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Everglades Research and Education Center

Everglades Research and Education Center

Dr. Jehangir "Jango" H. Bhadha

Associate Professor, Soil and Water Sciences

Specialty: Soil, water, and nutrient management

Soil sustainability, Water conservation and Nutrient management are the cornerstone of Sustainable Agriculture. My research program focuses on promoting sustainable agricultural practices in and around the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). One of the major concerns in the EAA is soil loss due to oxidation, locally referred to as “soil subsidence”. My goal is to identify agricultural options such as crop rotation and biochar that can add years to the productive life of a farmland. Farming practices have long been mindful of nutrient management as it relates to sufficiency and efficiency of nutrient utilization. My research program also explores the use of locally derived organic feedstocks and aquatic vegetation as an alternative source of slow release fertilizer when applied on depleted soils.

Programs

  • Research
    • Using submerged aquatic vegetation as biofilters to reduce phosphorus loading
      A promising innovative treatment technology that has not yet been evaluated within the EAA is the approach that utilizes aquatic vegetation in conjunction with the calcium saturated surface waters to remove P from the water column. This will be achieved by circulating high P concentration farm canal water through the ditches prior to being discharged off site. Optimizing the flow through the ditches will allow the submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) to uptake P. The vegetation will ultimately be harvested and incorporated back on to the fields. The removal of nutrients like phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) is accomplished by plant uptake. In addition to P-uptake by plants, adsorption to (or co-precipitation with) calcium carbonate could also result in the water column. As part of this demonstration study, submerged aquatic plants like Chara and Southern naiad will be introduced in farm ditches, and the flow of water through the ditches will be controlled using solar-powered, battery operated pumps. Chara is a genus of blue-green algae in the family Characeae. They are found in fresh water, particularly in limestone areas, where they grow submerged, attached to the muddy bottom. They are native to Florida and are most suited to shallow, hard water, typical of farm canal waters in the EAA.

      The goal of this project is to demonstrate that EAA on-farm nutrient load reduction can be achieved through the use of solar-powered water pumps that circulate farm canal water through SAV-seeded field ditches at optimum flows that provide sufficient residence time for nutrient removal. In addition to uptake by aquatic vegetation, P removal from farm canal waters will occur via P co-precipitation with calcium carbonate. The presence of limestone caprock beneath the EAA fields and canals provides calcium saturated surface waters that can co-precipitate P from the water column with calcium carbonate during photosynthesis-induced pH elevations. We also anticipate a drop in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration as part of the treatment demonstration. This is due to the fact that the SAV will fix a portion of the DOC as it establishes its growth; in addition to high photolytic activity associated with shallow ditch water.

    • Environmental and cultural benefits of growing flooded rice
      During the summer months, more than 50,000 acres of fallow sugarcane land is available for rice production. In 2015, nearly 23,000 acres of rice were planted in the EAA, yielding approximately one million hundred weights (cwt) of harvested green rice. The net value of growing rice as a rotation crop exceeds its monetary return. Production of flooded rice in the EAA provides several benefits to the agroecosystem. Growers greatly reduce soil subsidence, nutrient depletion, and insect pests by flooding fields. Production inputs like silicon, used to boost rice yields, has a carryover benefit on the subsequent sugarcane crop. One of the major concerns in the EAA is soil loss dues to oxidation, locally referred to as “soil subsidence.” Soil subsidence is the loss of top soils due to decomposition (mineralization) of organic matter. In the presence of oxygen (air) microbial activity facilitates organic matter mineralization.

      Typically, deep water table and high temperatures tend to aerate the top soil, which in turn accelerates mineralization. Growing flooded rice provides anaerobic conditions that effectively stop subsidence of muck soils in the EAA during the hot summer months, effectively adding years to the productive life of the farmland. Since rice is grown during the wet season under flooded conditions, it helps to conserve water. Rice uses less water to produce a crop than sugarcane, citrus, pasture, or even the native sawgrass, and in most months its evapotranspiration requirement is less than all other crops grown in the area. Rice also has the potential to alleviate short-term nutrient loading within the EAA because the cultural practice to grow in the region does not include any nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or potassium (K) fertilization. Furthermore, rice can accumulate nutrients during the summer season and immobilize the nutrients when the potential for runoff of nutrient-rich water is the greatest. At the time of harvest only the grain portion of the rice plant is removed from the field. Rice straw and roots are incorporated into the soil after harvest. As the roots and straw decay, it releases nutrients that become available for uptake by the succeeding crop.

