Dr. Hardev Sandhu
Associate Professor, Agronomy
My primary research responsibilities (60% FTE) include sugarcane cultivar development and management with a major focus on evaluation of new sugarcane clones for agronomic performance and disease resistance in on-farm multilocation trials. In addition, I conduct research to evaluate new agronomic practices (tillage, row spacing, planting and harvesting methods etc.) in sugarcane, energy cane and industrial hemp.
My extension responsibilities (40% FTE) involve leadership of the sugarcane focus action team and providing strong educational support to sugarcane producers and county extension faculty on sugarcane cultivar selection and management practices
Program Areas
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Research
- Evaluation of new sugarcane clones in a collaborative sugarcane cultivar development program (CP program) in Florida with a goal to release high yielding and disease resistant cultivars for organic and mineral soils.
- Agronomic research to evaluate new sugarcane management practices such as conservation tillage, harvest residue management and row spacing.
- Research in determining spatial variability in organic and mineral soils using ground sensors and UAVs to improve genotype selection and management practices in sugarcane.
- Research to identify good varieties and best agronomic practices for industrial hemp cultivation on organic soils in Florida.
- Evaluation of energy cane for its potential use as feedstock for lignocellulosic ethanol production in Southeastern United States.
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Extension
- Enhance sugarcane profitability by educating growers on new sugarcane cultivars
- Educate clientele on sugarcane management practices with a specific emphasis on conservation tillage, precise nutrient management and harvest management
- Educate clientele on industrial hemp cultivation in organic soils in Florida
- Extend information on new energy cane cultivars and their management
- Graduate Students
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Publications
Google scholar link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=g9AdyOgAAAAJ&hl=en
Research gate link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Hardev_Sandhu2
EDIS link: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_a-sandhuhs
Contact
Dr. Hardev Sandhu
Everglades Research & Education Center
Wedgworth Lab. Bldg., Rm. #129
3200 East Palm Beach Road
Belle Glade, FL 33430
Phone: (561) 993-1567
Email: hsandhu@ufl.edu