There is almost no disagreement any longer among scientists that climate change is a reality and that its effects are already upon us. A number of researchers at Cal State Monterey Bay are engaged in work that is either measuring those effects or finding ways to combat them. Among the studies are those looking at off-gassing from agricultural fields, warmer ocean water’s impact on coral reefs, and wildlife preservation. … Arun Jani, assistant professor in the Biology and Chemistry department, is trying to determine the optimum use of nitrogen as a fertilizer in agricultural fields in the hope of reducing current levels. His projects run from fields near Soledad to test plots in Watsonville. In addition to decreased fertilizer use, Jani is also evaluating the effects of using a material called biochar in the soil and determining ideal crop rotations. … Nitrogen fertilizers not only produce nitrous oxide gas, but they can also leach into groundwater and raise levels of nitrate, a harmful chemical. The industry standard for nitrogen fertilizers is to use 150 pounds per acre. Jani’s studies have shown that much less of the chemical can be used effectively for area crops.