    • Organic amendments and biochar in advancing sustainable agriculture
      In parts of the EAA where soils are sandy, the application of using locally derived organic amendments and biochar as potential organic fertilizer has gained interest over the past few years. The use of local agricultural and urban organic residues as amendments in sandy soils of South Florida provide options to enhance soil properties and improve crop yields, while reducing waste and improving the environment. Products like bagasse, rice-hulls, horse bedding, palm fronds and yard waste are being evaluated for their agronomic traits to be used as soil amendments.

      Producing biochar is a 2,000 year-old practice that converts organic waste into a soil enhancer that can retain carbon and nutrients, and increase soil biodiversity. Biochar can be an important tool to increase food security and cropland diversity in areas with severely depleted soils, scarce organic resources, and inadequate water and chemical fertilizer supplies. Current research initiatives involve testing the feasibility of using biochar produced from locally available feedstocks as possible soil amendment to grow vegetables. As part of this venture, our objective is to identify sources of feedstock, successfully convert it to biochar, characterize its properties, and test its effects on soil health and crop yields by conducting field-trials with local cooperating growers.

      Application of biochar derived from agricultural byproducts such as rice-hulls, pine wood, and cotton seed meal to improve soil health and crop yields has tremendous promise. However, research-based information is lacking for applications of biochar in vegetable production systems. In addition to providing organic matter and nutrients to soils, biochar is more stable and resistant to microbial decay. Its application has shown to improve utilization of existing nutrients found in the soil or when applied with fertilization. Biochar treated soils have the potential not only to increase the water holding capacity, but also to retain water in soils longer. The surface areas of biochars are generally higher than sand and similar to that of clay, resulting in a higher cation exchange capacity, which is the ability of soils to retain vital nutrients for plant uptake. All of these qualities are extremely important for improving the quality of depleted soils. The goal of this venture is to develop working relationships amongst soil scientists, horticulturists, and local growers that will enhance our understanding of biochar and its role in sustainable agriculture.

    • Discovering agronomic traits of aquatic vegetation
      The presence of invasive aquatic vegetation in farm canals can impede drainage and irrigation and is cause for environmental concerns if not controlled properly. In the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) of south Florida, some of the common varieties of aquatic plants are water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), filamentous cyanobacteria (Lyngbya wollei), southern naiad (Najas guadalupensis), torpedograss (family Poaceae), and Chara. While several management approaches including chemical control and mechanical harvesting have been attempted, they may not be cost effective options for growers. However, if aquatic vegetation can be utilized as a soil amendment or as a pesticide (fungicide, insecticide, herbicide) it has the added advantage of offsetting some of the cost associated with mechanical harvesting, resulting in cleaner canals. However, there are concerns that have typically hampered the large-scale utilization projects for invasive aquatic vegetation. These are (i) the high upfront capital costs and complexity of utilization programs relative to operational cost associated with a control program; (ii) the “perceived” low value of products from aquatic plants relative to the expense of handling feedstock that is composed of almost 90% water; (iii) the possibility that any demonstration of value for invasive aquatic vegetation could have the perverse effect of speeding. While all these factors remain as important considerations, ongoing research into the beneficial uses of aquatic vegetation has the potential to reevaluate the current control strategies for many water bodies. Lab and greenhouse-scale trials are being conducted to evaluate the allelopathic effects of these aquatic plants on the agronomic industry.
  • Extension

    My extension program deals with promoting sustainable agricultural practices in and around the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) as it relates to soil sustainability, water quality and nutrient management. Using science-based tools and hands-on demonstrations I try to educate Florida growers and the public about current issues concerning farming in the EAA. My extension program covers topics like soil subsidence, nutrient management, benefits of rice cultivation, agronomic application of organic amendments and biochar, and crop nutrition. Extension activities include:

    • Annual workshops and seminar presentations to local growers
    • Presentation and guided tours to local and international groups
    • UF/IFAS in service trainings related to phosphorus chemistry in soil and water
    • Participate in annual field days, science fairs, and festivals
    • Interactions with visiting scientist, regulators, and agro-tourists
  • Graduate Students
     

    Savannah Tota, MS Student

    Savannah is a distance education student pursuing a Master’s in Soil and Water Science. While obtaining her degree, she is working full-time in water quality monitoring in South Florida. She hopes to focus her major paper on nutrient removal in stormwater treatment areas and looks forward to narrowing her focus in the coming semesters. Savannah’s professional goals include getting into wetland water quality research and eventually moving into project management positions.
     

