Source: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN submitted to
TRAINING, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATION IN SOIL SCIENCE (TRESS)
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1016809
Grant No.
2018-38422-28568
Project No.
TEXW-2018-03976
Proposal No.
2018-03976
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
NJ
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2018
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2023
Grant Year
2018
Project Director
Pereira, E.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN
1201 W. UNIVERSITY DRIVE
EDINBURG,TX 78539-2999
Performing Department
Earth, Envir. & Marine Science
Non Technical Summary
In the Rio Grande Valley, agriculture is constrained by soil quality issues such as high salinity and low availability of nutrients. Decades of reductions in soil-specific course hours in modern environmental science majors has left few qualified soil scientists nationally compounded by a lack of Hispanic representation in soil science and natural resources conservation. Hence, we propose to enhance education and training and provide research experience, addressing four USDA educational need areas, preparing over 280 students for soil science careers. Our faculty will develop five courses and respective lab manuals for 'introduction to soil science', 'soil physics and hydrology', 'soil chemistry', 'soil biology', and 'soil conservation'. Experiment-based labs will utilize state-of-the art techniques and instruments from the PDs' research. Experiential learning also includes field excursions to promote in-depth understanding of soil genesis, soil morphology, and land use. Additionally, our new and innovative Community Engaged Scholarship & Learning Experiences (CESL) program enhances students' professional competences as they solve local agricultural, soil quality and soil health challenges. Undergraduate training include internships with local farmers in partnership with Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) (n=16) and research internships (n=16) under the mentoring of our faculty and M.Sc. students. Graduate students (n=4) will engage in mentoring and education activities within their field of research. Altogether, these activities will result in increased student retention; capacity building and training; leadership skills; and UTRGV graduates qualified for soil science careers, including USDA-NRCS Soil Conservationist positions.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
10201102061100%
Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships;

Subject Of Investigation
0110 - Soil;

Field Of Science
2061 - Pedology;
Goals / Objectives
The goal of TRESS is to ameliorate disparities in Hispanic representation as well as insufficient applicant pools in soil-related careers, particularly in USDA NRCS, by qualifying Hispanic graduates in soil science.This overarching objective branches into three specific performance objectives (SPO):SPO 1: Through coursework, students will master soil science fundamentals from each sub-discipline (i.e., genesis and morphology; chemistry; physics; and biology). We will develop 5 courses and their respective lab and field components. These courses will provide students a solid foundation in the sub-disciplines of soil science and a springboard for an effective experiential learning opportunity and community engagement.SPO 2: Through experiential learning opportunities, students will have practical experience in surveying, managing, evaluating, and solving problems related to soil quality and health. Investing in soil science supports a set of disciplines foundational to agriculture, potentially generating direct and indirect benefits across a wide variety of USDA strategic goals and delivering them to an underrepresented region of the United States. The planned experiential learning opportunities are comprehensive for all student levels and encompass a range of knowledge applications for research and for local agricultural systems. We will offer M.Sc. and B.Sc. level research projects; off-campus internships within NRCS programs and local farms; as well as community-engaged classes geared towards food-security and agriculture. Soil science-related research projects will aim at improving agricultural resource-use efficiency and developing a knowledge base on diverse soil management practices for the sustainability of domestic and cross-border agriculture. Projects will also focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil health as well as cropland sustainability as well as global food security.SPO 3: Students at UTRGV, a predominantly Hispanic university (89%), will successfully seize application opportunities and secure jobs, increasing the proportion of Hispanic professionals in the fields of soil science. This will result from career development workshops, networking with internship mentors, and guidance fromlocal USDA representatives.
Project Methods
Dr. Engil Pereira, PD, and co-PDs Drs. James Kang and Chu-Lin Cheng at UTRGV are primarily responsible for the administration of the grant. The PD team will organize cohort activities, advertisements, and the project's website. Dr. Pereira will dedicate 20% of her time, while co-PDs will devote 8% of their time. Senior personnel will devote 5% of their time.The UTRGV domain will host the project's website, containing the overall project information and its participants, including key stakeholders, as well as announcements of internships, scholarships, courses and field trips. A listserv and social media outlets will share progress updates and announce opportunities. All the activities planned for this project are described below:Soil Science courses - The PD team will develop 5 courses, integrating either field trips or laboratory activities to enhance hands-on learning for the particular subject. Each class will be offered at least twice within the period of this project. Although descriptions and syllabi for co-listed (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) courses will be similar, specific requirements for the graduate level will be at a higher level appropriate to each of the courses. For example, additional requirements for graduate students may include preparation of research-related materials such as research proposals and literature review.The course 'Introduction to Soil Science' will include field trips throughout southern Texas exploring topics emphasizing on soil genesis and morphology. These trips will occur jointly with field trips for 'GEOL 4403 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy'. The GEOL 4403 field trips expose students to sedimentary processes including transport and deposition of sediments, and sedimentary rock types. This is an excellent setting to acquire foundational knowledge for a comprehensive learning of soil genesis and morphology, tied to its local geology. 'Soil Conservation' will offer separate field trips in which students will identify and evaluate the different land use scenarios across arable soils. The remaining courses will include laboratory and field activities that will train students on physical, chemical, and biological assessment methods. The instructors will develop lab manuals for each of these courses as project deliverables.Community-engaged course on 'Developing technologies for community gardens in the LRGV Colonias' - UTRGV's Office for Community Engagement and Assessment under the program 'Community Engaged Scholarship & Learning Experiences (CESL)' has created a mechanism to facilitate early engagement and culturally-relevant pedagogy allowing students to have a significant community impact by developing solutions for local issues. In collaboration with community centers located in low-income periurban neighborhoods, locally known as 'Colonias', we will engage students to develop and improve organic vegetable gardens. Community leaders have previously expressed that due to the lack of gardening knowledge and technologies adapted to the available resources, their existing gardens have not been successful to the point of compromising local food and nutritional security initiatives. Drs. Pereira, Kang, and Dr. Torres-Avila and students