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Krish Jayachandran

Florida International University, Earth and environement, Faculty Member

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Dr. Krish Jayachandran is a Distinguished University Professor of environmental microbiology/soil science in the Department of Earth and Environment. Using microbiology as a central tool, he is specialized in nutrient cycling and soil health, microbial diversity and activity, isolation and characterization of pesticide degrading microorganisms, biocontrol of invasive plant species, marine and freshwater toxins and microbial degradation, and soil-plant-microbial interactions. His research projects have been funded by the ENP, SFWMD, USDA, NIEH, DOE, Silver Consortium, and World Bank/FAO. He has more than 300 publications, including referred articles, research reports, book chapters, conference publications, and over 50 invited lectures. Dr. Jayachandran co-founded the ongoing FIU Agroecology Program, which he built with the support of USDA grants of more than 15.0 million dollars towards research, education, student training, and outreach activities. Dr. Jayachandran has supervised directed research projects for >300 undergraduate students, graduated 50 master’s students, 15 PhD students, and served on several doctoral and master’s students committees. In his professional field, Dr. Jayachandran served as an Associate Editor for one of the premier environmental journals, Journal of Environmental Quality (2002-07), several journal’s Editorial Board, and Associate Editor for NACTA journal. He also served on ~35 research panels (as panel member and panel manager) that included EPA, NSF, USDA agencies. Dr. Jayachandran received several awards for his teaching, research, mentorship, service, community engagement from FIU and Fellow of American Society of Agronomy. This year, Dr. Jayachandran is promoted to Distinguished University Professor, and a recognition from his alma mater as TNAU Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Phone: 7863821777
Address: 11200 SW 8th ST
Florida International University
Miami, FL 33199

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Papers by Krish Jayachandran

Barium Toxicity Effects in Soybean Plants

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Feb 8, 2008

Effect of Glyphosate and Carbaryl Applications on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Biomass and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Root Colonization in Organic Soil

Horticulturae, May 7, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more

Water and Atrazine Movement in a Calcareous Compost Applied Soil During Simulated Multiple Storms Events

Water Air and Soil Pollution, Jul 1, 2005

Advances in Biochar and PGPR engineering system for hydrocarbon degradation: A promising strategy for environmental remediation

Environmental Pollution, Jul 1, 2022

In soil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have resulted in severe environmental deteriorat... more In soil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have resulted in severe environmental deterioration, compromised soil characteristics, and negatively affect all life forms, including humans. Developing appropriate and effective clean-up technology is crucial in solving the contamination issues. The traditional methods to treat PHAs contaminated soil are less effective and not ecofriendly. Bioremediation, based on bioaugmentation and biostimulation approaches, is a promising strategy for remediating contaminated soil. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a bioaugmentation tool is an effective technique for treating hydrocarbon contaminated soil. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are group of rhizospheric bacteria that colonize the roots of plants. Biochar is a carbon-rich residue, which acts as a source of nutrients, and is also a bio-stimulating candidate to enhance the activities of oil-degrading bacteria. The application of biochar as a nutrient source to bioremediate oil-contaminated soil is a promising approach for reducing PHA contamination. Biochar induces polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) immobilization and removes the contaminants by various methods such as ion exchange electrostatic attractions and volatilization. In comparison, PGPR produce multiple types of biosurfactants to enhance the adsorption of hydrocarbons and mineralize the hydrocarbons with the conversion to less toxic substances. During the last few decades, the use of PGPR and biochar in the bioremediation of hydrocarbons-contaminated soil has gained greater importance. Therefore, developing and applying a PGPR-biochar-based remediating system can help manage hazardous PAH contaminated soil. The goal of this review paper is to (i) provide an overview of the PGPR mechanism for degradation of hydrocarbons and (ii) discuss the contaminants absorbent by biochar and its characteristics (iii) critically discuss the combined effect of PGPR and biochar for degradation of hydrocarbons by decreasing their mobility and bioavailability. The present review focuses on techniques of bioaugmentation and biostimulation based on use of PGPR and biochar in remediating the oil-contaminated soil.

