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Lakesh K. Sharma

Specialist

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Lakesh K. Sharma

Orcid ID0000-0002-6220-5832

Specialist

assistant professor, Ph.D., soil fertility and sustainable agriculture, UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, Gainesville, FL

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Publications

thumbnail for publication: Uses of Raw Products Obtained from Hemp: Fiber, Seed, and Cannabinoids

Uses of Raw Products Obtained from Hemp: Fiber, Seed, and Cannabinoids

Navdeep Kaur, Lakesh K. Sharma, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Mark Tancig, and Zachary Brym

This publication discusses three main harvestable products of hemp: fiber, seeds, and cannabinoids, along with their current and potential uses. Written by Navdeep Kaur, Lakesh K. Sharma, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Mark Tancig, and Zachary Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, September 2021.

thumbnail for publication: Assessing Nitrate Leaching in Crop Production through the Application of Crop Simulation Models with Experimental Data from Florida

Assessing Nitrate Leaching in Crop Production through the Application of Crop Simulation Models with Experimental Data from Florida

Lakesh K. Sharma, Rishabh Gupta, Lincoln Zotarelli, and Gerrit Hoogenboom

Lysimeters are often used in research concerning nutrient leachate all over the globe. However, due to factors such as Florida's high water table (a condition when the water level stays relatively close to the soil surface) in some production areas, the assessment and collection of leachate are not feasible. Another obstacle to the use of lysimeters in field research is the fact that several types of irrigation methods are used in Florida (e.g., subirrigation with seepage or drain-tile, overhead, microsprinkler, and drip irrigation) requiring different strategies for leachate assessment. This publication focuses on the use of crop models as alternatives to estimate nitrate leaching from cropping systems at a field scale. This publication's target audience is growers, extension agents, crop consultants, representatives of the fertilizer industry, state and local agencies, students, instructors, researchers, and interested Florida citizens.

thumbnail for publication: Fire Ants Management in Industrial Hemp

Fire Ants Management in Industrial Hemp

Nkem J. Nwosu, Hardeep Singh, Zachary Brym, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, Alexandra M. Revynthi, and Lance Osborne

This publication highlights the presence, damage, and management of imported fire ants in industrial hemp production. This UF/IFAS Extension publication offers practical knowledge to researchers, Extension agents, growers, crop consultants, agricultural professionals, and students on the effects and management of imported fire ants in industrial hemp production. Written by Nkem J. Nwosu, Hardeep Singh, Zachary Brym, Lakesh Sharma, Ethan Carter, Alexandra M. Revynthi, and Lance Osborne, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2024.

thumbnail for publication: Developing a Web-based Agro-Application

Developing a Web-based Agro-Application

Lakesh K. Sharma, Rishabh Khanna, and Hardeep Singh

This publication discusses the general concept of web and mobile application development and provides knowledge and stepwise instructions to develop an application in agricultural systems. The primary audience is researchers, extension personnel, consultants, and students who are interested in developing and using web and mobile applications for decision-making.

thumbnail for publication: Mitigating Nitrogen Losses in Row Crop Production Systems

Mitigating Nitrogen Losses in Row Crop Production Systems

Hardeep Singh, Lakesh Sharma, Libbie Johnson, Ethan Carter, and Pratap Devkota

This publication summarizes N cycling, different types of N losses, and approaches that may help to minimize N loss in row crop production systems in Florida. Written by Hardeep Singh, Lakesh Sharma, Libbie Johnson, Ethan Carter, and Pratap Devkota, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2023.

thumbnail for publication: Industrial Hemp in the United States: Definition and History

Industrial Hemp in the United States: Definition and History

Mark Tancig, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Navdeep Kaur, Lakesh K. Sharma, and Zachary Brym

This publication provides information about industrial hemp, its origins, and its cultivation. Written by Mark Tancig, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Navdeep Kaur, Lakesh K. Sharma, and Zachary Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, September 2021.

thumbnail for publication: Unlocking the Potential of Technology: Estimating Nitrogen Requirement in Corn Using Optical Sensors

Unlocking the Potential of Technology: Estimating Nitrogen Requirement in Corn Using Optical Sensors

