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The purpose of this guide is to provide tips for how to check, maintain, and use your septic system in the days leading up to a hurricane and immediately after any associ­ated flooding. This guide is intended for residents who have a residential septic system connected to their home. Written by Mary G. Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, October 2024.

This publication addresses some of the most frequent questions that residents ask regarding the function and maintenance of their stormwater ponds. Written by Ange Asanzi, Miranda Carver Martin, Michelle Atkinson, Chamoda P. D. Dissanayake Mudiyanselage, Basil V. Iannone III, Eban Bean, Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary Lusk, Dail Laughinghouse, and Paul Monaghan, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2024.

This publication addresses some of the most frequent questions that residents ask regarding the function and maintenance of their stormwater ponds. Written by Ange Asanzi, Miranda Carver Martin, Michelle Atkinson, Chamoda P. D. Dissanayake Mudiyanselage, Basil V. Iannone III, Eban Bean, Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary Lusk, Dail Laughinghouse, and Paul Monaghan, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, August 2024.

Este documento está dirigido a los residentes de Florida que dependen de pozos privados para su suministro de agua potable. El propósito educar a los propietarios de pozos sobre los riesgos de contaminación bacteriana, particularmente después de eventos de inundación, y proporcionar una guía detallada para realizar una cloración de choque efectiva. La cloración de choque es un método crucial para desinfectar pozos contaminados y asegurar la potabilidad del agua. Además, se ofrecen recomendaciones sobre el uso correcto de cloro, la importancia de pruebas de laboratorio post-desinfección, y consideraciones sobre la posible necesidad de sistemas de desinfección continuos en casos de contaminación persistente.

The purpose of this publication is to explain how septic systems may be affected by floods from hurricanes and other storms and/or by climate change (sea-level rise) that raises the level of the groundwater under septic system soils. Written by Mary G. Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, November 2023.

The purpose of this publication is to explain how septic systems may be affected by floods from hurricanes and other storms and/or by climate change (sea-level rise) that raises the level of the groundwater under septic system soils. Written by Mary G. Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, November 2023.

Several of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) principles provide guidance on how to reduce the amount of nutrients applied to and mobilized from urban landscapes to water resources. Principle # 7: Recycle Yard Waste and Principle # 9: Protect the Waterfront are two examples from this program that can be important steps towards protecting Florida’s water. The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance on specific actions that you can take to help reduce nutrient inputs to our water, with a focus on the FFL Principles # 7 and # 9. This publication is intended primarily for urban residents who manage their own landscapes and may also be used by landscaping professionals, homeowner’s associations, and municipal decision makers.

Several of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) principles provide guidance on how to reduce the amount of nutrients applied to and mobilized from urban landscapes to water resources. Principle # 7: Recycle Yard Waste and Principle # 9: Protect the Waterfront are two examples from this program that can be important steps towards protecting Florida’s water. The purpose of this publication is to provide guidance on specific actions that you can take to help reduce nutrient inputs to our water, with a focus on the FFL Principles # 7 and # 9. This publication is intended primarily for urban residents who manage their own landscapes and may also be used by landscaping professionals, homeowner’s associations, and municipal decision makers.

This publication explains what happens when stormwater runoff enters constructed environments, its impacts on water bodies, and how individuals can take steps to lower their own stormwater runoff footprint. This guide can increase awareness of ways to reduce each person's role in water quality impairment by stormwater pollution. This publication is intended primarily for urban residential readers and does not focus on agricultural runoff.

This publication explains what happens when stormwater runoff enters constructed environments, its impacts on water bodies, and how individuals can take steps to lower their own stormwater runoff footprint. This guide can increase awareness of ways to reduce each person's role in water quality impairment by stormwater pollution. This publication is intended primarily for urban residential readers and does not focus on agricultural runoff.