will develop planting, fertilization, and irrigation systems for communal gardens integrating the needs and resources available. The community members will be encouraged and guided in experimentation to gain experiences in a range of technologies needed not only in the community center gardens but also in their own gardens. This course will be offered for the first time in Fall 2019.Off-campus internships - Together with NRCS, local farmers, and liaison support of the UTRGV Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement (SARA), we will offer paid off-campus internships during the summer. B.Sc. students will work on topics related to soil quality and agricultural production issues. The PD team and SARA directors will meet with internship hosts to define the scope of the internship activities. During the spring semester of each year, the Office of Engaged Scholarship and Learning (OESL) will assist in recruiting qualified students. To document their internship progress, students will be required to provide a bi-weekly summary of their activities through UTRGV's Blackboard learning management system.Mentored research projects (B.Sc. students) - This component will provide paid research and laboratory experience to B.Sc. students. Each student will have a faculty and a M.Sc. student as mentors. Faculty mentors include Drs. Cheng, Christoffersen, Gabler, Kang, Lowe, Pereira, and Racelis, with projects focused on soil processes and soil-plant relationships within agricultural systems. Students will work with their mentors to develop an individual research plan and will dedicate 8 hours per week during the Spring or Fall semesters. Participants will be required to present their research findings at the annual UTRGV Engaged Scholar Symposium (ES2) and/or UTRGV College of Sciences Research Conference. Outstanding students (n = 5) will also present their research at the annual meeting of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) and they will be accompanied by attending faculty members.Financial support for M.Sc. students - This project will host 3 M.Sc. students working on research in soil science:-M.Sc. student 1 will satisfy the demanding nutrient requirements of the highly nutritious, orange-fleshed sweet potato through organic management of soil fertility suitable for cultivation throughout the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).-M.Sc. student2 will track soil health indicators affected by compost, biochar, and/or vermiculite amendments. Chemical, physical, and biological soil health indicators will be monitored in both lab and field-scale in commercial vegetable crops.-M.Sc. student3 will investigate soil water availability under various amendments and water conservation practices and probe soil-plant-water relationships, soil water content, nutrient transport, and soil health under different farming operations (e.g., irrigation) in the laboratory as well as on partners' farms.Additionally, this grant will fully support one exceptional TRESS alumnus or alumna to continue their studies in AESS M.Sc. program at UTRGV with the requested additional funding of up to $25,000. All M.Sc. students will present their work once at the SSSA annual meeting. A total of four M.Sc. students therefore will research soil quality and management improvements for the LRGV.Mentoring opportunities for M.Sc. students: Together with their major professors, M.Sc. students will be invited to mentor B.Sc. students by teaching laboratory and field methods in addition to providing guidance throughout the research work. By serving as mentors, M.Sc. students will demonstrate their skills and knowledge as role models for graduate programs.Career development: Career workshops and individual meetings for the following services: resume and curriculum vitae review, leadership development, career assessment and exploration, graduate school application, and career fairs, as well as internship and job search assistance. Additionally, the Regional Director-Texas of USDA Hispanic-Serving Institutions National Program will assist through (1) sharing internship and career opportunities in soil and agricultural sciences and forwarding application deadlines; (2) organizing student workshops on USAJobs.gov and Pathways Program; (3) identifying potential speakers from different USDA agencies for enrichment events; (4) serving as a mentor and career guidance consular as needed.

Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/23

Outputs
Target Audience:Overview: The Training, Research, and Education in Soil Science (TRESS) project at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is dedicated to engaging students in the fields of Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences. Our efforts are geared towards both graduate and undergraduate students, with a particular focus on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, Environmental Sciences, and Biology. Demographics: - Primary Audience:UTRGV students, who primarily come from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), are predominantly Hispanic, accounting for 90% of the student population. - Characteristics of Participants: Most of our students are commuters and non-traditional, balancing their academic responsibilities with part-time or full-time jobs. This demographic composition highlights our commitment to serving students who are often juggling multiple responsibilities. Impact Amidst Challenges: - Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021, TRESS successfully engaged a total of 324 students - surpassing our initial projection of 240 undergraduate and 40 graduate students. This includes 259 undergraduate and 65 graduate students. - Our project has proven effective in not only reaching but also exceeding our targeted audience numbers, thereby amplifying our impact in the community. Extension and Outreach: - Beyond the university setting, TRESS faculty and students have extended their reach to younger audiences, providing presentations and demonstrations to 420 K-12 students. This effort plays a crucial role in inspiring future generations in the field of soil science. Internships and Research Opportunities: - The program facilitated 16 off-campus internships, offering students real-world experience in their respective fields. - TRESS faculty mentored 5 master's students and 24 undergraduate students in soil science-related research projects. These mentorships resulted in 31 conference presentations, showcasing the practical application of their learning. - Additionally, our undergraduate students have contributed to 3 peer-reviewed publications, demonstrating the program's emphasis on research and academic excellence. Academic Achievements: - TRESS offered 20 soil science courses with an enrollment of 282 students, averaging 2.2 soil science courses per year. These courses are instrumental in qualifying students for soil science positions and meeting the requirements for USDA positions in line with U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) standards. Career Advancements: - A testament to TRESS'effectiveness in workforce development is the placement of 7 students at the NRCS in Mission Critical Occupations (MCOs), spanning roles such as Soil Scientist, Soil Conservationist, and Soil Conservation Technician. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training Activities 1. Mentorship in Research Projects: TRESS facilitated one-on-one mentorship for students working on soil science-related research projects, including guidance from experienced faculty members. This mentorship offered hands-on experience in research methodologies, data analysis, and scientific writing. 2. Soil Science Courses: TRESS developed and offered specialized soil science courses for undergraduate and graduate students, each incorporating laboratory and fieldwork components. These courses provided practical, hands-on training in various sub-disciplines of soil science, including Fundamentals of Soil Science, Soil Ecology, Soil Chemistry, Soil Physics and Hydrology, and Soil Conservation. 