B.S. in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences with specialization in Soil Science or Water Science
• B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Minor in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences
• Combined BS/MS degree program
• M.S. in Soil and Water Science or Environmental Science (with optional interdisciplinary concentrations in Agroecology (MS), Climate Science, Geographic Information Systems, Global Systems Agroecology (PhD), Hydrologic Sciences, Tropical Conservation and Development, or Wetland Sciences)
• Graduate Certificates in Biodegradation and Bioremediation; Fertilizer Science and Technology; Soil Ecosystem Services; Soil, Water, and Public Health; Sustainable Agroecosystems; Sustainable Land Resource and Nutrient Management; and Wetland and Water Resource Management

Many of these programs are also available online:
• B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources
• M.S. in Soil and Water Science, Agroecology Concentration
• M.S. in Soil and Water Science, Environmental Science track
• Graduate Certificates in Biodegradation and Bioremediation; Fertilizer Science and Technology; Soil Ecosystem Services; Soil, Water, and Public Health; Sustainable Agroecosystems; Sustainable Land Resource and Nutrient Management; and Wetland and Water Resource Management

Disclaimer:
The University of Florida Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES) intends to educate, inform and provide updated information on the department's activities and to support and promote the department's objectives for these activities through its social media account. All of the department's comments are made by SWES designees. The University of Florida welcomes your comments on our social media posts and encourages interaction among Gators around the world. We also encourage our community to foster respectful and vibrant online connections. Before you post, please consider the UF Core Values and review these UF Community Commenting Guidelines (“Guidelines”). We review all comments made, and when necessary, we reserve the right to remove comments that are:
– Off-topic
– Containing links to third-party websites or content
– Made in violation of Florida or federal law
Comments made by outside users are the authors’ opinions, not the university’s. By posting a comment on our social media pages, you agree to follow the University of Florida Community Commenting Guidelines, host social media channel Terms of Service, Florida, federal law, and UF regulations and policies – including but not limited to the university’s Acceptable Use of Computing Resources Policy. Your comments may be removed if they violate these Guidelines.

  2026 reminds us that protecting our blue planet takes science, restoration, and community action.UF IFAS Department of...
06/08/2026

2026 reminds us that protecting our blue planet takes science, restoration, and community action.

UF IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences faculty are contributing through seagrass conservation research, marine debris removal, oyster reef restoration, clam restoration in the Indian River Lagoon, and efforts to improve water quality and ecosystem resilience.

Learn how SWES faculty are helping protect the coastal and marine ecosystems that support biodiversity, fisheries, and healthy communities.

On World Ocean Day, learn how UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences faculty contribute to strong marine protected areas.

What’s happening beneath the soil surface can determine everything from crop productivity to water quality.A new study s...
06/05/2026

What’s happening beneath the soil surface can determine everything from crop productivity to water quality.

A new study shows how AI soil imaging can rapidly analyze microscopic soil structures directly in the field, providing unprecedented insight into water movement, nutrient cycling, root development and soil health.

The research combines artificial intelligence, high-resolution imaging and advanced soil sensing technology to support more sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and precision management practices.

The project also highlights a successful collaboration between UF IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences researchers and LandScan.AI, the company behind the Digital Soil Core™ technology used in the study.

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/2026/06/05/ai-soil-imaging/

AI soil imaging is transforming soil science, precision agriculture and environmental conservation through real-time subsurface analysis.

A simple change in irrigation technology could dramatically reduce groundwater contamination risk in Florida strawberry ...
05/29/2026

A simple change in irrigation technology could dramatically reduce groundwater contamination risk in Florida strawberry production -- and beyond, including citrus, vegetables, and other specialty crops grown on sandy soils.

UF/IFAS research shows how micro-sprinkler irrigation systems could reduce Florida groundwater contamination, improve water-use efficiency.

Congratulations, Dr. Davie!
05/28/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Davie!

05/27/2026

That’s a wrap on Season 4 of the SWCS Student Professional Development Series!

This spring, students and early-career conservationists joined SWCS and MANRRS for a 6-part Career Development Workshop. Sessions focused on:
- Professional branding
- Networking
- Career planning
- Identifying strengths and opportunities
- Building a future in conservation

Thank you to everyone who participated, shared insights, and helped make this season such a success, especially our presenter Brandon Bell!

Missed a session or want to revisit the series? All recordings are available on-demand at https://www.swcs.org/studentevents.

Congratulations to Dr. Ann Wilkie on receiving the 2026 CUR Catalyst Award!For more than 15 years, Wilkie has mentored u...
05/22/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Ann Wilkie on receiving the 2026 CUR Catalyst Award!

For more than 15 years, Wilkie has mentored undergraduate researchers at UF, helping students build confidence, think critically and gain hands-on experience in science through experiential learning.

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/swsdept/2026/05/21/catalyst-award/

Lovebugs aren’t just windshield splatter. Their larvae help decompose dead plant material and recycle nutrients back int...
05/20/2026

Lovebugs aren’t just windshield splatter.

Their larvae help decompose dead plant material and recycle nutrients back into the soil, improving soil health and supporting healthy plant growth.

Tiny insects, important ecosystem service!

Learn more: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN694

📷 gail hampshire

Phew, Florida summers are sizzling — and UF IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center experts predict more scorchi...
05/19/2026

Phew, Florida summers are sizzling — and UF IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center experts predict more scorching days in the next 100 years.

More on this UF IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences study and how it may impact our food supply 🔗 go.ufl.edu/8wqnqa1

🎣🦀 Summer sampling is in full swing for Fish & Crab Stable Isotope Surveys!Our team is out collecting tissue samples fro...
05/19/2026

🎣🦀 Summer sampling is in full swing for Fish & Crab Stable Isotope Surveys!

Our team is out collecting tissue samples from pinfish, grunts, crabs, and more using traps, sleds, and hook-and-line, aiming for catch-and-release whenever possible. These small muscle samples will help us better understand who is eating whom and from which habitats through stable isotope analysis.

📸 Pictured is NCBS senior post-doc, Enie Hensel, along with affiliate OPS Biologist Siyah Younge from UF IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences.

This work is part of the Springs Coast Ecosystem Condition and Biodiversity Monitoring Network, funded by the Florida RESTORE 3b subaward under Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Kate Suchanec. Funding from FDEP supports UF to carry out monitoring programs within NCAP, which is managed by FDEP. The views and statements expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Florida or any of their sub-agencies. Learn more about Florida's Aquatic Preserve Program at https://floridadep.gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve.

Shout out to Dr. Mark Clark and the UF IFAS Wetland Biogeochemistry Lab, along with several Gator Corps members, and UF ...
05/19/2026

Shout out to Dr. Mark Clark and the UF IFAS Wetland Biogeochemistry Lab, along with several Gator Corps members, and UF undergraduate students who joined in at the 2025 Coastal Cleanup - Cedar Key. 💪🗑

This team tackled hard-to-reach spots by canoe, hauling leftover debris from Hurricane Helene out of the mangroves and marshes.

Thank you for the hard work! 💙🌊

Address

1692 McCarty Drive, 2181 McCarty Hall A
Gainesville, FL
32611

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+13522943151

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