Rapid population growth in and around urban and metropolitan centers puts great demands on soil and water resources. Although there is little or no agricultural production in metropolitan areas, urban residents spend a significant amount of time and resources maintaining verdant plant growth in their yards, roadsides, parks and recreational areas. The use of water and agrochemical per unit of urban land can be much higher than for equivalent areas of agricultural land. Also, urban populations generate various types and quantities of waste materials.
Research takes an integrated approach to seeking solutions for urban environmental problems.
Beneficial soil amendments and growing mediums are developed from urban and agricultural waste byproducts. Best management practices are determined for using newly developed products in residential homes and commercial greenhouses and nurseries. The effect of soil amendments and other landscape management practices on soil chemical processes, water use, and water quality are investigated. All rights reserved.