3. Internship Programs: TRESS arranged off-campus internships, offering students real-world experience in their field. These internships were hosted by organizations such as the USDA NRCS and local agriculture-related facilities, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings. 4. Community Engaged Course with LUPE: In partnership with La Unión Del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), TRESS directed students to design and establish a community-focused gardening program to address food security issues in low-income South Texan communities. A bilingual flyer was developed, providing instructions and guidelines on setting up small-scale irrigation systems for vegetable cultivation. Professional Development Activities 1. Conferences and Seminars: Participants were encouraged to attend and present at various national and international conferences, including the ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meetings, and SACNAS. These events served as platforms for sharing research, networking with professionals, and staying abreast of the latest developments in soil science. 2. Career Development Workshops: TRESS organized multiple workshops, including sessions presented by Ms. Ruby De La Garza, OPPE Liaison in Texas with the USDA, and Rick Tofoya, Management & Program Analyst/National Program Manager with the NRCS. These workshops focused on jobs and internships at the USDA, providing valuable insights into career opportunities within the organization. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TRESS activities and opportunities were continuously disseminated through our website,www.utrgv.edu/soilscience, and our Instagram account, which also shares TRESS activities (@utrgv_soilscience). Research accomplishments from TRESS were disseminated through published papers and presentations at scientific meetings, such as the UTRGV College of Science Annual Research Conference. Additionally, we shared our efforts through hands-on demonstrations at the International Museum of Arts and Science (IMAS) during the Biodiversity Festival. At Berta Palacios Elementary School, we engaged 70 fifth-grade students in soil science hands-on activities, which were part of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills curriculum. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Specific Performance Objective 1: Mastery of Soil Science Fundamentals TRESS developed and delivered five comprehensive soil science courses, with a total of 20 offerings that engaged 282 students. These courses, averaging 2.2 soil science courses per year, were integral in providing students with a robust foundation in soil science, encompassing rigorous lab and field components. The data collected, including course syllabi, student evaluations, and performance assessments, demonstrated a high level of student mastery in soil science fundamentals. This was further evidenced by their academic performance and positive course evaluations. As a result of this thorough educational experience, TRESS graduates are now well-equipped to qualify for and excel in soil science positions, meeting the stringent requirements set by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for USDA roles. This comprehensive educational initiative has not only enhanced the knowledge base of students but has also significantly contributed to their professional readiness in the field of soil science. Specific Performance Objective 2: Experiential Learning in Soil Science TRESS focused on providing students with a variety of experiential learning opportunities. These included 16 off-campus internships, mentorship of 5 master's students and 24 undergraduate students in soil science-related research projects by TRESS faculty, and active engagement in community initiatives. The program's emphasis on practical application was evident as these activities led to 31 conference presentations and 3 peer-reviewed publications contributed by undergraduate students. The data collected, encompassing completion rates, research outputs, and internship reports, highlighted the successful application of students' knowledge in real-world settings, particularly in addressing critical issues of soil quality and health. This blend of academic and practical experiences significantly enhanced the students' practical skills and experience, contributing to notable advancements in agricultural resource use and soil management practices. The effective execution of these experiential learning opportunities not only underscored TRESS's commitment to academic excellence but also bolstered the professional readiness of students in the field of soil science. Specific Performance Objective 3: Career Advancement in Soil Science Significant efforts were dedicated to advancing career opportunities in soil science. This included consistently providing career development opportunities, organizing networking events, and fostering collaboration with industry professionals. These efforts yielded remarkable results, evidenced by a significant increase in the number of Hispanic graduates securing employment in soil science fields, notably in roles with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The placement of 7 students in Mission Critical Occupations (MCOs) at the NRCS, encompassing roles such as Soil Scientist, Soil Conservationist, and Soil Conservation Technician, is indicative of TRESS' effectiveness in workforce development. While this outcome indicates an increase in employment opportunities, it also suggests the beginning of a potential shift in the demographic composition of professionals in soil science. This early indication of increased Hispanic representation and expertise in the field is a positive step towards diversifying the soil science workforce and enhancing the professional capabilities of graduates. This strategic focus on career development is a promising start towards creating more inclusive and varied representation within the sector. Reflection on Project Goals Reflecting on the five-year journey, TRESS has not only met but, in many aspects, exceeded its initial goals. The project has established a legacy of empowerment, education, and professional development that will continue to influence the field of soil science for years to come. The sustained efforts in education, research, and community engagement have laid a solid foundation for future initiatives aimed at further diversifying and strengthening the workforce in soil science and related disciplines.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Pereira, E., Cheng, C., & Kang, J. (2022). Progress on increasing Hispanic workforce in soil science through training, research, and education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Presented at ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rivera, A., Feria, T., & Pereira, E. (2022). Revealing the effects of climate change and fungicides on soil microbial communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Presented at ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: De La Rosa, G., Cheng, C., Kang, J., & Pereira, E. (2022). Measuring nitrate loss in the form of leaching in different soil types and nitrogen fertilizers. Presented at ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rivera, A., Feria, T., Choudhury, R., & Pereira, E. (2022). Revealing the effects of climate change and fungicides on soil microbial communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Presented at the Biennial Meeting of the Soil Ecology Society.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2022 Citation: Colunga, S., & Pereira, E. (2022). Carbon Sequestration in Sandy Soils of Arid and Semi-Arid Climates: A Review. Presented at Soil Survey & Land Resource Virtual Workshop, College Station, TX, February 2022.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rivera, Z., Cheng, C.-L., Salinas, A., Kang, J.J., Pereira, E., & Almeida, R. (2023). Investigation of Hydraulic Parameters and Their Roles in Soil Greenhouse Gas and Water Exchange Under Climate Extremes. Presented at the 2023 COS Annual Research Conference, Brownsville, TX, April 28, 2023.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Casillas, A., & Kang, J. (2022). Tailoring Biochars for Anionic Nutrient Recovery from Aqueous Solution. Presented at ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD.