Effect of Salinity Stress and Microbial Inoculations on Glomalin Production and Plant Growth Parameters of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Agronomy, Sep 12, 2019

Mineralization of organic phosphorus by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Soil Biology & Biochemistry, Sep 1, 1992

Soil Respiration and Carbon Balance Under Cover Crop in a no-Till Tropical Fruit Orchard

Frontiers in Environmental Science, Dec 23, 2021

Adoption and perception of cover crop implementation for tropical fruit growers

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, Dec 13, 2021

Cover cropping is a sustainable strategy for increasing soil nutrients and organic matter, and im... more Cover cropping is a sustainable strategy for increasing soil nutrients and organic matter, and improving overall soil health. This practice is heavily promoted for annual vegetable growers; however, there is less widespread acknowledgement for cover crops as a management strategy in perennial settings. Research is limited in this field, specifically when considering cover cropping for tropical fruit groves. The current study analyzes data from surveys distributed to Miami-Dade County (MDC) tropical fruit producers to quantify their perceptions on incorporating cover crops in their fruit production systems. Two surveys were formulated and distributed virtually to understand farmer familiarity/interest in cover cropping and to uncover factors that impact likelihood of cover crop adoption. Logistic regression analysis of cover crop adoption revealed that having previous experience with cover crops, valuing cover crop importance, perceiving the practice as economically viable, and farm acreage were all positive predictors of cover crop adoption. When questioned about specific tropical leguminous cover crop species, sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens [L.] DC), farmers expressed ~5% greater interest in incorporating sunn hemp into their production systems. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed that 90% of surveyed farmers were interested in learning more about cover crops and 85% were likely to attend demonstrative workshops to discern if implementing cover crops would be right for their operation. Overall, the findings suggest that MDC fruit producers are interested in incorporating cover cropping practices with 80% of respondents indicating they would like to improve conservation practices within their production systems. Applying cover crops can potentially improve soil quality and reduce erosion in the MDC agricultural area and in other regions where perennial fruit crop production is prominent. Additionally, implementation of cover cropping as a substitute to reduce usage of synthetic fertilizers has positive implications to decrease nutrient loads in the imperiled ecosystems of Florida Bay and the Everglades.

Influence of Leguminous Cover Crops on Soil Chemical and Biological Properties in a No-Till Tropical Fruit Orchard

Land, Jun 17, 2022

Short-term vegetation responses to the first prescribed burn in an urban pine rockland preserve

Fire Ecology, Nov 5, 2021

Effects of prescribed fire on soil properties in a pine rockland ecosystem

Agricultural & Environmental Letters, 2020

Smart Gardening IoT Soil Sheets for Real-Time Nutrient Analysis

Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2018

Precision Agriculture Application for Sustainable Nitrogen Management of Justicia brandegeana Using Optical Sensor Technology

Agriculture, May 4, 2019

Sea Level Rise in the Everglades: Plant-Soil-Microbial Feedbacks in Response to Changing Physical Conditions

Microbiology of the Everglades Ecosystem

Color Plate Section

High Polyacrylamide Application Rates Do Not Affect Eubacterial Structural Diversity

Water Air and Soil Pollution, Nov 25, 2012

Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is a linear, water-soluble anionic polymer that is widely used for e... more Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is a linear, water-soluble anionic polymer that is widely used for erosion control and water quality protection. There has been an issue whether this formulation could possibly have negative effects on soil microbial diversity by altering microbial binding to soil particles or to one another and thus restricting their mobility and role in carbon and nutrient cycling. We conducted an 8-year study annually applying ultra-high rates of PAM to soil and then monitored impacts on soil bacterial diversity. In July and August, we measured active soil bacterial and fungal biomass and microbial diversity in soils receiving 0 (control), 2,691, and 5,382 kg active ingredient PAM ha−1. Active microbial biomass in soil was 19–33 % greater in the untreated control than soil treated with 2,691 or 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1. Active bacterial biomass in soil was 21–31 % greater in the control treatment than in soil treated with 2,691 or 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1 in August, but not July. Active fungal biomass in soils was 38–50 % greater in the control treatment than soil treated with 2,691 or 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1 in July, but not August. Molecular methods were used to access the bacterial diversity, richness, and evenness in an agricultural soil that received 0 (control), 2,691, and 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1. We found that although soil receiving these massive PAM application rates and prolonged exposure may reduce active bacterial and fungal biomass, PAM application did not substantially or consistently affect bacterial structural diversity, richness, or evenness in this agricultural soil.