This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is the second in a two-part series on composting horse manure on small farms. The purpose of this article is to share some how-to tips on building and managing manure compost bins. This article is intended for noncommercial horse owners. Written by Erika Sakers, Mary G. Lusk, Carissa Wickens, and Caitlin Bainum. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss710

The purpose of this new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is to present the benefits of composting horse manure on small farms and to provide guidance on how to implement manure composting. This article, the first in a two-part series, is intended for recreational horse enthusiasts managing equine on small (

This new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is the second in a two-part series on composting horse manure on small farms. The purpose of this article is to share some how-to tips on building and managing manure compost bins. This article is intended for noncommercial horse owners. Written by Erika Sakers, Mary G. Lusk, Carissa Wickens, and Caitlin Bainum. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss710

The purpose of this new 5-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is to present the benefits of composting horse manure on small farms and to provide guidance on how to implement manure composting. This article, the first in a two-part series, is intended for recreational horse enthusiasts managing equine on small (

The purpose of this article is to present some sound recommendations, known as best management practices (BMPs), for irrigating lawns and other green spaces with reclaimed water (RW). These BMPs are for homeowners and landscaping professionals who use RW to irrigate home lawns or other irrigated green spaces in urban landscapes. Written by Mary G. Lusk and Don Rainey and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences; 4 pages.

The purpose of this article is to present some sound recommendations, known as best management practices (BMPs), for irrigating lawns and other green spaces with reclaimed water (RW). These BMPs are for homeowners and landscaping professionals who use RW to irrigate home lawns or other irrigated green spaces in urban landscapes. Written by Mary G. Lusk and Don Rainey and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences; 4 pages.

Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. This new 4-page EDIS publication is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about their well-water system and understanding how to properly shock, or disinfect, the well if there is evidence of drinking water contamination. Written by Yilin Zhuang and Mary Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss700

Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. This new 4-page EDIS publication is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about their well-water system and understanding how to properly shock, or disinfect, the well if there is evidence of drinking water contamination. Written by Yilin Zhuang and Mary Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss700

Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. This new 4-page EDIS publication is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about their well-water system and understanding how to properly shock, or disinfect, the well if there is evidence of drinking water contamination. Written by Yilin Zhuang and Mary Lusk, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss700

This new 13-page article combines canopy coverage data from all of Florida's metropolitan and micropolitan areas with ecological models developed by the USDA Forest Service to calculate several key benefits of urban trees and an approximation of their monetary value. Benefits of urban trees include carbon sequestration/storage, air pollution filtration, and stormwater mitigation. Written by Drew C. McLean, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, Shawn Landry, Amr Abd-Elrahman, Katie Britt, Mary Lusk, Michael G. Andreu, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep595

This new 13-page article combines canopy coverage data from all of Florida's metropolitan and micropolitan areas with ecological models developed by the USDA Forest Service to calculate several key benefits of urban trees and an approximation of their monetary value. Benefits of urban trees include carbon sequestration/storage, air pollution filtration, and stormwater mitigation. Written by Drew C. McLean, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, Shawn Landry, Amr Abd-Elrahman, Katie Britt, Mary Lusk, Michael G. Andreu, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep595

This new 13-page article combines canopy coverage data from all of Florida's metropolitan and micropolitan areas with ecological models developed by the USDA Forest Service to calculate several key benefits of urban trees and an approximation of their monetary value. Benefits of urban trees include carbon sequestration/storage, air pollution filtration, and stormwater mitigation. Written by Drew C. McLean, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, Shawn Landry, Amr Abd-Elrahman, Katie Britt, Mary Lusk, Michael G. Andreu, and Robert J. Northrop, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep595

Wastewater carries pathogens, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and trace organic chemicals that may be harmful to human health and ecosystem functioning. Thus, proper treatment of wastewater is crucial. While septic systems can be one means of effective wastewater treatment, there are some special considerations for their use in Florida because of unique geography and sandy soils. The purpose of this new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to explain the basics of how septic systems work and how they can affect springs water quality in Florida, with a special emphasis on potential N loading from septic systems. This document is intended for homeowners, the general public, and county, city, and other local personnel tasked with managing water quality in areas with septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Andrea Albertin, Whitney Elmore, William Lester, and James Moll. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss693