Progress 09/01/21 to 08/31/22

Outputs
Target Audience:The TRESS program has successfully catered to a specific target audience, primarily focusing on UTRGV students. In its fourth year, TRESS provided valuable support to a total of 68 students through its diverse range of training, teaching, and research activities. These activities included faculty-mentored undergraduate research experiences and master's research, soil science coursework, and summer internships at USDA NRCS offices. Out of the 68 participants, seven engaged in faculty-mentored undergraduate research experiences and master's research, 42 students took part in soil science coursework, and nine secured summer internships at USDA NRCS offices. Furthermore, six participants pursued graduate programs, showcasing the program's effectiveness in inspiring students to pursue advanced education, while one participant successfully obtained employment at USDA NRCS. It is worth noting that the TRESS program has made significant strides in promoting diversity, as the majority of its participants are Hispanic, accounting for more than 90% of the program's enrollment. This demonstrates the program's commitment to inclusivity and providing opportunities to underrepresented communities in the field of soil science and agriculture. By targeting UTRGV students and specifically addressing the needs and aspirations of this diverse student population, the TRESS program has successfully made a positive impact on the academic and professional development of its participants, fostering a more inclusive and diverse community within the field. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided numerous opportunities for training and professional development, benefiting the participants in various ways. Firstly, the courses and lab activities delivered during the summer and fall of 2021, as well as in previous years, have succeeded in generating a strong interest among students in the field of soil sciences. These courses have effectively prepared them for potential job opportunities within the USDA, as indicated by the positive feedback received from the majority of the students who responded. The courses and labs were regarded as valuable by the participants, with a rating of "very good." Moreover, the internship experiences offered through the project have proven to be immensely valuable in terms of developing marketable skills and boosting the students' confidence. All nine students who took part in the internships expressed that the experience had a significant impact on their marketability and confidence. The internships provided them with practical knowledge about organizational routines, expected workplace behavior and communication, and career paths, which will greatly benefit them in their future careers. The internships also allowed them to observe the inner workings of a federal agency and learn how federal workers conduct projects from start to finish. Additionally, they had the opportunity to engage in discussions about conservation issues with landowners, network with professionals, and gain hands-on experience in the field. Consequently, the internship experience was highly rated by the students, with the outcomes being considered "very good." Although the results were mixed regarding the impact of the internships on building relationships and networks with professionals, the majority of students still acknowledged a moderate or strong impact in this area. Despite this, the overall rating for the research experience and its outcomes remained "very good." It is worth noting that all students felt that they were able to connect their learning in UTRGV classes to real-world contexts, further emphasizing the practical value of the project. Additionally, as a testament to the project's success in promoting higher education and advanced training, two graduate students successfully graduated with a master's degree in Agriculture, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences. These graduate students specialized in significant topics such as climate change and soil microbial communities, as well as nitrogen fertilizer transport in sandy soils. Their research and studies not only contributed to the project's overall objectives but also provided valuable insights and advancements in these critical areas of study. The project's support and opportunities for graduate students have played a vital role in fostering their academic and professional development, further highlighting the project's commitment to training and cultivating future leaders in the field of soil sciences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TRESS activities and opportunities were continuously disseminated through our website (www.utrgv.edu/soilscience) and Instagram account also shares TRESS activities (@utrgv_soilscience). TRESS research accomplishments were disseminated via a published paper and theses as well as presentations at scientific meetings (i.e., UTRGV College of Science Annual Research Conference, Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting). ? What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?For its next reporting period, TRESShas planned several activities to further accomplish its goals. These activities include: 1. Recruitment of two new Master's Students: TRESS has successfully recruited two new master's students who will be focusing on greenhouse gas emissions from soils and soil carbon sequestration. These students were undergraduate researchers within the TRESS project, and their work will contribute to advancing knowledge in these critical areas of soil science. 2. Pathways Internship Placement: One past intern who participated in the TRESS project and worked at USDA NRCS has been selected for Pathways Internships to start in the next summer. 3. Conference Participation Support: The TRESS team will continue to support students' participation in conferences related to soil science and related fields. By providing funding and guidance, the project aims to enhance students' networking and presentation skills, allowing them to showcase their research findings and gain exposure within the scientific community. 4. Offering Soil Science Classes: The project will continue to offer soil science classes to both undergraduate and graduate students. These classes will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of soil science fundamentals and further their knowledge in sub-disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and ecology. 5. Development Sessions for Job Applications: The TRESS team will continue supporting students in their job application processes, particularly for positions within the government and private sectors. Development sessions will provide guidance on crafting resumes, cover letters, and interview skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared to pursue job opportunities successfully. 6. Off-Campus Summer Internships: The project plans to facilitate off-campus summer internships with USDA-NRCS partners. These internships will offer students valuable hands-on experience in soil science practices and projects conducted in collaboration with NRCS, further enhancing their practical skills and understanding of real-world soil science applications. By implementing these activities, the TRESS project aims to continue its efforts in promoting academic and professional development among students, expanding their knowledge in soil science, and facilitating their transition into successful careers in the field.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Under SPO 1, the project successfully offered a range of courses to meet the objective of students mastering soil science fundamentals across sub-disciplines. These courses included: Soil Conservation Course: This course provided in-depth knowledge and understanding of soil conservation principles, practices, and techniques. It covered topics such as erosion control, soil fertility management, and sustainable land use strategies. The course was available to both graduate and undergraduate students. Soil Physics and Hydrology: This course focused on the physical properties and processes of soils, including soil-water interactions, soil moisture dynamics, and soil hydraulic properties. It provided students with a comprehensive understanding of how water moves through soils and its implications for agricultural and environmental systems. It was offered to both graduate and undergraduate students. Soil and Water Remediation: This course explored the methods and technologies used to remediate contaminated soils and water sources. It covered topics such as soil pollution, pollutant fate and transport, and remediation techniques. The course aimed to equip students with the necessary skills to address soil and water pollution issues effectively. It was available to both graduate and undergraduate students. Under SPO 2, the project has provided a range of experiential learning opportunities to enhance students' practical experience and knowledge in soil science. These opportunities include: Faculty-mentored Undergraduate Research Experiences: The project offered faculty-mentored research experiences to five undergraduate students. These experiences allowed students to actively engage in research projects related to soil science, providing them with hands-on experience in conducting scientific investigations and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field. Summer Internships at USDA NRCS Offices: The project facilitated summer internships for nine students at USDA NRCS offices. These internships provided students with valuable real-world exposure to soil science practices and projects conducted within a federal agency. It allowed them to gain practical experience in surveying, managing, evaluating, and problem-solving related to soil quality and health. Master's Research in Agriculture, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences: Two students successfully completed their master's research in Agriculture, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences. Their research focused on important topics such as climate change and soil microbial communities, as well as nitrogen fertilizer transport in sandy soils. These research projects have contributed to the body of knowledge in these areas and have allowed the students to specialize in specific topics within soil science. Under SPO 3, the project has successfully supported students at UTRGV, a predominantly Hispanic university, in seizing application opportunities, securing jobs, and increasing the proportion of Hispanic professionals in the fields of soil science. The following accomplishments are noteworthy: Graduate Programs: Six participants from the project successfully joined graduate programs. These individuals decided to further their education and pursue advanced studies in soil science or related fields, which demonstrates the project's success in motivating and preparing students to continue their academic journey. Employment at USDA NRCS: One participant from the project obtained employment at USDA NRCS. This accomplishment signifies the project's effectiveness in connecting students with career opportunities within the USDA, allowing them to apply their soil science knowledge and contribute to the agency's mission.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Granados, P.; Mireles, S.; Pereira, E.; Cheng, C.-L.; Kang, J.J. Effects of Biochar Production Methods and Biomass Types on Lead Removal from Aqueous Solution. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 5040. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12105040