Mercury Mass Budget Estimates and Cycling in the Florida Everglades

CRC Press eBooks, Mar 26, 2015

Coastal wetlands occupy the intertidal zone between the freshwater Everglades and the Gulf of Mex... more Coastal wetlands occupy the intertidal zone between the freshwater Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico. At the interface with the marine environment, these wetlands are dominated by mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and mudfl ats. Behind the coastal fringe zone is an ecotone that transitions into a freshwater/upland community characterized by an increasing diversity of halophytic to glycophytic trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. These productive coastal wetlands provide numerous, important ecosystem services. Directly benefi ting humans, coastal wetlands function as habitat and nursery ground for shellfi sh and other commercially important fi sheries, stabilize the coastline, and lessen the impact of storm surges (Aburto-Oropeza et al. 2008; Costanza et al. 2008; Gedan et al. 2011). Moreover, some of the most important functions of coastal

The Microbial Ecology of Mercury Methylation and Demethylation in the Florida Everglades

Microbiology of the Everglades Ecosystem, 2015

The Effects of Insect Rearing Waste Compost on Helianthus annuus and Tithonia rotundifolia

Agrotechnology, 2016

In recent years, there has been a greater demand for growing substrates for ornamental plants. Ho... more In recent years, there has been a greater demand for growing substrates for ornamental plants. However, as cost rises and quantities of these materials become more limited, alternative forms of growing media are now being sought. A study was conducted to test the efficacy of using insect rearing waste as an alternative growing media for plants. Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill) S.F. Blake) were grown in different ratios of insect colony waste compost (ICW) combined with cardboard (Cb) (ICW+Cb) and nursery mix (NM) mixtures. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether insect colony waste (ICW) from fruit fly rearing would sustain plant growth. Selective characteristics of the potting substrates revealed that the ratio of 100:0 ICW+Cb:NM had a 7.6 pH, 0.86 dS m-1 EC (salinity), 0.46 g cm-3 bulk density, and 50.1 percent water holding capacity at saturation. For common sunflower, there was a significant difference between the 100:0 and 0:100 ICW+Cb:NM blends for plant height, with the 100:0 ICW+Cb:NM mixture having the greatest height. For the Mexican sunflower, the 100:0 ICW+Cb:NM produced significantly more leaves and had a greater stem diameter than some of the other mixtures of potting substrate. There was no indication that the insect colony waste combined with cardboard (ICW+Cb) would inhibit plant growth. ICW+Cb have the potential to be used as an alternative substrate for growing plants.

Barium Toxicity Effects in Soybean Plants

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Feb 8, 2008

Effect of Glyphosate and Carbaryl Applications on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Biomass and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) Root Colonization in Organic Soil

Horticulturae, May 7, 2022

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more

Water and Atrazine Movement in a Calcareous Compost Applied Soil During Simulated Multiple Storms Events

Water Air and Soil Pollution, Jul 1, 2005

Advances in Biochar and PGPR engineering system for hydrocarbon degradation: A promising strategy for environmental remediation