    Anik Mahmud, PhD. Student

    MD Anik Mahmud is a Ph.D. student in Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences at the University of Florida. Under Dr. Jahangir Bhadha's supervision, he works on phosphorous legacy, sensing, fate, and capture. Before joining this program, he earned MSc. in the IPSS program from the University of Kentucky, where he worked on selenium oxyanions removal using passive anaerobic bioreactors. Anik also earned BSc. from the Soil, Water, and Environment department at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 
     

    Suraj Melkani, PhD. Student

    Suraj Melkani is a Ph.D. student, originally from India. He received his master's degree from G.B. Pant University, Pantnagar. As part of his Ph.D., Suraj will be working on soil carbon (C) sequestration, a potential tool for climate change mitigation, and soil bioremediation in the Soil, Water, & Ecosystem Sciences Department under the supervision of Dr. Bhadha. His research focuses on utilizing biogeochemical models Day Cent and COMET and crop simulation models like DSSAT and APSIM that an help us better understand soil C dynamics, allowing us to improve C sequestration capacity through improved monitoring and soil C modeling.
     

    Salena Alberti, MS Student

    Salena Alberti is a Distance Education masters student. Salena is a Park Services Specialist with the Florida Park Service. She enjoys working outdoors doing resource management and ecosystem restoration. Salena has a strong interest in botany and plant biodiversity. Her overall goal is to have a better knowledge of the natural environment and continue to preserve and protect our natural areas.
     

    Jared Schwab, MS Student

    Jared is a distance education student pursuing his Masters in Soil and Water Sciences. Jared currently works for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection as a Geoscientist in the Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields program. Jared’s interests involve soil and watershed management of forested ecosystems, ecosystem services, and remediation using nature-based solutions. Jared’s research and professional goals are focused on applying science and community outreach to proper watershed management.
     

    Ashley Colon, MS Student

    Ashley is a Soil and Water Science Distance Education student in the Environmental track. Ashley is employed by The South Florida Water Management District Water Quality department as a Science Technician III. Considering Ashley’s employment with SFWMD, her research will be concentrated on her current work in the Stormwater Treatment Areas and Everglades Agricultural Area.
     

    Xue Bai, PhD. Student

    Xue Bai is a PhD student, originally from China. She received her master's degree from Beijing Normal University, China. As part of her PhD, Xue will be working on assessing conservation farming practices within the Everglades Agricultural Area in Soil and Water Sciences Department under the supervision of Dr. Bhadha and Dr. Sam Smidt.

     
     

    Noel Manirakiza, PhD. Student

    Noel Manirakiza is a PhD student, originally from Rwanda, Africa. He received his master's degree from Selcuk University, Turkey. As part of his PhD, Noel will be working on soil health sustainability and carbon sequestration in Soil and Water Sciences Department under the supervision of Dr. Bhadha and Dr. Yang Lin.
     

    Miriam Nicole Gutierrez, PhD. Student

    Miriam Nicole Gutierrez is a PhD student working with Dr. Bhadha. Miriam currently works in the Research and Development Department for Florida Crystals. Her areas of research include soil health, sustainable agriculture and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
     

    Angelique Lopez, MS Student

    Angelique is a distance education student pursuing her Masters in Soil and Water Sciences. Angelique currently works for the United States Department of Agriculture as a Soil Conservationist in the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Angelique’s interests include natural resource conservation, soil health and management and sustainable agriculture. Angelique’s professional goals are focused on providing educational and technical support to landowners for sustainable land management.
     

    Jay Capasso, (former) MS Student

    Jay’s research is focused on manipulating field ditches to remove nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon from the water column. He and Dr. Bhadha are currently examining whether they can manage aquatic vegetation as “biofilters” and solar powered pumps to immobilize nutrients and improve water quality in surface water exiting agricultural fields in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
     

    Kyle Richards,(former) MS Student

    Kyle is a distance education student pursuing his masters in the Agroecology program at UF. His current research includes evaluating seed applied insecticides, and biologicals for efficacy, and seed safety against a broad spectrum of agricultural pests (focused on Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Coleoptera). Kyle’s research and professional goals include the discovery of a new seed applied insecticide, becoming a field agronomist, and eventually becoming a project/business development manager.
     