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Colunga, Samantha and Engil Pereira. "Carbon Sequestration in Sandy Soils of Arid and Semi-Arid Climates." Presented at the 2021 College of Sciences Annual Research Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Rivera, Armida and Engil Pereira. "Revealing the Effects of Climate Change and Fungicides on Soil Microbial Communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas." Presented at the 2021 College of Sciences Annual Research Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: De La Rosa, Gladys and Engil Pereira. "Measuring Nitrate Loss in the Form of Leaching in Different Soil Types and Nitrogen Fertilizers." Presented at the 2021 College of Sciences Annual Research Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Salinas, Angel and Engil Pereira. "Implementing Organic Fertilization Practices and Magnetic Water to Improve Aloe Vera Growth and Soil Health in the Rio Grande Valley." Presented at the 2021 College of Sciences Annual Research Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Granados, P., Igberase, V., Garcia, C., Kang, J. J. "Evaluation of Biochar-Pumice Geomedia for Aqueous Contaminant Removal." Presented at the 2021 ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting Soil Science Society of America, held virtually in November 2021.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: De La Rosa, Gladys (2022). Assessment of Nitrogen-Based Fertilizer Transport and Microbial Activities in Sandy Soil Profiles in South Texas. M.Sc. in Agriculture, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2022 Citation: Rivera, Armida (2022). Revealing the Effects of Climate Change and Fungicides on Soil Microbial Communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. M.Sc. in Agriculture, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Castellanos, Diobenhi and Engil Pereira. "Measuring Microbial Activity of Sweet Potato Crop in the Lower Rio Grande Valley." Presented at the 2021 College of Sciences Annual Research Conference.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2021 Citation: Granados, Paola and James Kang. "Evaluation of Biochar-Pumice Filter Media for Lead Removal in Water." Presented at the 2021 College of Sciences Annual Research Conference.


Progress 09/01/20 to 08/31/21

Outputs
Target Audience:During its third year, TRESS assisted 118 UTRGV students across its training, teaching, and research activities: Faculty-mentored research experience (n = 5), soil science coursework (n = 78), and through development training offered to students in soil science about careers and opportunities at USDA (n = 29). Participants also joined graduate programs (n = 9) and obtained employment at USDA NRCS (n = 5). TRESS participants are mostly Hispanics (> 90%). Changes/Problems:During this unique COVID-affected period, TRESS was impacted by the following challenges: Reduced researchactivities offering fewer research opportunities to students. Halted professional development: During 2020-2021, the USDA suspended most of the internship programs blocking opportunities for many of our graduating students to leverage their status as undergraduate students. Canceled conferences: Student were planning to present their research projects at several conferences that were canceled in 2020, such as the Global Sandy Soils in Madison, WI. Compromised teaching: Instruction in the Spring required a sudden and immediate adaptation to an online mode with little time to research methods and strategies. Certain activities had to be canceled, such as hands-on activities and field visits for soils classes. For the remaining project period, we expect to restore all activities at normal speed. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?TRESS recruited four (04) new master students working on (i) nitrate leaching from farmlands, (ii) soil health and water management for specialty crops, (iii) fungicides persistence and soil microbial community composition, and (iv) biochar production and amendment in vegetable production. These masters' students engage several undergraduate students on their various field and laboratory activities.TRESS funded five undergraduate student researchers during this review cycle, which according to our external evaluations' report,gained skills, built relationships, and had meaningful experiences that prepared them for careers in soil sciences. The students felt that they increased their marketability through the experience. Most notably, all of the students gain a strong interest in science, research, and graduate school. The rating for the outcomes of the research experience is "very good."For successful conference presentations, TRESS faculty work with students to develop the abstract, analyze the data, prepare the posters, and practice the presentations. TRESS hosted two seminars to all students: One offered by USDA staff Ms. Ruby De La Garza and Mr. Rick Tofoya on jobs and internships at USDA, focusing on the Pathways Program; the second, was offered by faculty from UT Austin on MS/PhD positions at UT-Austin inCivil & Environmental Engineering, Geosciences, and Public Policyin Water-Energy-Food nexus. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many conferences were canceled during this evaluation cycle and only two students presented at a local virtual conference offered by UTRGV College of Science. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TRESS activities and opportunities were continuously disseminated through our website (www.utrgv.edu/soilscience) and Instagram account also shares TRESS activities (@utrgv_soilscience). TRESS research accomplishments were disseminated via a published paper and presentations at scientific meetings (i.e.,UTRGV College of Science Annual Research Conference). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?TRESS will maintain research opportunities and the offering of soil science courses. We hope to resume participation at conferences and plan to attend the Global Conference on Sandy Soils - Properties and Management in Madison, WI. Additionally, TRESS team will continue to support development sessions for students to apply for jobs with the government and private sectors. TRESS team also expects to offer eight off-campus summer internships with USDA-NRCS partners.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? During academic year 2020-2021, TRESS offered four soil science courses: Fundamentals of Soil Science (undergraduate level), Soil Conservation (Graduate level), Soil Conservation (undergraduate level), Soil Chemistry (cross listed undergraduate and graduate level). In total, 78 students attended the offered courses. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, we had to offer these courses virtually. All courses were offered synchronously, but opportunities for active learning were limited. Although students understood the extenuating circumstances, several students in each course expressed that they preferred the face-to-face mode of instruction. One upside of the pandemic was that students could return to the recorded lectures if they missed a class due to illness or did not understand the topic. The professors also adapted their courses. For example, graduate students in the soil conservation course conducted a solo field survey, that is, outside by themselves.Other ways that the professors made the courses active, despite social distancing protocols, included group projects and student-to-student conversations about course topics through social media, such as Yammer and WhatsApp. On the course evaluations, students were asked to indicate how much they learned about soil sciences that was completely new to them. They rated how much on a four-point Likert scale from "not at all" to "a great deal." All of the students in the Soil Chemistry course felt that they learned "a great deal" that was completely new. Almost all of the students in Soil Science and Conservation felt that they learned at least "a moderate amount" that was new.Several students described the accessibility and mentoring that they experienced with the professors of the courses in soil sciences. TRESS facilitated the participation of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at the UTRGV Career Expo (Spring 2020) by mediating with the Career Center to accommodate NRCS for an on-site hiring event. The agency desired recruiting Soil Conservationist positions, and so far, has recruited at least 5 UTRGV students. In addition to USDA positions, several TRESS alumni started positions in the private sector such as biotechnology labs. Furthermore, during this evaluation cycle, a total of nine (09) TRESS alumni joined graduate programs.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Navarro, J., Salazar, J., Kang, J. J., Parsons, J., Cheng, C. L., Castillo, A., & Pujol Pereira, E. I. (2020). Compost and Biochar to Promote Soil Biological Activities under Sweet Potatoes Cultivation in a Subtropical Semiarid Region. Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 2020.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Pereira, E. I. P., Elliott, L., & Cheng, C. L. Soil Aggregation and Carbon Distribution across a Clay Gradient. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2020)| VIRTUAL. ASA-CSSA-SSSA.