Wastewater carries pathogens, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and trace organic chemicals that may be harmful to human health and ecosystem functioning. Thus, proper treatment of wastewater is crucial. While septic systems can be one means of effective wastewater treatment, there are some special considerations for their use in Florida because of unique geography and sandy soils. The purpose of this new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to explain the basics of how septic systems work and how they can affect springs water quality in Florida, with a special emphasis on potential N loading from septic systems. This document is intended for homeowners, the general public, and county, city, and other local personnel tasked with managing water quality in areas with septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Andrea Albertin, Whitney Elmore, William Lester, and James Moll. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss693

Wastewater carries pathogens, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and trace organic chemicals that may be harmful to human health and ecosystem functioning. Thus, proper treatment of wastewater is crucial. While septic systems can be one means of effective wastewater treatment, there are some special considerations for their use in Florida because of unique geography and sandy soils. The purpose of this new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to explain the basics of how septic systems work and how they can affect springs water quality in Florida, with a special emphasis on potential N loading from septic systems. This document is intended for homeowners, the general public, and county, city, and other local personnel tasked with managing water quality in areas with septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Andrea Albertin, Whitney Elmore, William Lester, and James Moll. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss693

This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences answers common questions about the potential role of wastewater and septic systems in transmission of COVID-19. It is intended as guidance for the general public. Written by Mary G. Lusk. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss692

Septic systems are common throughout most rural areas, and their care and maintenance are essential to the health of people, wildlife, livestock, agricultural commodities, and water resources. One way to ensure optimal performance of your septic system is to landscape appropriately near the drain field. The purpose of this new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to provide landscape management guidance for septic system drain fields. Information presented here will be useful for homeowners, landscape management professionals, and Extension agents who work in horticulture, natural resources, agriculture, and family services. Written by Whitney C. Elmore, William Lester, James Moll, Andrea Albertin, and Mary Lusk. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss687

This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences answers common questions about the potential role of wastewater and septic systems in transmission of COVID-19. It is intended as guidance for the general public. Written by Mary G. Lusk. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss692

Septic systems are common throughout most rural areas, and their care and maintenance are essential to the health of people, wildlife, livestock, agricultural commodities, and water resources. One way to ensure optimal performance of your septic system is to landscape appropriately near the drain field. The purpose of this new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to provide landscape management guidance for septic system drain fields. Information presented here will be useful for homeowners, landscape management professionals, and Extension agents who work in horticulture, natural resources, agriculture, and family services. Written by Whitney C. Elmore, William Lester, James Moll, Andrea Albertin, and Mary Lusk. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss687

This new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences answers common questions about the potential role of wastewater and septic systems in transmission of COVID-19. It is intended as guidance for the general public. Written by Mary G. Lusk. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss692

Septic systems are common throughout most rural areas, and their care and maintenance are essential to the health of people, wildlife, livestock, agricultural commodities, and water resources. One way to ensure optimal performance of your septic system is to landscape appropriately near the drain field. The purpose of this new 3-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to provide landscape management guidance for septic system drain fields. Information presented here will be useful for homeowners, landscape management professionals, and Extension agents who work in horticulture, natural resources, agriculture, and family services. Written by Whitney C. Elmore, William Lester, James Moll, Andrea Albertin, and Mary Lusk. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss687