Lakesh K. Sharma, Diego A. H. de S. Leitão, and Hardeep Singh

In the domain of agriculture, the application of optical sensing technology has become increasingly prevalent in the assessment of corn grain production. However, it is notable that comprehensive research endeavors addressing the efficacy of employing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as a predictive tool for corn grain yield in the specific context of Florida remain limited. To address this gap in knowledge, a dedicated study focusing on nitrogen (N) rates was meticulously designed in 2022. The primary objective of this study was to provide critical insights and empirical evidence to both our Extension agents and the community of corn farmers. Its overarching aim is to elucidate the practical utility of NDVI sensors in forecasting crop output and facilitating precise estimations of N requirements.

thumbnail for publication: Plant Essential Nutrients and Their Role

Plant Essential Nutrients and Their Role

Lakesh K. Sharma, J. Mabry McCray, and Kelly Morgan

The purpose of this publication is to inform Extension agents, consultants, and farmers about plant essential nutrients, benefits, and deficiency symptoms. This publication provides a whole plant picture with deficiency symptoms for each nutrient and the location of those symptoms on the plant. Written by Lakesh K. Sharma, J. Mabry McCray, and Kelly Morgan, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2022.

thumbnail for publication: Approaches to Consider for Site-Specific Field Mapping

Approaches to Consider for Site-Specific Field Mapping

Lakesh K. Sharma and Yiannis Ampatzidis

This publication discusses the general concept of site-specific farming, i.e., dividing a farm into several smaller management parcels instead of considering the whole farm as a single unit. This publication provides information on methods available that could be incorporated into the farming system for smart decision-making, for example, varying nutrient applications. The publication also discusses Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) maps, Global Positioning System (GPS) units, yield monitors, and electrical conductivity maps.

thumbnail for publication: Improving Biological Nitrogen Fixation to Improve Soil Nutrient Status

Improving Biological Nitrogen Fixation to Improve Soil Nutrient Status

Lakesh K. Sharma, Ayush K. Sharma, Andrew Ogram, and Hardeep Singh

The chemical reduction of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by hydrogen for incorporation into plant tissue is known as N fixation. Along with the carbon, N has a role in maintaining the optimum source and sink ratio, which ensures crop growth and biological yield. N is available in great concentration (˜80%) in the atmosphere in N2 form, but plants cannot absorb or uptake N in N2 form. N fertilizers are available in straight, mixed, and nano and liquid fertilizers. These approaches are not enough, though, to maximize N use efficiency to 100%. A significant amount of nitrogen is still lost in air and water bodies, leading to multiple negative impacts to the environment. Therefore, N fixation through the crop itself is a practical approach to reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen and enhance the sustainability of the food production systems. This publication discusses various methods for BNF and its importance to the sustainability of crop production.

thumbnail for publication: Plant Growth Regulators as a Management Tool in Cotton Production

Plant Growth Regulators as a Management Tool in Cotton Production

Kulpreet Singh, Hardeep Singh, Libbie Johnson, Ethan Carter, Lakesh Sharma, and Ravinder Singh

This article aims to inform cotton producers, Extension agents, crop advisors, and consultants about the role and management approaches of plant growth regulators in cotton production. Written by Kulpreet Singh, Hardeep Singh, Libbie Johnson, Ethan Carter, Lakesh Sharma, and Ravinder Singh, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, May 2023.

thumbnail for publication: Sulfur Deficiency in Cotton: Causes, Symptoms, and Considerations

Sulfur Deficiency in Cotton: Causes, Symptoms, and Considerations

Hardeep Singh, Ethan Carter, Lakesh Sharma, Sudeep Sidhu, and Peter Omara

The purpose of this article is to provide information to cotton farmers, Extension agents, and crop consultants about the symptoms of sulfur deficiency, the various sources of sulfur, and its interaction with changing rates of other major nutrients such as nitrogen. Written by Hardeep Singh, Ethan Carter, Lakesh Sharma, Sudeep Sidhu, and Peter Omara, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, November 2023.

thumbnail for publication: The Importance of Sulfur for Florida Agricultural Production

The Importance of Sulfur for Florida Agricultural Production

Lakesh K. Sharma, Lincoln Zotarelli, and Christian T. Christensen

Intended for Extension clients, this publication highlights the importance of sulfur in row and vegetable crop production systems in Florida, such as its use in pesticides and fertilizers. Additionally, the publication provides insights into the perspective of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on sulfur in naturally occurring aquatic systems. This publication's target audience is agricultural producers, Extension agents, crop consultants, representatives of the fertilizer industry, state and local agencies, students, instructors, researchers, and interested Florida citizens.

thumbnail for publication: Seed Piece Spacing Recommendations for Table-Stock Potato Cultivars in Florida