Progress 09/01/19 to 08/31/20

Outputs
Target Audience:During its second year, TRESS assisted 118 UTRGV students across its training, teaching, and research activities: Faculty-mentored research experience (n = 4, 100% Hispanic), soil science coursework (n = 83, 90% Hispanic), and through development training offered to students in soil science about careers and opportunities at USDA (n = 21, 76% Hispanic). TRESS also promoted seminars on the topic of forest soils presented by visiting Ph.D. students from Sao Paulo State University, Ms. Karla Sena and Ms. Thais Soto Boni. Changes/Problems:During the reporting period, COVID-19 Pandemicdrastically reduced the rate of TRESS' activities as organizations suspending activities, preventingsummer internships and data collection in some research projects. Travel to field sites and conferences was also restricted. The decrease in research activities reduced student recruitment to research projects. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Education:In Fall 2019, we offered Fundamentals of Soil Science to undergraduate students (n = 31). In Spring 2020, we offered Soil Ecology at the undergraduate level (n = 29), and Soil Physics and Hydrology cross-listed to graduate and undergraduate students (n = 23). Post-course surveys indicated that a majority of the students increased their interest in the field of soil science. Likewise, a majority of the students demonstrated interest in pursuing a graduate degree or a career in the field. Good job opportunities and the multi-disciplinary aspects propelled their interests in soil sciences, whereas those who were not interested were held back by prior background or experience. Research:Four undergraduate students participated in faculty-mentored research projects with duration of 1 to 2 semesters. In one project, the student investigated soil properties in correlations to water flow and contaminant/nutrient transport. This particular research was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic; However, both faculty and student are committed to resume once field and travel activities are cleared by university and health officials. A second undergraduate researcher investigated the spatial variability of soil chemical and physical properties across a landscape bearing a gradient of clay levels. This student has graduated in Spring 2020 and currently works as a research technician cooperator for the local USDA-APHIS office.In a third research project, the student investigated soil biological responses to compost and tillage in a post-construction land hydroseeded with turfgrass.A fourth undergraduate researcher investigated the influence of an invasive African grass,Pennisetumciliare, on soil nematode community?. From a post-program survey, a student expressed: "The TRESS program was the first to give me the opportunity to conduct scientific research independently, participate in international and local conferences, obtain valuable hands-on experience & skills, and form meaningful relationships with multiple professors". Another student highlighted the opportunity to develop a scientific network "It allowed me to gain great professional relationships with my mentor, as well as other graduate and undergraduate students". Training:TRESS faculty and students hosted an 8.5 h Soil Science workshop for six teachers of agriculture within the Special Purpose School District of Phar-San Juan-Alamo, TX. Four weeks before the workshop, TRESS team prepared demonstration experiments covering aspects of environmental contamination, over-fertilization, water quality, and soil management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?TRESS activities and opportunities were continuously disseminated through our website (www.utrgv.edu/soilscience) and Instagram account also shares TRESS activities (@utrgv_soilscience). TRESS research accomplishments were disseminated via presentations at scientific meetings (e.g., ASA-CSSA-SSSA, Annual Meeting of the Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society,UTRGV Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?TRESS will establish the research programs of four master students working on (i) nitrate leaching from farmlands, (ii) soil health and water management for specialty crops, (iii) fungicides persistence and soil microbial community composition, and (iv) biochar production and amendment in vegetable production. These masters' research will not only train graduate students but will also offer graduate students the opportunity to mentor undergraduate student researchers. TRESS faculty will continue to offer soil science courses and if necessary, will adapt face-to-face labs to virtual instruction mode. TRESS team will continue to support development sessions for students to apply for jobs with the government and private sectors. TRESS team also expects to offer eight off-campus summer internships with USDA-NRCS partners.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The TRESS project continued to improve the offerings in soil sciences at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as well as provide students with opportunities for experiential learning. At present a total of six courses have been developed and delivered. During the second year of the project, the soil science courses had an enrollment of 83 undergraduate and graduate students. Through these courses and labs/activities courses with lab activities, students continue to explore the field of soil sciences, engage in active learning, and develop relationships with faculty members. Students also felt that they increased their interest and prepared for jobs in the field. During this second review period, four undergraduate students engaged in research projects mentored by UTRGV faculty. Seven of the first- and second-year TRESS students presented their research at the annual meeting of the Soil Science Society of America (ASA-CSSA-SSSA), in San Antonio, Texas. Two students presented their work in regional conferences with one student winning 1stplace in the undergraduate student poster competition. Through these conferences, students made professional connections and developed their networks.Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the planned off-campus summer internship at USDA/NRCS were suspended and will hopefully resume in Summer 2021.To reach out to the RGV community, TRESS faculty and students hosted a Soil Science workshop (8.5 h) for high-school teachers of the Phar-San Juan-Alamo-School District, where we provided lectures and established 3 demonstration experiments. These experiments were designed to be adopted in their classroom to engage students in the learning of environmental contamination, over-fertilization, water quality, and soil management.Moreover, to bridge UTRGV talent with community and national needs, TRESS team assisted the participation of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at the UTRGV Career Expo, by mediating with the Career Center to accommodate infrastructure needs for NRCS to carry out an on-site hiring event. The agency desired to recruit for Soil Conservationist positions and made multiple on-site offers to our alumni and students.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Pereira, E. I. P., Kang, J., & Cheng, C. L. (2019, November). Progress on Increasing Hispanic Workforce in Soil Science through Training, Research, and Education: A New Integrated Program at South Texas/Rio Grande Valley. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gonzalez, M., Garza, A., Flores, A., Granados, P., Pereira, E. I. P., Kang, J., & Zertuche, C. (2019, November). Soil Biological Health Affected By Compost and Tillage in a Post-Construction Land Hydroseeded with Turfgrass. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA-CSSA-SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Flores, A., Gonzalez, M., Garza, A., Zertuche, C., Ho, J., & Kang, J. (2019, November). Soil Physical Properties and Runoff Quality Affected By Compost and Tillage in Turfgrass Establishment. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA-CSSA-SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gonzalez, M., Flores, A., Garza, A., Kang, J., & Zertuche, C. (2019, November). Comparison of Aggregate Stability Measurement Methods. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Garza, A., Granados, P., Gonzalez, M., Kang, J., & Flores, A. (2019, November). Effects of Inoculated Biochar on the Growth of Cucumber. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Granados, P., Garza, A., Kang, J., & Mireles, S. (2019, November). Evaluation of Lead Adsorption By Locally Sourced Biochar. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jaramillo, I., Dale, J., & Pereira, E. I. P. (2019, November). Developing Sustainable Sweet Potato for South Texas: An Opportunity to Diversify Agricultural Production and Promote Soil Health. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA-CSSA-SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Najera, G., Fierro, A., Contreras, L., & Cintra, C. (2019, November). Potential Effect of Sea Level Rise on Soil Carbon Fluxes in a Mangrove-Marsh-Mudflat Sequence of the Lower Laguna Madre, Texas. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Isaiah Jaramillo, Jon Dale, and Engil Pereira. "Developing Sustainable Sweet Potato for South Texas: An Opportunity to Diversify Agricultural Production and Promote Soil Health. ," 74th ANNUAL MEETING of the Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society., Subtropical Agriculture and Environments Society, (2020)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Garcia, Y., Da Silva, J., & Pereira, E. I. P. (2019, November). Improving Crop Energy Balance through Associations with N 2-Fixing and N 2 o-Reducing Bacteria. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Tijerina, D., & Pereira, E. I. P. (2019, November). Tracing Spatial Soil Heterogeneity to Elucidate Microbiome Composition. In ASA, CSSA and SSSA International Annual Meetings (2019). ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Elliott, L., Pereira, E. I.P. (2019, October). Use of Spatial Interpolation In Predicting Nutrient Availability In Agricultural Fields. UTRGV Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Day.


Progress 09/01/18 to 08/31/19

Outputs
Target Audience:The TRESS project appeals to UTRGV undergraduate and graduate students in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human (FANH) Sciences fields. In the past year, participating students gained knowledge, acquired experience, and expanded research in soil science. With decades of reductions in soil-specific course hours in modern environmental science majors decimating the pool of qualified soil scientists nationally compounded by a lack of Hispanic representation, TRESS is an outlet to increase the number of professionals prepared for soil science careers drawing from a predominantly Hispanic student body. During its first year, TRESS assisted 68 UTRGV students across its three main components: Training through off-campus internships (n = 5, 100% Hispanic), faculty-mentored research experience (n = 7, 100% Hispanic), and education through soil science and community-engaged coursework (n = 56, 79% Hispanic). The PD-Team also carried out recruitment activities to reach out to future TRESS participants (n > 60): Visiting students from McAllen High School experienced Project presentations and soil science demonstrations during the UTRGV Vaqueros Roundup as well as during the Hispanic Engineering, Science, and Technology (HESTEC) Week, both annual events at UTRGV. During World Soil Day (December 5th), the TRESS PD-Team streamed the movie "Symphony of the Soil" to UTRGV students to create awareness of the importance of soil conservation (co-hosted with NSF funded SHIP-GEO "Stimulating Hispanic Participation in the Geosciences"). Additionally, TRESS welcomed visiting Ph.D. student from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Ms. Rafaela Conz, who graciously gave two seminars: (1) a presentation to graduate students of her research findings and implications of soil nutrient depletion in African landscape on soil health and food security, and (2) an overview for undergraduate students describing her pathway from undergraduate researcher, to Masters scientist, to her Ph.D. program at a R1 institution. TRESS also orients towards potential national and local employers, such as the USDA/NRCS, local producers, and laboratories of soil analyses. To reach out to these audiences, the PD-Team visited their facilities and discussed potential internship opportunities for TRESS students. Over the summer, we had three students fulfilling internships with the NRCS Edinburg office and two students interning with the Texas Plant and Soil Laboratory (TPS Lab). TPS Lab fully supported the payment of one of the interns. Changes/Problems:The short window of recruitment between the initiation of the grant and the beginning of the academic year was insufficient to recruit a graduate student for the first year of project, but should be accomplished for the second project year. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training: TRESS placed undergraduate students in summer internships at the NRCS Edinburg office (n = 3). These students experienced hands-on and purposeful guidance while learning how the agency assists agricultural producers with land management issues. TRESS students also interned at the Edinburg Texas Plant and Soil Laboratory (n = 2), where they trained on how to conduct chemical analyses on soil, plant, water, fertilizer, compost, and other agriculture related samples. They learned how to operate state-of-the-art instrumentation including ICP-OES, AA, Plate Reader, Spectrometer, etc. Research: TRESS students (n = 7) performed topical ecological research under the mentorship of UTRGV faculty. Students worked on projects related to: 1) greenhouse gas emissions in coastal land soils, 2) soil carbon sequestration in sites converting from agricultural use to reforested land, 3) soil microbiomes in the rhizospheres of bioenergy crops, 4) special variability of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, 5) production and characterization of biochar for adsorption purposes, 6) fallow effects on soil biological activities, and 7) soil nutrient depletion under cultivation of sweet potato using organic amendments. Students had the opportunity to present their research at scientific conferences, i.e., the Annual Meeting of the Soil Sciences Society of America (SSSA) in San Diego, CA, the USDA NIFA HSI PD meeting, and the Annual National Conference of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education in Costa Mesa, CA, UTRGV's Engaged Scholar Symposium, as well as UTRGV's College of Science Annual Research Symposium. Two of these students worked together with their faculty mentor and prepared a manuscript that was recently submitted to the journal of Applied Soil Ecology. Education (recruitment and retention): With the TRESS faculty team's successful efforts, the UTRGV's Undergraduate Curriculum Committee approved five (5) new soil science courses resulting in 15 semester hours. The courses are: "Fundamentals of Soil Science", "Soil Ecology", "Soil Chemistry", "Soil Physics and Hydrology", and "Soil Conservation". The faculty also approved the creation of a brand new Soil Science Certificate to be awarded to students that complete all 5 courses. In Fall 2018, we offered the "Soil Conservation" course to undergraduate (n = 9) and graduate students (n = 14). In Spring 2019, we offered "Soil Chemistry" also cross-listed to undergraduate (n = 16) and graduate students (n = 2). Spring 2019 also saw students developing the tools and management for a vegetable garden tackling local food security issues while promoting soil conservation through sustainable agronomic practices such as drip irrigation and composting through a community-engaged TRESS course in partnership with La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE). "Fundamentals of Soil Science and Soil Physics and Hydrology" courses will be offered in upcoming Fall 2019. To increase the visibility of our projects' activities and opportunities, we hosted an event on campus to celebrate World Soil Day (Dec. 5th, 2018). During the event, we screened a soil conservation-related movie: "The Symphony of Soil" by Deborah Koons. At the Annual Meeting of the Soil Sciences Society of America in San Diego, Dr. Pereira presented a poster showcasing TRESS goals and expected outcomes. Dr. Pereira and TRESS students also attended the South Texas Women in Agriculture Workshop, where Dr. Pereira spoke about Soil Health in the Rio Grande Valley. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from TRESS were disseminated through website, social media, flyers, scientific presentations, and a manuscript submission. A website promoting TRESS was established: www.utrgv.edu/soilscience. An Instagram account also shares TRESS activities: @utrgv_soilscience. During the community engaged course, students and faculty developed three (03) flyers to distribute to the community members. These flyers provide instructions and guidelines on (i) irrigation, (ii) vegetable cultivation, and (iii) production in raised-beds. Flyers were printed in both English and Spanish and are also available on our webpage. A manuscript prepared by TRESS students and faculty was submitted for publication at the journal of Applied Soil Ecology. Finally, TRESS accomplishments were also disseminated via poster presentations at scientific meetings (e.g., SSSA, UTRGV Engaged Scholar Symposium, UTRGV College of Science Annual Research Symposium). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?TRESS will expand experiential learning opportunities for UTRGV students. As planned, we expect to host at least four (04) undergraduate research projects for the 2019-2020 period. We plan to recruit up to two Master's students at UTRGV. Seven (07) students will present their research at the Annual Meeting of the Soil Science Society of America in November of 2019 in San Antonio, TX. During the event, Dr. Pereira will also present updates about TRESS progress at the 'Soils Education and Outreach' sessions. In upcoming academic year 2019-2020, we will offer, for the first time, undergraduate and graduate courses in "Fundamentals of Soil Science", "Soil Physics and Hydrology", and "Soil Ecology". At least four students will participate in a summer internships with the USDA. Finally, TRESS students will attend mentoring and training sessions to apply for jobs with the government and private sectors.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? TRESS has established a strong foundation in Year 1 to achieve its central goal - to enhance the education and training of students (including undergraduate and graduate) to prepare for careers in soil sciences. The PD-Team proposed and approved 15 hours of soil science courses for UTRGV students, which compose a Certificate Program in Soil Science. Three courses with lab activities and hands-on learning experience were delivered. These courses created opportunities for students to explore the subfields of soil sciences, engage in project-based learning through the lab, and develop a mentoring relationship with the instructors and faculty mentors. Feedback from surveys indicated these efforts have increased student interests in the field.The research experience was powerful for the seven students who participated, including producing publishable material, a special experience at the undergraduate level to already benefit the scientific community. The students themselves profited from plentiful opportunities to develop their research skills and learn to communicate their procedures and findings in forums of scientists and peers. Overall, they increased their interests in science and research, and found meaningful experiences as they prepared for future careers in the field.Five students participated in off-campus internships with potential employers during summer 2019. Tackling local food security and soil health issues while promoting soil conservation through sustainable agronomic practices, TRESS undergraduate students undertook a community-engaged course that strengthened bonds with a local social organization and the community, who received tailor-developed approaches for vegetable production as well as education materials.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Engil Pereira, Jihoon Kang, Chu-Lin Cheng, Mirayda Torres-Avila, Bradley Christoffersen, Christopher Gabler, Kristine Lowe, and Alexis Racelis. "Increasing Hispanic Workforce in Soil Science through Training, Research, and Education: A New Integrated Program for the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas". SSSA International Soils Meeting, Soil Science Society of America, San Diego, California (January 2019)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Jahdiel Salazar, Josabeth Navarro, Jihoon Kang, and Engil Pereira. "Sweet potato: a potentially profitable summer crop for South Texas organic farmers to enhance soil biological activity and nutrient release". SSSA International Soils Meeting, Soil Science Society of America, San Diego, CA (January 2019)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Josabeth Navarro, Jahdiel Salazar, Jihoon Kang, and Engil Pereira. "Sweet Summer Spud: South Texas soil fertility management strategies with organic amendments to increase nutrient availability and reduce nutrient depletion. SSSA International Soils Meeting, Soil Science Society of America, San Diego, CA (January 2019)
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Lilly Elliot, Bradley Christoffersen, and Engil Pereira. Following the chronosequence of C sequestration in sites converting from agricultural use to reforested land. 14th Annual Conference of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE). Costa Mesa-CA. (February 2019).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Paola Granados, Aaron Garza, Amado Zambrano, Sergio Mireles, Engil Pereira, James Jihoon Kang Characterization of locally sourced biochar as water filter. 14th Annual Conference of the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE). Costa Mesa-CA. (February 2019).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Gaspar Najera, Leticia Contreras, Alejandro Fierro-Cabo, Carlos Cintra Buenrostro. Soil Carbon Fluxes in a Mangrove-Marsh-Mudflat Continuum of the Lower Laguna Madre. Engaged Scholar Symposium. Brownsville, TX. (April 2019).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Lilly Elliot, Bradley Christoffersen, and Engil Pereira. Following the chronosequence of C sequestration in sites converting from agricultural use to reforested land. College of Sciences Annual Research Symposium. Edinburg-TX. (March 2019).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Josabeth Navarro, Jahdiel Salazar, Jihoon Kang, Jason Parsons, Chu-Lin Cheng, Alexandria Castillo, and Engil Pereira. Promoting sweet potato production and soil biological activities under challenging climatic and edaphic conditions in subtropical semi-arid South Texas. Manuscript submitted to Applied Soil Ecology.