    Nan Xu (former), PhD Student

    Nan Xu is a PhD student working with Dr. Jehangir Bhadha in the Soil and Water Science Department. She is working on applying soil amendments for sugarcane production on Mineral Soils of South Florida to evaluate the short and long-term effects of application of organic amendments, such as bagasse, on sandy soils.
     

    Kelly Mayan Percivall, (former) MS Student

    Kelly Mahan-Percivall is a graduate student focused on applied remediation strategies.  Living along the Caloosahatchee, she has a vested interest in designing new technologies to reduce nutrient influx into the river from urban and agricultural runoff.
     

    Yuting Fu,(former) MS Student

    Yuting Fu is a Master’s student in Soil and Water Sciences Department at UF working with Dr. Jehangir Bhadha. Her research is focused on evaluating the feasibility of using aquatic plants as pesticides (herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide). Some of the plants that will be tested are water lettuce, hydrilla, and water hyacinth. The goal is to conduct greenhouse trials to evaluate the allelopathic effects of the aquatic plants.
  • Select Publications I
    • Loizzo, J., Hundemer, S., Spandau, G., Smidt, S., Akers, A., Bhadha, J.H., Her, Y-G. 2024. An exploration of early career agricultural and natural resource scientists’ perceptions of social responsibility. International Journal of Science Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2024.2335673
    • Melkani, S., Singh, V., Bhadha, J.H. 2024. Quantifying the impact of different agroforestry systems on soil carbon fractions lability and long-term carbon sequestration in Central Himalayas. Soil Use and Management. https://doi.org/10.1111/sum.13012
    • Fan, Y., Zhuang, J., Essington, M., Zhang, X., Hua, G., Bhadha, J.H., Xia, S., Lu, X., Lee, J. 2023. Characterizing the role of hydraulic retention time on nitrate removal indices in denitrifying bioreactors by nonlinear models. Environmental Technology & Innovation. 32: 103431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2023.103431
    • Yuchuan, F., Essington, M., Zhuang, J., Zhang, X., Jagadamma, S., Schwartz, J., Huang, J., Bhadha, J.H., Lee, J. 2023. Recycling silage leachate and biochar for improving nitrate removal by woodchip bioreactor. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118735
    • Vieira-Filho, L.O., Silveira, M.L., Kohmann, M.M., Sales, C.A.R., Sollenberger, L.E., Bhadha, J.H., Strauss, S.L., Moriel, P. 2023. Water table effect on phosphorus solubility in biosolids-amended soils. Soil Science Society of America Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20568
    • Xu, N., Amgain, N.R., Rabbany, A., McCray, J.M., Li, Y., Strauss, S.L., Mylavarapu, R., Bhadha, J.H. 2023. Field incubation studies on nutrient mineralization of bagasse on Spodosols and Histosols in Florida. Agriculture. 13:975. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050975
    • Bhadha, J.H., Xu, N., Amgain, N.R., Rbbany, A., Swanson, S. 2023. Utilization of bagasse as a soil amendment in sugarcane production on mineral soils in Florida. International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists. 31: 130–137. 
    • Kreutz, G.F. Bhadha, J.H., Liu, G.D., Sandoya, G.V. 2023. Identifying lettuce accessions for efficient use of phosphorus in hydroponics. HortScience. 58: 467-474. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17040-22 
    • Bhadha, J.H., Clark, M., Andreu M., Fan, Y., Wade, T., Her, Y-G. 2023. Capitalizing on carbon. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication. #AE582. doi.org/10.32473/edis-AE582-2023
    • McLamore, E., Duckworth, O., Boyer, T.H., Marshall, A-M., Call, D.F., Bhadha, J.H. Guzman, S. 2023. Perspective: Phosphorus monitoring must be rooted in sustainability frameworks spanning material scale to human scale. Water Research X. 19: 100168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wroa.2023.100168