Seed Piece Spacing Recommendations for Table-Stock Potato Cultivars in Florida

Mario H. M. L. Andrade, Luis G. Pesantes, Christian T. Christensen, Lakesh Sharma and Lincoln Zotarelli

This new 6-page publication of the UF/IFAS Horticultural Sciences Department focuses on the adjustment of potato seed piece spacing of table-stock cultivars for Florida production. The aim is to provide management strategies that minimize potato seed costs, increase yield, and reach the marked demand for specific tuber size distribution, all of which are important factors for the table-stock potato industry. Written by Mario H. M. L. Andrade, Luis G. Pesantes, Christian T. Christensen, Lakesh Sharma and Lincoln Zotarelli.

thumbnail for publication: Why Potassium Is Important for Potatoes

Why Potassium Is Important for Potatoes

Simranpreet K. Sidhu, Lakesh K. Sharma, Lincoln Zotarelli, and Hardeep Singh

This publication focuses on the importance of potassium nutrition for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production. This publication aims to detail the relevance of potassium (K) for tuber production, crop demand for this nutrient, recent market trends, and additional information on K management for potato production in Florida. The target audience includes potato growers, Extension agents, crop consultants, representatives of the fertilizer industry, state and local agencies, students, instructors, researchers, and interested Florida residents.

thumbnail for publication: Potassium Deficiency in Cotton: Causes, Symptoms, and Considerations

Potassium Deficiency in Cotton: Causes, Symptoms, and Considerations

Kulpreet Singh, Hardeep Singh, Peter Omara, Nkem J. Nwosu, Jennifer Bearden, Ravinder Singh, and Lakesh K. Sharma

The purpose of this publication is to inform cotton producers, Extension agents, crop advisors, and consultants about the role, deficiency, and management of potassium in cotton production. Written by Kulpreet Singh, Hardeep Singh, Peter Omara, Nkem J. Nwosu, Jennifer Bearden, Ravinder Singh, and Lakesh K. Sharma, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, January 2024.

thumbnail for publication: UF/IFAS Nutrient Management Recommendation Series: Hemp

UF/IFAS Nutrient Management Recommendation Series: Hemp

Zachary Brym, Lakesh Sharma, Hardeep Singh, Thomas Obreza, and Rao Mylavarapu

Nutrient management recommendations for hemp are described according to the standard UF/IFAS recommendation format of 1) a calibrated soil test result; 2) target soil pH; 3) the "4Rs" of fertilizer management: rate, timing, placement, and source; and 4) water management factors.

thumbnail for publication: Understanding Soil Fertility from an Urban Grower Perspective

Understanding Soil Fertility from an Urban Grower Perspective

Lakesh K. Sharma, Ravinder Singh, Ayush K. Sharma, and Hardeep Singh

The excitement of watching a seed sprout into a flourishing plant is a joy for all who cultivate their own urban gardens. Many think of soil as a mere support for those plants, a substance that anchors them into the ground. However, soil is a dynamic and life-sustaining medium that nourishes plants. There is a complex ecosystem beneath the soil surface, composed of minerals, organic matter, water, air, and countless microorganisms. Understanding soil fertility is vital to plant growth. This publication is written for individuals tending to lawns, shrubs, trees, or flowers in urban settings. It introduces essential terms of soil fertility, explains the role of soil properties in supporting healthy plants, and familiarizes readers with methods to enhance soil fertility within the context of urban settings. It also serves as a guide to empower non-farmers and urban residents, offering insights into plant nutrient requirements and the principles of effective nutritional care.

thumbnail for publication: When to Lime Soil and Liming Products Available in Florida

When to Lime Soil and Liming Products Available in Florida

Lakesh K. Sharma, Hardeep Singh, and Thomas A. Obreza

It is essential to maintain the desired pH of the soil in order to cultivate plants that are robust and prolific. This axiom is true regardless of whether one is growing crops or plants in an agricultural or urban setting. Because it has a direct impact on the availability of essential plant nutrients, soil pH, also noted as the “soil reaction,” is a crucial factor to consider. The internet is rife with misleading information describing the concept of soil acidity and alkalinity as well as how the soil reaction affects plant growth. If you want to change the pH of Florida soil, it is not advisable to use the information found on the internet, as different types of soil require different lime quantities, types, and application techniques. In contrast, some soils may require elemental sulfur application to lower the soil pH. In Florida, recommendations to change soil pH should come from a local expert.