UROP Project

Watershed-Scale Modeling of Fertilizer-Associated Nitrogen Leaching and Nutrient-Reduction Strategies

Nitrogen leaching, Watershed modeling, Fertilizer management, Water quality, Agricultural conservation practices

Research Mentor: Fahad Hasan, He/Him
Department, College, Affiliation: Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: fh23b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:

• Day: Friday, September 4
  Start Time: 2:00
  End Time: 3:00
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/96258200365

Project Description

Agriculture faces the dual challenge of ensuring food security while sustaining the health and productivity of agroecosystems. Effective fertilizer management is essential for increasing crop production and conserving soil and water resources; however, nutrient leaching resulting from fertilizer applications has raised significant environmental concerns. This project will evaluate fertilizer-associated nitrogen leaching at the watershed scale using process-based modeling. The model will simulate nitrogen fate and transport under different fertilization practices and hydrologic conditions, identify areas vulnerable to nutrient loss, and assess the effectiveness of agricultural conservation practices. Based on the modeling results, watershed-scale nutrient-reduction strategies will be recommended to improve fertilizer-use efficiency, protect water quality, and support sustainable agricultural production.

Research Tasks: The undergraduate researcher will review relevant literature, collect and organize watershed and agricultural data, and assist with preparing model inputs. The student will help run model simulations, analyze nitrogen-leaching results, identify areas vulnerable to nutrient loss, and compare selected conservation practices. The student will also prepare tables, graphs, and maps and assist with presenting the research findings.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required: Interest in environmental science, agriculture, water resources, or a related field; willingness to learn; basic computer skills; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Recommended: Experience with Microsoft Excel, data analysis, GIS, or computer modeling. Prior research or modeling experience is helpful but not required. Training will be provided.