The abundance of the divaricate growth form in New Zealand has been interpreted as either (a) the response of an isolated flora to cool, dry, Plio-Pleistocene climates; or (b) a defense against large browsing birds (moa) that were hunted to extinction shortly after human arrival during the last millennium. We used patterns of divaricate plant abundance across present-day landscapes to test a novel synthetic hypothesis: that the divaricate form is of most value to plants on fertile soils that attract herbivores, on sites where climatic constraints prevent plants from quickly growing out of the browse zone. This hypothesis predicts that divaricate species should be most abundant on terraces (landforms that are both fertile and frost-prone) in regions that are cold and dry, and should be scarce across all topographic positions in the warmest (largely frost-free) regions. To address our hypothesis, we first tested the influence of topography on frost regimes and nutrient levels by measuring temperatures and soil total C, N, and P at four standard topographic positions at five localities differing widely in macroclimate. We then extracted a dataset of 236 surveys comprising 9,877 relevé plots from the New Zealand National Vegetation Survey databank. We calculated the proportion of arborescent species with a divaricate growth form and the proportion of total arborescentcover contributed by divaricates on each plot; we then fitted linear mixed-effect models predicting these response variables as functions of topographic position and climate. The number of frosts recorded averaged 60 yr–1 on all topographic positions at the coldest site. Terraces were subject to more frequent and harder frosts than any other topographic position. Topography had no significant influence on total N or C:N, but total P was higher on terraces and in gullies than on faces or ridges. Frost-free period was the dominant influence on both species representation and cover of divaricate plants throughout the country. The effect of topography was also significant, but weaker. The effect of frost-free period was stronger on sites with water deficits than on sites where precipitation exceeded evapotranspiration. Divaricates made their largest contributions on terraces in cold, dry regions; as predicted, they were scarce on all topographic positions on sites with frost-free periods >300 days. Our hypothesis was generally supported, although the effect of topography on divaricate abundance was not as strong as some previous studies led us to expect. Divaricates made their largest contributions to arborescent species richness and cover on sites where climatic restrictions on growth coincide with relatively high nutrient availability. The contemporary distribution of the divaricate form across New Zealand landscapes thus appears to be reasonably well explained by the hypothesized interaction of climate and fertility-mediated browsing, although experiments may provide more conclusive tests of this hypothesis.

With 80% of Florida’s residents living within 10 miles of the coast, Florida’s aquatic resources are directly affected by urbanization. The intent of this new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences is to describe the urban nitrogen cycle for a non-technical audience. Ultimately, this document is intended for individuals working in urban environments and concerned about nutrient pollution and water quality issues, but do not have a technical background and want to improve their understanding of nitrogen cycling. Written by Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary G. Lusk, and Ashley R. Smyth. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss681

Excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in water bodies are a leading cause of water quality degradation statewide. More than 50 Florida counties and municipalities now have formal fertilizer ordinances, which in some cases include fertilizer blackouts, or bans on the usage of N and P fertilizers during certain times of the year. This 8-page document provides information on the underlying issues of fertilizer use, with an emphasis on an urban setting, and outlines the current state of the science on urban fertilizers and water quality in Florida. Written by Michael D. Dukes, Lisa Krimsky, Mary Lusk, Laurie Trenholm, Bryan Unruh, Michelle Atkinson, and Rao Mylavarapu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2020. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae534

Excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in water bodies are a leading cause of water quality degradation statewide. More than 50 Florida counties and municipalities now have formal fertilizer ordinances, which in some cases include fertilizer blackouts, or bans on the usage of N and P fertilizers during certain times of the year. This 8-page document provides information on the underlying issues of fertilizer use, with an emphasis on an urban setting, and outlines the current state of the science on urban fertilizers and water quality in Florida. Written by Michael D. Dukes, Lisa Krimsky, Mary Lusk, Laurie Trenholm, Bryan Unruh, Michelle Atkinson, and Rao Mylavarapu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2020. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae534

Excess nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in water bodies are a leading cause of water quality degradation statewide. More than 50 Florida counties and municipalities now have formal fertilizer ordinances, which in some cases include fertilizer blackouts, or bans on the usage of N and P fertilizers during certain times of the year. This 8-page document provides information on the underlying issues of fertilizer use, with an emphasis on an urban setting, and outlines the current state of the science on urban fertilizers and water quality in Florida. Written by Michael D. Dukes, Lisa Krimsky, Mary Lusk, Laurie Trenholm, Bryan Unruh, Michelle Atkinson, and Rao Mylavarapu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2020. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae534

