Agronomy Presentations

Conference / Extension Presentations

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AGU Annual Meeting, Dec 15-19, 2025, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Identifying Soybean Phenology Using UAV-Based Multispectral Indices Across Cultivars, Planting Dates, Soil Amendments, And Nitrogen Inputs. AGU Annual Meeting. Dec 15–19, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Khatri, D, S. Poudel, and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Assessing Nitrogen Status in Soybean Field Integrating Manual and UAV-Based Aerial Phenotyping. AGU Annual Meeting. Dec 15–19, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Kandel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Medium-Term Effects of Biochar on Soil Properties in the Silty Loam Soil of Kentucky. AGU Annual Meeting. Dec 15–19, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Pandit, M. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. High-Resolution UAV Monitoring of Soybean Using Multispectral and LiDAR Sensors for Optimizing Nitrogen Timing and Agronomic Decision Support. AGU Annual Meeting. Dec 15–19, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Timilsina, A. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. UAV-Based Time Series Images to Assess Vegetation Health across Multiple Planting Dates in Soybean. AGU Annual Meeting. Dec 15–19, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Baral, B., S. Lucas, and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Does Integrating Goat-Grazed Pasture Rotations in Organic Cropping Systems Reduce Nitrate and Phosphorus Leaching over Seven Years? AGU Annual Meeting. Dec 15–19, New Orleans, LA, USA.

Magar, L. P. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. UAV-Based Time-Series Imagery and Deep Learning for Weed and Crop Segmentation in Soybean. AGU Annual Meeting. Dec 15–19, New Orleans, LA, USA.

The Agronomy Lab participated in the Advancing Geography and Earth Science Conference (AGU), held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from December 15–19, 2025.  The posters presented covered diverse research areas, including UAV-based phenotyping, soil science, and allied agricultural fields. Given AGU’s strong focus on earth and environmental sciences, the presentations included valuable research findings on soybean crop phenotyping and field conditions derived from UAV and soil datasets, allowing the lab to share its work with a broad, interdisciplinary scientific audience.

 

ASA, CSSA , SSSA International Annual Meeting, Nov 9-12, 2025, Salt Lake, Utah, USA

Magar, L. P., J. Sandifer, and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Based LiDAR to Identify Optimal Timing for Plant Height Estimation in Soybean. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Effect of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilization on Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profiles of Soybean Seeds. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Poudel, S., D. Khatri, L. P. Magar, and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Understanding Soybean Pod Dimension under Varying Assimilate Supply Conditions. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Baral, B., S. Lucas, and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Does Integrating Goat-Grazed Pasture Rotations in Organic Cropping Systems Reduce Nitrate and Phosphorus Concentration over Seven Years? ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Baral, B. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Can Biochar Improve Soil Health? ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Baral, B. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Short-Term Effects of Biochar on Soil Acidity, Carbon Accumulation, and Water Retention in a Silty Loam. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Timilsina, A. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Identifying Optimal Planting Date for Different Maturity Group Soybean Cultivars in Kentucky. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Pandit, M. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Optimizing Supplemental Nitrogen Timing to Enhance Soybean Seed Composition and Yield. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Pandit, M. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Identifying the Optimal Timing for Supplemental Nitrogen Application to Enhance Soybean Seed Composition. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Kandel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Medium-Term Effects of Biochar on Soil Properties in Bluegrass Soil Conditions. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Paudel, P. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Determination of Critical Nitrogen Dilution Curve Using Non-Nodulating Cultivars in Soybean. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Adhikari, S., A. Chiluwal, and D. Khatri. 2025. UAV-Based Estimation of Nitrogen Content in Soybean Using Multispectral Vegetation Indices. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Gray, D. 2025. Impact of Biochar and Late-Season Nitrogen Fertilization on Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Soybean. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 9–12, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

The Agronomy Lab participated in and delivered multiple oral and poster presentations at the ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting held in November 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. This international meeting provided opportunities to engage with researchers, faculty, industry professionals, and students from diverse institutions and disciplinary backgrounds across agronomy, soil science, and allied fields. Participation in this meeting facilitated professional networking, exchange of current research findings, and exposure to emerging methodologies and technologies relevant to crop production, soil health, nutrient management, and precision agriculture (aerial imagery).

Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, 2025, Irving, TX, USA

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Source Sink Manipulation in Soybean to Understand Its Final Seed Size Determination Stage. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Source Sink Manipulation to Understand the Seed Growth Dynamics in Soybean. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Plant Height Measurement Using UAV-Based Aerial RGB and Lidar Images in Soybean. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Aerial Phenotyping of Soybean to Estimate Key Morphophysiological Parameters and Yield. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Enhancing Soybean Protein Concentration Using Biochar and Late-Season Nitrogen Fertilization. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Biochar and Late Season Nitrogen Fertilization Effect on Soybean Yield and Seed Composition. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

Pandit, M. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Identifying the Optimal Timing for Supplemental Nitrogen Application to Enhance Soybean Seed Composition. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

Baral, B., Lucas, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2025. Medium Term Effect of an Established Integrated Organic Crop- Livestock Rotation System on Sub-Surface Water Quality. Southern Branch ASA Annual Meeting. Feb 2-4, Irving, TX, USA.

The Agronomy Lab participated in and presented various oral and poster presentations at the ASA Southern Regional Meeting. This regional meeting provided opportunities to connect with colleagues and professionals from multiple universities and diverse areas in the southern region. Additionally, lab members participated in tours of several research stations at Texas A&M University, located throughout the Great Plains of Texas, to learn about entrepreneurship, the role of agriculture in the Texas economy, technology adoption in Texas agriculture, major agricultural sectors in Texas, and other related topics.

ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, 2024, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Source Sink Manipulation to Understand the Seed Growth Dynamics in Soybean. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

KC, S., H. Sandhu and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Integrating Manual and Multi-Source Spatial Data for Monitoring Industrial Hemp Growth Dynamics and Plant Health. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Khatri, D. A. Chiluwal. 2024. Enhancing Soybean Protein Concentration Using Biochar and Late-Season Nitrogen Fertilization. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Plant Height Measurement Using UAV-Based Aerial RGB and Lidar Images in Soybean. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Bhatt, P., Adeniji, M., Lucas, S………..A. Chiluwal and M. Gebremedhin. 2024. Assessment of Soil Quality Parameters Under Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Based Crop Rotation System in Kentucky. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Bhatt, P. , Adeniji, M., Lucas, S………..A. Chiluwal and M. Gebremedhin. 2024. Assessing the Soil Microbial Abundance Under the Influence of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) in a Crop Rotation System in Kentucky. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Pandit, M. A. Chiluwal. 2024. Identifying the Optimal Timing for Supplemental Nitrogen Application to Enhance Soybean Seed Composition. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Aerial Phenotyping of Soybean to Estimate Key Morphophysiological Parameters and Yield. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Khatri, D. A. Chiluwal. 2024. Biochar and Late Season Nitrogen Fertilization Effect on Soybean Yield and Seed Composition. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Baral, B., Lucas. S. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Medium Term Effect of an Established Integrated Organic Crop- Livestock Rotation System on Sub-Surface Water Quality. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting. Nov 10-13, San Antonio, TX, USA.

During the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Annual Meeting 2024, the Agronomy Lab showcased several projects in agronomy, physiology, remote sensing, soil science, and water quality. Lab members delivered both oral and poster presentations and participated in multiple networking sessions. One of the lab members, Prashant, received the graduate student oral presentation award for his presentation. Additionally, lab members attended several business meetings of various societies and had opportunities to learn about the work being conducted in different societies.

Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 1–2, 2024, Frankfort, KY, USA.

KC, S., H. Sandhu and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Integrating manual and multi-source spatial data for monitoring industrial hemp growth dynamics and plant health. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 1–2. Frankfort, KY, USA.