    • Bhadha, J.H., Xu, N., Amgain, N.R., Rabbany, A., Blare, T.D., Ballen, F.H., Swanson, S. 2022. Cost assessment of utilizing bagasse to grow sugarcane based on nutrient availability. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication. FE1121. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/fe1121
    • Amgain, N.R., Martens-Habbena, W., Bhadha, J.H. 2022. Effect of dry and flooded rice as cover crops on soil health and microbial community on Histosols. Sustainable Agriculture Research Journal. 11: 40-49. https://doi:10.5539/sar.v11n4p40
    • Amgain, N.R., Xu, N., Rabbany, A., Fan, Y., Bhadha, J.H. 2022. Developing soil health scoring indices based on a comprehensive database under different land management practices in Florida. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20304
    • Amgain, R.A., Fan, Y., VanWeelden, M.T., Rabbany, A., Bhadha, J.H. 2022. From ground to grain: Tracing phosphorus and potassium in flooded rice cultivar grown on Histosols. Agriculture. 12, 1250.https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081250
    • Tootoonchi, M., Gettys, L.A., Ferrell, J.A., Erickson, J.E., Bhadha, J.H. 2022. Salt tolerance assessment of aquatic and wetland plants: increased salinity can reshape aquatic vegetation communities. Hydrobiologia. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-04934-5
    • Percivall, K., Amgain, N.R., Inglett, K., Strauss, S.L., Bhadha, J.H. 2022. Phosphorous remediation using alginate/glomalin biobeads: Examining structural cohesivity, nutrient retention, and reapplication viability. Frontiers in Environmental Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.889940
    • Her, Y.G., Wade, T., Boufous, S., Bhadha, J.H., Andreu, M. 2022. Florida’s Agricultural Carbon Economy as Climate Action: The Potential Role of Farmers and Ranchers. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication. AE573. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE573
    • Xu, N., Bhadha, J.H., Rabbany, A., Swanson, S., McCray, M.J., Li, Y.C., Strauss, S.L., Mylavarapu, R. 2022. Sugarcane bagasse amendments mitigate nutrient leaching from mineral soils under tropical humid conditions. Pedosphere. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedsph.2022.06.020
    • Ma, C., Li, Z., Mwagona, P.C., Rabbany, A., Bhadha, J.H. 2022. Spatial and seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton groups and its relationship with environmental variables in Lake Okeechobee, USA. Journal of Freshwater Ecology. 37: 173-187. https://doi.org/10.1080/02705060.2022.2032852
    • Kreutz, G.F., Bhadha, J.H., Sandoya, G.V. 2022. Examining phosphorus use efficiency across different lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) accessions. Euphytica. 218:28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-022-02973-6
    • Xu, N., Amgain, N.R.,  Rabbany, A., Capasso, J., Korus, K., Swanson, S., Bhadha, J.H. 2022. Interaction of soil health indicators to different regenerative
      farming practices on mineral soils. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. 5 :e20243. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20243
    • Barbier, M., Rabbany, A., Bhadha, J.H. 2021. Assessing the effect of basalt rock fines, activated humic substances and its interaction on rice growth and yield. Journal of Rice Research. 9: 260. https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/assessing-the-effect-of-basalt-rock-fines-activated-humic-substances-and-its-interaction-on-rice-growth-and-yield.pdf
    • Kreutz, G.F., Bhadha, J.H., Liu, G.D., Resende, M.F.R., Wright, A.L., Odero, C.D., Sandoya, G.V. 2021. Strategies for improving phosphorus use efficiency in lettuce grown on Histosols. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication. HS1423. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1423