Soils are a foundational component of the landscape, providing a medium for plant root growth and playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and water movement across the landscape. This new 7-page article describes the physical properties of soils, including soil formation in Florida, the soil profile, and water dynamics within soils, and provides a thorough reference for Master Gardeners and other individuals searching for a basic understanding of soil dynamics to apply to residential landscapes. Written by Amy L. Shober, Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary G. Lusk, and Sally Ann Scalera and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg458 This document combines and supersedes the following publications: Shober, Amy. 2008. “Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: The Soil Profile and Soil Classification: SL260/MG445”. EDIS 2008 (6). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117366. Shober, Amy. 2009. “Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Physical Properties: SL268/MG451”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117542. Shober, Amy. 2009. “Soils & Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Drainage and Water Holding Capacity: SL272/MG453”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117544. Shober, Amy, and Thomas Obreza. 2009. “Soils & Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Formation in Florida: SL274/MG455”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117547.

Soils are a foundational component of the landscape, providing a medium for plant root growth and playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and water movement across the landscape. This new 7-page article describes the physical properties of soils, including soil formation in Florida, the soil profile, and water dynamics within soils, and provides a thorough reference for Master Gardeners and other individuals searching for a basic understanding of soil dynamics to apply to residential landscapes. Written by Amy L. Shober, Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary G. Lusk, and Sally Ann Scalera and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg458 This document combines and supersedes the following publications: Shober, Amy. 2008. “Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: The Soil Profile and Soil Classification: SL260/MG445”. EDIS 2008 (6). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117366. Shober, Amy. 2009. “Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Physical Properties: SL268/MG451”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117542. Shober, Amy. 2009. “Soils & Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Drainage and Water Holding Capacity: SL272/MG453”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117544. Shober, Amy, and Thomas Obreza. 2009. “Soils & Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Formation in Florida: SL274/MG455”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117547.

Soils are a foundational component of the landscape, providing a medium for plant root growth and playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and water movement across the landscape. This new 7-page article describes the physical properties of soils, including soil formation in Florida, the soil profile, and water dynamics within soils, and provides a thorough reference for Master Gardeners and other individuals searching for a basic understanding of soil dynamics to apply to residential landscapes. Written by Amy L. Shober, Alexander J. Reisinger, Mary G. Lusk, and Sally Ann Scalera and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg458 This document combines and supersedes the following publications: Shober, Amy. 2008. “Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: The Soil Profile and Soil Classification: SL260/MG445”. EDIS 2008 (6). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117366. Shober, Amy. 2009. “Soils and Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Physical Properties: SL268/MG451”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117542. Shober, Amy. 2009. “Soils & Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Drainage and Water Holding Capacity: SL272/MG453”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117544. Shober, Amy, and Thomas Obreza. 2009. “Soils & Fertilizers for Master Gardeners: Soil Formation in Florida: SL274/MG455”. EDIS 2009 (1). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/117547.

This 6-page publication’s purpose is to educate master gardeners and homeowners about the principles of soil health as well as practices that harm or nurture soil health at the residential scale. It also includes a description of the soil food web and the microorganisms that comprise it. This new publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences was written by Sally Scalera, Alexander J. Reisinger, and Mary Lusk. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss664

This 6-page publication’s purpose is to educate master gardeners and homeowners about the principles of soil health as well as practices that harm or nurture soil health at the residential scale. It also includes a description of the soil food web and the microorganisms that comprise it. This new publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences was written by Sally Scalera, Alexander J. Reisinger, and Mary Lusk. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss664

This 6-page publication’s purpose is to educate master gardeners and homeowners about the principles of soil health as well as practices that harm or nurture soil health at the residential scale. It also includes a description of the soil food web and the microorganisms that comprise it. This new publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil and Water Sciences was written by Sally Scalera, Alexander J. Reisinger, and Mary Lusk. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss664

