Nature, and its preservation, is one reason Tai is studying wild sugarcane at the Sugarcane Research Field Station operated by USDA's Agricultural Research Service . In fact, it's an important goal of the entire ARS sugarcane program, along with enhancing yields and reducing losses from disease and pests. Raising Sugar and More Agronomist Barry Glaz, also at the Canal Point station, has worked with a joint state, federal, and tribal task force established to restore the south Florida ecosystem. As a member of a science committee that supports the task force, Glaz assisted in identifying research that would help sustain agriculture and natural Everglades ecosystems. Glaz's main recommendation, which has won support from growers and environmentalists, is to develop sugarcane varieties that can thrive when underground water tables are high.
Water tables are the below- ground levels that are completely saturated with water.
He is also working to develop sugarcane varieties that can produce high yields with less phosphorus fertilizer or varieties that actually remove phosphorus from the soil. Florida sugarcane symbolizes many of agriculture's benefits as well as growers' responsibility to protect the environment. ARS' work with Everglades' restoration is a positive example of how science can find solutions that serve both goals. The Everglades is also South Florida's only fresh water source and the only home for many kinds of wildlife, including a hawk known as the sand kite. In fact, Florida ranks first in the nation as a sugar producer, providing 24 percent of the sugar produced in the United States.