In the effort to design new photochromic material for integral parts in many scientific processes I have synthesized, characterized and studied photophysical characteristics of new photochromic polymers. By coupling the properties of a photochromic unit with that of polymers one can anticipate the discovery of new viable photochromic materials that has the possibility to enhance the processes in many scientific fields. Water solubility in photochromic processes gives life to new innovations and possibilities in the scientific community. As part of my dissertation I have designed, synthesized and studied new water soluble photochromic polymers. The findings in this dissertation will help to reveal the understandings of incorporating/coupling a photochromic molecule with that of polymers.

Across the United States, high tunnels are used as a means of season extension and control over climatic variability in fruit and vegetable production. However, high tunnel systems are an intensive form of agricultural production which may compromise soil and crop quality over time. This study examined the effects of the varying environmental conditions, created in two types of tunnel system, movable and stationary, on the flow of nitrogen from amendment to plant and impact on crop and soil quality parameters. The way nutrients cycled through these systems was different and the nutrient treatments had no consistent effects on soil nutrient parameters, although some microbial groups were affected by the nature of the nutrient amendment. No exposure to rainfall resulted in an accumulation of leachable NO3 in the stationary tunnels. Spinach yields were superior to those in a previous study at the same site however, leaf NO3 levels consistently exceeded EU maximum limits for fresh-sap leaf NO3. We cannot conclude from our data if there was a compromise of crop or soil quality in the high tunnel production systems and further investigation is necessary as high tunnels gain in popularity and make a larger footprint on the agricultural landscape.