What do you do in your current role with the University of Missouri?
I lead a research and extension program at the University of Missouri focused on soil fertility, water and crop production management for farmland with restricted productivity due to landscape constraints. My work centers on two major themes—applied soil science and integrated agroecology and hydrology—and I develop strategies to improve nutrient recommendations and nutrient-use efficiency for Missouri’s major grain crops. Because these topics are field- and data-driven, I rely on multi-year field data to generate practical recommendations and publications. I also oversee an off-campus water quality lab and collaborate on projects that leverage precision agriculture technologies, remote sensing, GIS and modeling to translate science into on-farm decision support.
How long have you worked in this position?
I joined the University of Missouri in 2022, and I have served in this role for four years. During this time, I have built my program and have delivered resources on soil-health improvements, nutrient-management advances and conservation practices that help farmers operate more sustainably and profitably.
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
The favorite part of my work is its real-world, applied impact that supports farmers, rural communities and long-term sustainability. Turning research into practical guidance that growers can implement on their operations is incredibly rewarding, especially as fertilizer and other input costs remain a major concern for farmers. Additionally, mentoring the next generation of scientists and collaborating across disciplines adds another layer of fulfillment. I enjoy working with students and colleagues from agronomy, plant breeding, animal sciences, sociology and economics to tackle complex, real-world problems.
How are you helping MU A&E Extension advance its reach and impact?
In advancing MU A&E Extension’s reach and impact, I focus on developing farm-ready recommendations and best management practices that growers can adopt immediately. This includes improving nutrient-use efficiency and reducing dissolved nutrient losses in runoff, helping keep more nutrients on the farm and away from streams. My program also contributes to updating Missouri’s fertilizer recommendations, supporting a statewide agricultural sector worth over 1.5 billion dollars. I emphasize collaboration across campuses and extension programs to scale these practices, broaden their reach and accelerate knowledge transfer to growers statewide. Beyond this, I drive innovation through on-farm trials, precision agriculture integrations, drone-based nutrient management applications and alternate crop research initiatives, all aimed at measurable improvements in yield, profitability and environmental stewardship.
What is something your CAFNR and MU Extension teammates may not know about you?
I have played tennis since I was six. I trained often 8+ hours a day and competed at the college level, with experience in professional circuits at times. That intense training built up my discipline, strategic thinking and teamwork, which I bring to my research and collaborations today. While I don’t have time to compete as much anymore, the mindset it fostered continues to shape how I approach problem-solving, mentoring and working with colleagues across disciplines.
What is your hometown, place of high school graduation, and degrees/universities?
I grew up in a farming family in Punjab, India. My high school education was in a major metropolitan city in India, and although I initially pursued medical sciences, my enduring interest has always been in agriculture and related fields. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Punjab Agricultural University, specializing in Soil Science, where I was a gold medalist in the Soil Science program. I completed my Master of Science degree in Soil Chemistry from the University of Missouri and PhD in Agricultural Sciences from Southern Illinois University.