Dr. Gladis Zinati

Contact Information

Mailing Address

Rutgers University
Department of Plant Biology & Pathology
Foran Hall/ Cook Campus
59 Dudley Rd.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
zinati@aesop.rutgers.edu

Campus Location

Office: Room 166 Foran Hall, 732-932-9711 x118
Lab: Room 179 Foran Hall, 732-932-9711 x128

Interests

Main Area of Expertise

1. Nutrient and water management of nursery crops;
2. Sustainable cropping systems (cover crops, compost, biorationals, etc.);
3. Utilization of compost and organic amendments for soil and crop management;
4. Nutrient use efficiency and evaluation of fertilizers for nursery crops.

Research Interests

Dr. Zinati's research focuses on implementing best management practices for efficient use of water and nutrient inputs for nursery crops.

1. Phosphorus sorption/desorption in nursery substrate mixes;
2. Phosphorus sorption and release in sediments of water collection ponds;
3. Nutrient leaching from nursery substrate mixes;
4. Microbiological processes in nursery substrate mixes;
5. Evaluation of fertilizer sources and rates for nursery cropping management;
6. Fate of pesticides in water collection ponds

Extension Interests

1. Increase awareness of nursery growers on potential pollution of surface and ground water from:
   • Excess uses of fertilizers (e.g. soluble nitrate source and phosphorus)
   • Excess uses of water (increases runoffs that contain nitrate, phosphorus and soil sediments).
2. Increase awareness of nursery growers on the effects of excess uses of water and fertilizers on stressing plants and expose them to diseases during growing season.
3. Increase growers' and nursery clientele's interest in adopting Best Management Practices (BMPs) that reduce input costs and reduce environmental pollution.

FIRST-YEAR COURSE DEVELOPMENT:

Co-developed a first year seminar course for freshman students “Women and Sustainable Agriculture: Creating Networks and Building Communities” My coordinators are Carey Williams, Lydia Blalock (SEBS) and Robin Leichenko (SAS). It will be taught Fall 2008.

Publications

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Rutgers Affiliations

1. Rutgers Plant Biology Graduate Program
2. Rutgers Cooperative Extension
3. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station

Other Affiliations

1. American Society of Agronomy
2. American Society of Horticulture Science
3. Soil Science Society of America
4. International Plant Propagators' Society
5. New Jersey Nursery and Landcape Association

Dr. Gladis Zinati joined the department in 2002 and is an assistant extension specialist in nursery management.