    • Amgain N.R., Zacharias, Q., Rabbany, A., Bhadha, J.H. 2021. Effect of Sulfur on Rice Water Quality, Nutrient Uptake, and Yields Grown on Shallow Histosols. Journal of Rice Research and Developments. 4(1): 324-330. http://doi.org/10.36959/973/430
    • Amgain, N.R., Rabbany, A., Galindo, S., Bhadha, J.H. 2021. Effects of Water Management Strategies and Nitrogen Fertilizer on Rice Yield Cultivated on Histosols. Journal of Rice Research and Developments. 4(1): 331-338. http://doi.org/ 10.36959/973/431
  • Select Publications II
    • Duersch, B.G., Powers, M.O., Newman, S., Ricca, J.G., Bhadha J.H., Louda, W.J. 2021. Phosphorus retention within a relic agricultural ditch in a constructed wetland. Journal of Environmental Quality. http://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20278
    • Xu, N., Bhadha, J.H., Rabbany, A., Swanson, S., McCray, M.J., Li, Y.C., Strauss, S.L., Mylavarapu, R. 2021. Crop nutrition and yield response of bagasse application of sugarcane grown on a mineral soil. Agronomy. 11, 1526. http://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081526
    • Alvarez, D.A., Cadavid, N.A., Childs, C.A., Cupelli, M.F., De Leao, V.A., Diaz, A.M., Eldridge, S.A., Elhabashy, Y.B., Fleming, A.E., Fox, N.A., Franco, M., Gaspari, J.C., Gerstin, I.M., Gibson, K.A., Huott, A.L., Johnson, A.O., Majhess, E.G., Mantilla, G., Perez, G.S., Prieto, J.J., Reutter, B.C., Rivera, E.I., Rootes, T.R., Sellers, J., Streibig A.M., Wilkinson, J.S., Zayas-Bazan, S., Bhadha, J.H., Clum, A., Daum, C., Glavina del Rio T., Lail, K., Roux, S., Eloe-Fadrosh, E.A., Benskin, J.B. 2021. Metagenomes from the Loxahatchee wildlife refuge in the Florida Everglades. bioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.16.430518
    • Bhadha, J.H., Xu, N., Rabbany, A., Amgain, N.R., Capasso, J., Korus, K., Swanson, S. 2021. On-farm soil health assessment of cover-cropping in Florida. Sustainable Agriculture Research Journal. 10(2): 17-32. doi.org/10.5539/sar.v10n2p17
    • Ma, C., Zhao, C., Mwagona, P.C., Li, Z., Liu, Z., Dou, H., Zhou, X., Bhadha, J.H. 2021. Bottom-up and top-down effects on phytoplankton functional groups in Hulun, China. Ann. Limnol. - International Journal of Limnology. 57(3). doi.org/10/1051/limn/2020028
      Bhadha,       JH.      , Capasso, J., Rabbany, A., Xu, N., VanWeelden, M. 2021. Soil Health Response of Histosols to Flooded versus Dry-Fallow Conditions during Summer. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication. SL484. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss697
    • Bhadha, JH., Xu, N., Khatiwada, R., Swanson, S., LaBorde, C. 2020. Bagasse: A Potential Organic Soil Amendment Used in Sugarcane Production. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication. SL477. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss690
    • Fu, Y., Bhadha, J.H., Rott, P., Beuzelin, J.M,, Kanissery, R. 2020 Investigating the use of aquatic weeds as biopesticides towards promoting sustainable agriculture. PLoS ONE 15(8): e0237258. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237258
    • Capasso, J., Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., Bacon, A. 2020. Effect of introduced flow and aquatic vegetation on phosphorus loads of agricultural drainage. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. doi.org/10.1007/s11270-020-04487-0
    • Duersch, B., Bhadha, J.H., Root, T.L., Louda, W.L. 2020. The role of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in sequestering phosphorus compounds and trace elements: Speciation and dynamics. Science of the Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138366
    • Bhadha, J.H., Wright, A.L., Snyder, G.H. 2020. Everglades Agricultural Area Soil Subsidence and Sustainability. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication. SL311. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss523.