Environmental Pollution, Jul 1, 2022

In soil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have resulted in severe environmental deteriorat... more In soil, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have resulted in severe environmental deterioration, compromised soil characteristics, and negatively affect all life forms, including humans. Developing appropriate and effective clean-up technology is crucial in solving the contamination issues. The traditional methods to treat PHAs contaminated soil are less effective and not ecofriendly. Bioremediation, based on bioaugmentation and biostimulation approaches, is a promising strategy for remediating contaminated soil. The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a bioaugmentation tool is an effective technique for treating hydrocarbon contaminated soil. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are group of rhizospheric bacteria that colonize the roots of plants. Biochar is a carbon-rich residue, which acts as a source of nutrients, and is also a bio-stimulating candidate to enhance the activities of oil-degrading bacteria. The application of biochar as a nutrient source to bioremediate oil-contaminated soil is a promising approach for reducing PHA contamination. Biochar induces polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) immobilization and removes the contaminants by various methods such as ion exchange electrostatic attractions and volatilization. In comparison, PGPR produce multiple types of biosurfactants to enhance the adsorption of hydrocarbons and mineralize the hydrocarbons with the conversion to less toxic substances. During the last few decades, the use of PGPR and biochar in the bioremediation of hydrocarbons-contaminated soil has gained greater importance. Therefore, developing and applying a PGPR-biochar-based remediating system can help manage hazardous PAH contaminated soil. The goal of this review paper is to (i) provide an overview of the PGPR mechanism for degradation of hydrocarbons and (ii) discuss the contaminants absorbent by biochar and its characteristics (iii) critically discuss the combined effect of PGPR and biochar for degradation of hydrocarbons by decreasing their mobility and bioavailability. The present review focuses on techniques of bioaugmentation and biostimulation based on use of PGPR and biochar in remediating the oil-contaminated soil.

Effect of Salinity Stress and Microbial Inoculations on Glomalin Production and Plant Growth Parameters of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Agronomy, Sep 12, 2019

Mineralization of organic phosphorus by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

Soil Biology & Biochemistry, Sep 1, 1992

Soil Respiration and Carbon Balance Under Cover Crop in a no-Till Tropical Fruit Orchard

Frontiers in Environmental Science, Dec 23, 2021

Adoption and perception of cover crop implementation for tropical fruit growers

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, Dec 13, 2021

Cover cropping is a sustainable strategy for increasing soil nutrients and organic matter, and im... more Cover cropping is a sustainable strategy for increasing soil nutrients and organic matter, and improving overall soil health. This practice is heavily promoted for annual vegetable growers; however, there is less widespread acknowledgement for cover crops as a management strategy in perennial settings. Research is limited in this field, specifically when considering cover cropping for tropical fruit groves. The current study analyzes data from surveys distributed to Miami-Dade County (MDC) tropical fruit producers to quantify their perceptions on incorporating cover crops in their fruit production systems. Two surveys were formulated and distributed virtually to understand farmer familiarity/interest in cover cropping and to uncover factors that impact likelihood of cover crop adoption. Logistic regression analysis of cover crop adoption revealed that having previous experience with cover crops, valuing cover crop importance, perceiving the practice as economically viable, and farm acreage were all positive predictors of cover crop adoption. When questioned about specific tropical leguminous cover crop species, sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens [L.] DC), farmers expressed ~5% greater interest in incorporating sunn hemp into their production systems. Quantitative and qualitative data revealed that 90% of surveyed farmers were interested in learning more about cover crops and 85% were likely to attend demonstrative workshops to discern if implementing cover crops would be right for their operation. Overall, the findings suggest that MDC fruit producers are interested in incorporating cover cropping practices with 80% of respondents indicating they would like to improve conservation practices within their production systems. Applying cover crops can potentially improve soil quality and reduce erosion in the MDC agricultural area and in other regions where perennial fruit crop production is prominent. Additionally, implementation of cover cropping as a substitute to reduce usage of synthetic fertilizers has positive implications to decrease nutrient loads in the imperiled ecosystems of Florida Bay and the Everglades.

Influence of Leguminous Cover Crops on Soil Chemical and Biological Properties in a No-Till Tropical Fruit Orchard

Land, Jun 17, 2022

Short-term vegetation responses to the first prescribed burn in an urban pine rockland preserve

Fire Ecology, Nov 5, 2021

Effects of prescribed fire on soil properties in a pine rockland ecosystem

Agricultural & Environmental Letters, 2020

Smart Gardening IoT Soil Sheets for Real-Time Nutrient Analysis

Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2018

Precision Agriculture Application for Sustainable Nitrogen Management of Justicia brandegeana Using Optical Sensor Technology

Agriculture, May 4, 2019

Sea Level Rise in the Everglades: Plant-Soil-Microbial Feedbacks in Response to Changing Physical Conditions