This 5-page document written by Lisa Krimsky, Andrea Albertin, Charles Barrett, James Fletcher, and Mary Lusk and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation is intended to act as a quick reference guide and is not inclusive of all measures in SB 552. This summary addresses the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, the Central Florida Water Initiative, Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection, and Pilot Programs for Alternative Water Supply. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa205

This 5-page document written by Lisa Krimsky, Andrea Albertin, Charles Barrett, James Fletcher, and Mary Lusk and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation is intended to act as a quick reference guide and is not inclusive of all measures in SB 552. This summary addresses the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, the Central Florida Water Initiative, Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection, and Pilot Programs for Alternative Water Supply. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa205

This 5-page document written by Lisa Krimsky, Andrea Albertin, Charles Barrett, James Fletcher, and Mary Lusk and published by the UF/IFAS Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of the School of Forest Resources and Conservation is intended to act as a quick reference guide and is not inclusive of all measures in SB 552. This summary addresses the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, the Central Florida Water Initiative, Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection, and Pilot Programs for Alternative Water Supply. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa205

Throughout the evolutionary history of plants, drought, shade, and scarcity of nutrients have structured ecosystems and communities globally. Humans have begun to drastically alter the prevalence of these environmental factors with untold consequences for plant communities and ecosystems worldwide. Given limitations in using organ-level traits to predict ecological performance of species, recent advances using tolerances of low resource availability as plant functional traits are revealing the often hidden roles these factors have in structuring communities and are becoming central to classifying plants ecologically. For example, measuring the physiological drought tolerance of plants has increased the predictability of differences among species in their ability to survive drought as well as the distribution of species within and among ecosystems. Quantifying the shade tolerance of species has improved our understanding of local and regional species diversity and how species have sorted within and among regions. As the stresses on ecosystems continue to shift, coordinated studies of whole-plant growth centered on tolerance of low resource availability will be central in predicting future ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. This will require efforts that quantify tolerances for large numbers of species and develop bioinformatic and other techniques for comparing large number of species.

Trace organic chemicals are potentially harmful to human and ecosystem health. They frequently occur in wastewater from septic systems and can be found in concentrations orders of magnitude higher than typical concentrations reported in centralized treatment plant wastewater. This 7-page fact sheet identifies common trace organic chemicals of concern in wastewater and their sources, and summarizes current research on the fate and transport of these chemicals in septic systems. Written by Gurpal S. Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011. (photo CC BY-SA 3.0 Mila) SL352/SS554: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Trace Organic Chemicals (ufl.edu)

Trace organic chemicals are potentially harmful to human and ecosystem health. They frequently occur in wastewater from septic systems and can be found in concentrations orders of magnitude higher than typical concentrations reported in centralized treatment plant wastewater. This 7-page fact sheet identifies common trace organic chemicals of concern in wastewater and their sources, and summarizes current research on the fate and transport of these chemicals in septic systems. Written by Gurpal S. Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011. (photo CC BY-SA 3.0 Mila) SL352/SS554: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Trace Organic Chemicals (ufl.edu)

Trace organic chemicals are potentially harmful to human and ecosystem health. They frequently occur in wastewater from septic systems and can be found in concentrations orders of magnitude higher than typical concentrations reported in centralized treatment plant wastewater. This 7-page fact sheet identifies common trace organic chemicals of concern in wastewater and their sources, and summarizes current research on the fate and transport of these chemicals in septic systems. Written by Gurpal S. Toor, Mary Lusk, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, November 2011. (photo CC BY-SA 3.0 Mila) SL352/SS554: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Trace Organic Chemicals (ufl.edu)

Keeping disease-causing microorganisms out of groundwater used for drinking water supplies is important to protect human health. This 7-page fact sheet characterizes the behavior of viruses in septic systems and the soil drain field and summarizes what we know about the extent and character of groundwater contamination with viruses emanating from septic systems. Written by Mary Lusk, Gurpal S. Toor, and Tom Obreza, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2011. SL351/SS553: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems: Viruses (ufl.edu)