Michael G. Burton

Michael G. Burton is Professor and Director of the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC), leading research on sustainable agricultural systems. His work focuses on weed management strategies for specialty crops, resilient inter-cropping systems, and precision agriculture technologies.

Burton oversees multidisciplinary research addressing soil fertility, water conservation, pest management, and economic sustainability for Florida citrus and vegetable production. The SWFREC develops evidence-based practices to enhance profitability while minimizing environmental impacts.

Research integrates weed ecology with innovative cropping systems to reduce chemical inputs and improve resource efficiency. Current projects explore precision weed control technologies, cover crop integration, and climate-resilient farming practices tailored to southwest Florida's unique growing conditions.

Under Burton's leadership, SWFREC collaborates with growers to implement research findings through extension programs addressing pressing agricultural challenges.