Microbiology of the Everglades Ecosystem

Color Plate Section

High Polyacrylamide Application Rates Do Not Affect Eubacterial Structural Diversity

Water Air and Soil Pollution, Nov 25, 2012

Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is a linear, water-soluble anionic polymer that is widely used for e... more Anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) is a linear, water-soluble anionic polymer that is widely used for erosion control and water quality protection. There has been an issue whether this formulation could possibly have negative effects on soil microbial diversity by altering microbial binding to soil particles or to one another and thus restricting their mobility and role in carbon and nutrient cycling. We conducted an 8-year study annually applying ultra-high rates of PAM to soil and then monitored impacts on soil bacterial diversity. In July and August, we measured active soil bacterial and fungal biomass and microbial diversity in soils receiving 0 (control), 2,691, and 5,382 kg active ingredient PAM ha−1. Active microbial biomass in soil was 19–33 % greater in the untreated control than soil treated with 2,691 or 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1. Active bacterial biomass in soil was 21–31 % greater in the control treatment than in soil treated with 2,691 or 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1 in August, but not July. Active fungal biomass in soils was 38–50 % greater in the control treatment than soil treated with 2,691 or 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1 in July, but not August. Molecular methods were used to access the bacterial diversity, richness, and evenness in an agricultural soil that received 0 (control), 2,691, and 5,382 kg of active ingredient PAM ha−1. We found that although soil receiving these massive PAM application rates and prolonged exposure may reduce active bacterial and fungal biomass, PAM application did not substantially or consistently affect bacterial structural diversity, richness, or evenness in this agricultural soil.

Mercury Mass Budget Estimates and Cycling in the Florida Everglades

CRC Press eBooks, Mar 26, 2015

Coastal wetlands occupy the intertidal zone between the freshwater Everglades and the Gulf of Mex... more Coastal wetlands occupy the intertidal zone between the freshwater Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico. At the interface with the marine environment, these wetlands are dominated by mangrove forests, tidal creeks, and mudfl ats. Behind the coastal fringe zone is an ecotone that transitions into a freshwater/upland community characterized by an increasing diversity of halophytic to glycophytic trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation. These productive coastal wetlands provide numerous, important ecosystem services. Directly benefi ting humans, coastal wetlands function as habitat and nursery ground for shellfi sh and other commercially important fi sheries, stabilize the coastline, and lessen the impact of storm surges (Aburto-Oropeza et al. 2008; Costanza et al. 2008; Gedan et al. 2011). Moreover, some of the most important functions of coastal

The Microbial Ecology of Mercury Methylation and Demethylation in the Florida Everglades

Microbiology of the Everglades Ecosystem, 2015

The Effects of Insect Rearing Waste Compost on Helianthus annuus and Tithonia rotundifolia

Agrotechnology, 2016

In recent years, there has been a greater demand for growing substrates for ornamental plants. Ho... more In recent years, there has been a greater demand for growing substrates for ornamental plants. However, as cost rises and quantities of these materials become more limited, alternative forms of growing media are now being sought. A study was conducted to test the efficacy of using insect rearing waste as an alternative growing media for plants. Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia (Mill) S.F. Blake) were grown in different ratios of insect colony waste compost (ICW) combined with cardboard (Cb) (ICW+Cb) and nursery mix (NM) mixtures. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether insect colony waste (ICW) from fruit fly rearing would sustain plant growth. Selective characteristics of the potting substrates revealed that the ratio of 100:0 ICW+Cb:NM had a 7.6 pH, 0.86 dS m-1 EC (salinity), 0.46 g cm-3 bulk density, and 50.1 percent water holding capacity at saturation. For common sunflower, there was a significant difference between the 100:0 and 0:100 ICW+Cb:NM blends for plant height, with the 100:0 ICW+Cb:NM mixture having the greatest height. For the Mexican sunflower, the 100:0 ICW+Cb:NM produced significantly more leaves and had a greater stem diameter than some of the other mixtures of potting substrate. There was no indication that the insect colony waste combined with cardboard (ICW+Cb) would inhibit plant growth. ICW+Cb have the potential to be used as an alternative substrate for growing plants.