To expand the study of interactions between soils and chemicals, both organic and inorganic, in the environment. Focus is on assaying ambient and elevated levels of heavy metals and organic compounds in soil ecosystems. To quantify the environmental and production impacts of using waste products in agricultural and silvicultural systems. To improve methods for quantifying nutrients and potentially toxic elements in soil, and to quantify the processes that influence transport, bioavailability, and soil microbial ecology. To quantify nitrogen mineralization, volatilization, denitrification and leaching in fertilizer and waste amended soils.
Emphasis is on development of management technologies to protect water and air quality.
To maintain national leadership in research and education in on-site wastewater management. To improve the understanding of native and constructed wetland ecology and their use in runoff and wastewater treatment. To advance management technologies for urban landscapes and evaluate the impact of recreational and other non-agricultural land use on environmental quality and soil and water resources. To improve understanding of rhizospheric processes and to develop technologies to manage soil microbial activities and physiological properties of roots to promote efficient and productive plant growth and bioremediation of soil pollutants. To maintain excellence in teaching and extension programs through effective classroom, laboratory, and distance-learning instruction using multimediated and other technologies.