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Biochar and late season nitrogen fertilization effect on soybean yield and seed composition. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 1–2. Frankfort, KY, USA.

Baral, B. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Medium term effect of an established integrated organic crop- livestock rotation system on sub-surface water quality. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 1–2. Frankfort, KY, USA.

Pandit, M. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Identifying the Optimal Timing for Supplemental Nitrogen Application to Enhance Soybean Seed Composition. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 1–2. Frankfort, KY, USA.

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Final seed size determining stage in soybean. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 1–2. Frankfort, KY, USA.

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Plant Height Measurement using UAV-Based Aerial RGB and Lidar Images in Soybean. Nov 1–2. Frankfort, KY, USA.

The lab presented six different works related to remote sensing-based studies on hemp, improving soybean seed composition, seed size determining stage in soybean, organic crop-livestock rotation impact on water quality, optimal timing for nitrogen application in soybean, and identifying the most suitable sensor for soybean height studies. The combination of oral and poster presentations showcased the active participation of the Agronomy lab at KSU in scientific conferences.

Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) 4th Biennial International Scientific Conference, May 24 – 26, 2024, Baltimore, MD.

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Influence of assimilate availability during grain filling period on soybean seed growth. Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) 4th Biennial International Scientific Conference, May 24 – 26, Baltimore, MD.

Pun Magar, L., S. KC and J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Plant height measurement using aerial RGB and LiDAR images in soybean. Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) 4th Biennial International Scientific Conference, May 24 – 26, Baltimore, MD.

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Soybean yield and seed composition under soil amendment and different late season N fertilizations. Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) 4th Biennial International Scientific Conference, May 24 – 26, Baltimore, MD.

The KSU Agronomy Lab showcased several research activities at the NAPA biennial International Meeting. The lab members successfully presented and represented the Agronomy Lab at KSU among the event participants. Our lab member, Sudip, secured the second position for his excellent presentation. The conference included a workshop on career development for graduate students, an introduction to R Studio, and a tour of popular sites in Maryland.

Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Conference, Apr. 16 – Apr 20, 2024, Honolulu, HI, USA.

KC, S., A. Chiluwal and H. Sandhu. 2024. Integrating manual and multi-source spatial data for monitoring industrial hemp growth dynamics and plant health. Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Conference, Apr. 16 – Apr 20, Honolulu, HI, USA.

Pun Magar, L., A. Chiluwal, S. KC and J. Sandifer. 2024. Comparison of plant height using aerial RGB and LiDAR sensors in Soybean. Association of Geographers (AAG) Annual Conference, Apr. 16 – Apr 20, Honolulu, HI, USA.

The lab attended the AAG Annual Meeting 2024, where it presented two studies related to UAV-based research on hemp and soybean. The scientists at the session were curious about the work and, most importantly, excited about the study's prospects. Similarly, the lab members also participated in several sessions, including panel discussions, poster demonstrations, oral presentations, and other social events.

Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) Symposium, Apr. 6 – Apr. 9, 2024, Nashville, TN, USA. 

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Biochar and Late Season Nitrogen Fertilization Effect on Soybean Yield and Seed Quality. Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) Symposium, Apr. 6 – Apr. 9, Nashville, TN, USA. 

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Source Sink Manipulation in Soybean to Understand its Final Seed Size Determination Stage. Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) Symposium, Apr. 6 – Apr. 9, Nashville, TN, USA. 

Pun Magar, L., A. Chiluwal, S. KC and J. Sandifer. 2024. Plant height measurement using aerial RGB and LiDAR images in soybean. Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) Symposium, Apr. 6 – Apr. 9, Nashville, TN, USA. 

KC, S., A. Chiluwal, L. Pun Magar and K. Paudel. 2024. Mitigating Urban Heat Islands in Miami Florida; Utilizing Sentinel Satellite based Approach. Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) Symposium, Apr. 6 – Apr. 9, Nashville, TN, USA. 