    • Capasso, J., Bhadha, J.H. ​Bacon, A., Vardanyan, L., Khatiwada, R., Pachon, J., Clark, M., Lang, T.A. 2020. Influence of flow on phosphorus-dynamics and particle size in agricultural drainage ditch sediments. PLOS ONE. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0227489

    • Jennewein, S.P., Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., McCray, J.M., Singh, M.P., Cooper, J., Daroub, S.H., 2019. Impacts of flooding, nitrogen-fertilization, and soil-depths on sugarcane nutrients grown on Histosols. Journal of Plant Nutrition. doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2019.1683193​ 
    • Alvarado, J.S., McCray, M.J., Erickson, J.E., Sandhu, H.S., Bhadha, J.H. 2019. Sugarcane biomass yield response to phosphorus fertilizer on four mineral soils as related to extractable soil phosphorus. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. doi.org/10.1080/00103624.2019.1689260​
    • Xu, N., Bhadha, J.H., Rabbany, A., Swanson, A. 2019. ​Soil health assessment of two regenerative farming practices on sandy soils. Sustainable Agriculture Research Journal. 8: 61-71. doi:10.5539/sar.v8n4p61​
    • Bhadha, J.H., Khatiwada, R., Tootoonchi, M., Capasso, J. 2019. Interpreting redox potential (Eh) and diffusive fluxes of phosphorus (P) and nitrate (NO3-) from commercial rice grown on histosols. Paddy and Water Environment. doi.org/10.1007/s10333-019-00772-9
    • Cherry, R., and Bhadha, J.H. 2019. Response of sugarcane wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridea) and white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to ethanol in soils. Journal of Entomological Science. 54: 54-61. doi.org/10.18474/JES18-42​
    • Zhang, Z., Wang, J.J., Lyu, X., Jiang, M., Bhadha, J.H., Wright, A. 2019. Impacts of land-use change on soil organic matter chemistry in the Everglades, Florida - a characterization with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Geoderma. 338: 393-400. doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2018.12.041
    • Bhadha, J.H., Khatiwada, R., Galindo, S., Xu, N., Capasso, J. 2018. Evidence of soil health benefits of flooded rice compared to fallow practice. Sustainable Agriculture Research. 7: 31-41. doi:10.5539/sar.v7n4p31
    • Tootoonchi, M., Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., McCray, M., Clark, M.W., Dauroub, S.H. 2018. Reducing drainage water phosphorus concentration with rice cultivation under different water management regimes. Agricultural Water Management. 205: 30-37. doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2018.04.036
    • Orndorff, S.G., Lang, T.A., Bhadha, J.H.,  McCray, M.J., Daroub, S.H. 2018. Sugarcane by-products used as soil amendments on sandy soil: Effects on sugarcane crop nutrition and yield. Journal of Plant Nutrition. doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2018.1428750
    • Alvarez O., Lang, T.A., Bhadha, J.H., McCray, M.J., Glaz, B., Daroub, S.H. 2018. Biochar and mill ash improve yields of sugarcane on sandy soil in Florida. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 253: 112-130. doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2017.11.006.
    • Bhadha, J.H., and Schroeder, B.L. 2017. Best Management Practices for maintaining water quality in sugarcane cultivation. Chapter In (Ed. Rott, P.), Achieving Sustainable Cultivation of Sugarcane Volume 1: Cultivation techniques, quality and sustainability. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing, Cambridge, UK. ISBN: 978-1-78676-144-6.
    • Bhadha, J.H., Sexton, A., Lang, T.A., Daroub, S.H. 2017. Capturing flow-weighted water and suspended particulates from agricultural canals during drainage events. Journal of Visualized Experiments. 129: 1-6. doi:10.3791/56088.
  • Select Publications III

    Extension Publications (EDIS)

    • Bhadha, J.H., Capasso, J.M., Khatiwada, R., Swanson,  S., LaBorde, C. 2017. Raising Soil Organic Matter Content to Improve Water Holding Capacity. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication# SL447.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Jennewein, S., Khatiwada, R. 2017. Phosphorus sorption behavior of torrefied agricultural byproducts under sonicated versus non-sonicated conditions. Sustainable Agriculture Research. 6:1-11.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Capasso, J., Schindelbeck, R., Bacon, A. 2017. Tools for Evaluating Soil Health. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication# SL443.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., Daroub, S.H. 2017. Influence of suspended particulates on phosphorus loading exported from farm drainage during a storm event in the Everglades Agricultural Area​. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 17: 240-252.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Trotta, L., VanWeelden, M. 2016. Trends in Rice Production and Varieties in the Everglades Agricultural Area. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication# SL439.

    • Bhadha J.H., and VanWeelden M. 2016. Arsenic Accumulation in Rice (Oryza sativa): An Overview. International Journal of Environmental & Agriculture Research. 2: 72-75.

    • Bhadha J.H., Alvarez O., Lang, T.A., Giurcanu M.C., Daroub S.H. 2016. Growth efficacy of sorghum and rice amended with dried versus composted aquatic vegetation. Sustainable Agriculture Research. 5: 92-102.

    • Cherry, R., Tootoomchi, M., Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., Karounos, M., Daroub, S.H. 2015. Effect of Flood Depth on Rice water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Populations in Florida Rice Fields. Journal of Entomological Science. 50: 311-317.

