Skip to main content
UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences logo
Give      University of Florida
Resources
    Toggle Search Form
    GIVE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
    • HOME
    • About Us
          • About Us
          • Mission, Vision & Values
          • History
          • Map and Directions
          • Online Tour
          • Florida Ag Expo
    • Directories
          • Faculty
          • Administrative Staff
          • Research Staff
          • Emeritus Faculty
          • PostDoc Associates
          • Graduate Students
          • Facility Operations
          • Farm Operations
    • Programs
          • Ag Ecomonics
          • Breeding and Genetics
          • Environmental Horticulture
          • Entomology and Nematology
          • Plant Pathology
          • Horticulture
          • Soil and Water Science
          • Center for Artificial Intelligence

         

    • Center for AI
          • Small Fruits
          • Vegetables
          • Ornamental Plants
          • Alternative Crops
    • Plant Clinic
          • Submit Samples
          • Check Results
    • Teaching
          • Plant City Campus
          • Housing at GCREC Balm Campus
          • Gulf Coast PostDoc Association
    • Resources and Information
          • GCREC in the News
          • Publications and Newsletters
          • Employment at GCREC
          • Tomato Genetics Cooperative
          • Center for Land Use Efficiency
          • UF Water Institute

    Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

    Gulf Coast Research and Education Center

    Soil, Water And Ecosystem Sciences

    Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences graduate programs are designed to students teach about soil, water, and environmental sciences in urban, agricultural, and natural ecosystems. We focus on the knowledge that enables better stewardship of water resources so we can protect both the quantity and quality of water available to all people.

    Our key areas of research include:

    • Carbon dynamics and ecosystem services
    • Landscape analysis and modeling
    • Nutrient, pesticides, and waste management
    • Soil, water, and aquifer remediation
    • Wetlands and aquatic ecosystems
    • Best management practices for agriculture


    Explore Our Lab for More Info!

    • Dr. Mary Lusk's Lab


    Student Information 

    Students enrolled in the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences may develop their MS or Ph.D. program in one of the following tracks, with their research project in one or more of the department's key research areas. Each program is tailored to meet the interests of the student and the needs of the student's research program.

    Tracks

    • Soil, Water And Ecosystems Sciences: specialize in sustainable production of agronomic, turf, silviculture, and ornamental crops, with a strong traditional soil science foundation. Ideal for those passionate about agricultural sciences and natural resource management, emphasizing sustainable productivity and water quality.
    • Environmental Science: in this track students can focus on environmental science coursework, tailored for those interested in non-traditional soil science and its impact on surface and groundwater quality.
    • Interdisciplinary Ecology: students can also apply to this major to work with Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences faculty to obtain graduate degrees in the Interdisciplinary Ecology Program through the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

    Our courses are available both in-person and online, providing flexibility for students.

    Additionally, funding and scholarships are available to eligible candidates, offering further opportunities for academic advancement.

    Possible Careers

    • Environmental Scientist: work with industry or government agencies to protect water resources
    • Water Supply Planner: use spatial analysis tools to forecast future water supplies and make plans to ensure sustainable water resources
    • Ecologist: study how people and wildlife interact with water in the environment
    • Extension: work with local stakeholders, including residents, government personnel and non-profit organizations to encourage conservation practices

    Have Questions? 

    P. Chris Wilson, Graduate Coordinator | GraduateCoordinator@ifas.ufl.edu    

    Samira H. Daroub, Distance Education Coordinator | 561-993-1593 or sdaroub@ufl.edu 

    Michael Sink, Academic Support | 352-294-3152 or soils-advising@ifas.ufl.edu 

     


    Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Faculty Members

    Dr. Mary Lusk
    Assistant Professor
    Soil and Water Sciences
    Urban Water Quality
    813-419-6586
    mary.lusk@ufl.edu | Rm. 129

    Dr. Jack Rechcigl
    Center Director/Professor
    Soil and Water Sciences
    813-419-6571
    rechcigl@ufl.edu | Rm. 102

    University of Florida Logo
    Contact

    Feedback
    Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
    14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL 33598
    (813) 419-6670

    Land Grant Mission
    • Teaching
    • Research
    • Extension
    Information
    • Ask IFAS (EDIS)
    • UF/IFAS Experts
    • UF/IFAS Blogs
    • UF/IFAS Bookstore
    Policy
    • Accessible UF
    • EEO Statement
    • IFAS Web Policy
    • SSN & UF Privacy
    • Analytics (Google Privacy)

    © 2025 University of Florida, IFAS Last Modified:Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:17:28 EDT