    • Lang, T.A., Daroub, S.H., Lentini, R.S., Bhadha, J.H​. 2015.Water Management for Florida Sugarcane Production. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication# SSAGR231​.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., Gomez, S.M., Daroub, S.H., Giurcanu, M.C. 2015. Effect of aquatic vegetation on phosphorus loads in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management. 53: 44-53.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Jennewein, S., Sanchez, J., Lang, T. 2014. Producing Biochar using a custom designed Top-lit Updraft (TLUD) gasifier. University of Florida IFAS EDIS Publication# SL413.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., Daroub, S.H. 2014. Seasonal delivery of organic matter and metals to farm canals: effect on sediment phosphorus storage capacity. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 14: 991-1003 doi: 10.1007/s11368-013-0832-x.

    • Bhadha, J.H., Lang, T.A., Alvarez, O.M., Giurcanu, M.C., Johnson, J.V., Odero, D.C., Daroub, S.H. 2014. Allelopathic Effects of Pistia stratiotes (Araceae) and Lyngbya wollei Farlow ex Gomont (Oscillariaceae) on Seed Germination and Root Growth. Sustainable Agriculture Research. 3: 121-130. doi 10.5539/sar.v3n4p121.

    • Rice, R., Bhadha. J.H., Lang, T.A., Daroub S., Baucum, L. 2013. Farm-Level Phosphorus-Reduction Best Management Practices in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Florida State Horticultural Society. Annual Proceeding. NR-3.

    • Bhadha, J.H. 2012. Isolated wetlands within the Lake Okeechobee drainage basin of Florida: source and sink of phosphorus. Chapter In (Eds. Baranyai, A. & Benkô, D.), Wetlands: Ecology, Management and Conservation. Nova Science Publishers. NJ.

    • Das, J., Daroub, S. H., Bhadha, J.H., Lang,T. A., Josan, M.S. 2012. Phosphorus release and equilibrium dynamics of canal sediments within the Everglades Agricultural Area, Florida. Water Air Soil Pollution. 223: 2865-2879.

    • Bhadha, J. H., Daroub, S. H., Lang, T. A. 2012. Effect of kinetic control, soil:solution ratio, electrolyte cation, and others, on equilibrium phosphorus concentration. Geoderma. 173-174: 209-214.

    • Das, J., Daroub, S. H., Bhadha, J.H., Lang,T. A., Diaz, O., Harris, W. 2011. Physicochemical assessment of main and farm canal sediments within the Everglades Agricultural Area, Florida. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 12: 952-965.

    • Miller, M., Bhadha, J. H., O’Connor, G. A., Jawitz, J. W., Mitchell, J. 2011. Aluminum water treatment residuals as permeable reactive barrier sorbents to reduce phosphorus losses. Chemosphere. 83: 978-983.

    • Bhadha, J. H., Jawitz, J. W., Min, J-H. 2010. Phosphorus mass balance and internal load in an impacted subtropical isolated wetland. Water Air and Soil Pollution. 218: 619-632.

    • Bhadha, J. H., Harris, W. G., Jawitz, J. W. 2010. Soil Phosphorus Release and Storage Capacity from an Impacted Subtropical Wetland. Soil Science Society of America Journal. 74: 1816-1825.

    • Bhadha, J. H.,and Jawitz, J. W. 2010. Characterizing deep soils from an impacted subtropical isolated wetland: Implications for phosphorus storage. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 10: 514-525.

    • Bhadha, J. H., Schmidt, C., Rooney, R., Indeglia, P., Kertesz, R., Bevc, E., Sansalone, J. J. 2009. Granulometric and metal distributions for post-Katrina surficial particulate matter recovered from New Orleans. Journal of the American Water Resources Association. 45: 1434-1447.

    • Bhadha, J. H., and Jawitz, J. W. 2008. The coastal dune lakes of Florida: Trends in Water quality and changing land-use practices. Water Resources IMPACT. 10: 15-18.

    • Bhadha, J. H., Martin, J., B., Jaeger, J., Lindenberg, M., Cable, J., E. 2007. Surface and pore water mixing in estuaries: implications for nutrient and Si cycling. Journal of Coastal Research. 23: 878-891.

    • Martin, J., Cable, J., Swarzenski, P., Bhadha, J. H., Davis, E. 2003. What constitutes submarine ground water discharge. International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics Annual Report.