The lab participated in and presented work related to improving soybean seed quality, manipulating the source-sink relationship, conducting drone-based crop monitoring, and performing remote sensing-based environmental studies at the ARD biennial symposium. The lab achieved remarkable success at this conference. Sudip, for his work on source-sink manipulation, was awarded second place for his oral presentation. Furthermore, Dr. Chiluwal received the prestigious B.D. Mayberry Young Scientist Award during this meeting. 

Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 3 – 4, 2023, Highland Heights, KY, USA.

Pun Magar, L., S. KC, J. Sandifer, A. Chiluwal. 2023. Assessing soybean growth integrating drone and satellite imagery data. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 3 – 4. Highland Heights, KY, USA.

Poudel, S., and A. Chiluwal. 2023. Source sink manipulation to understand seed growth dynamics in different maturity groups soybean cultivars. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 3 – 4. Highland Heights, KY, USA.

Khatri, D., S. KC and A. Chiluwal. 2023. Biochar and late season nitrogen fertilization effect on soybean yield and seed protein concentration. Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Nov 3 – 4. Highland Heights, KY, USA.

The Kentucky Academy of Science offered fantastic opportunities to connect with fellow students, professors, and researchers throughout Kentucky via their ongoing activities. The lab members delivered oral presentations at the KAS conference, where they highlighted the importance of late-season nitrogen application for enhancing soybean seed composition, a remote sensing-based vegetation health study, and source-sink manipulation to understand soybean seed growth dynamics. The conference provided a comprehensive learning experience, featuring a variety of presentations, posters, tours, and workshops. 

ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Oct. 29 – Nov 1, 2023, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2023. Optimizing Nitrogen Management in Soybean. ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, Oct. 29 – Nov 1, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Poudel, S., D. Khatri, L. Pun Magar, S. KC, and A. Chiluwal. 2023. Soybean Seed Growth Dynamics Under Different Assimilate Supply during Grain Filling Stage. ASA-CSSA International Annual Meeting. Oct. 29 – Nov 1, St. Louis, MO, USA.

The agronomy lab presented two posters at the ASA, CSSA, SSSA Annual Meeting 2023, highlighting the critical challenges of soybean seed protein concentration and source-sink manipulation. The conference offered excellent learning opportunities, including several projects similar to those conducted in the Agronomy Lab, workshops from various stakeholders, and networking sessions for graduate students. Additionally, the conference provided valuable feedback and opportunities for networking with professionals in this field.

Extension Presentation:

Chiluwal, A., L. Pun Magar, D. Khatri, S. Poudel, M. Pandit, A. Timilsina, B. Baral, S. Kandel and S. Adhikari. KSU Agronomy Lab’s Research Activities, AgRoundUp, Kentucky State University (September 5, 2025).

Chiluwal, A. L. Pun Magar and J. Sandifer. Oral Presentation. Insights from Our Studies: Aerial Phenotyping in Soybean, Sorghum, Industrial Hemp, Rice and Sugarcane. KSU Third Thursday Thing (August 21, 2025), Kentucky State University.

Pun Magar. L, A. Chiluwal and J. Sandifer. Oral Presentation. Aerial Phenotyping Applications in Crop Monitoring and Agricultural Research. KSU Third Thursday Thing (August 21, 2025), Kentucky State University.

Chiluwal, A. Training on Grain Crop Production to the participants of Farming for Cash - Tractor School. Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Kentucky State University (August 13, 2025).

Chiluwal, A., L. Pun Magar, D. Khatri, S. Poudel, M. Pandit, A. Timilsina and B. Baral. KSU Agronomy Lab’s Research Activities, Farm City Field Day, Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Kentucky State University (July 10, 2025).

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Final seed size determining stage in soybean. Poster Presentation. AgRoundup, Kentucky State University (October 11, 2024)

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Effectiveness of aerial phenotyping in measuring plant height in soybean. Poster Presentation. AgRoundup, Kentucky State University (October 11, 2024)

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Optimizing Nitrogen management in soybean. Poster Presentation. AgRoundup, Kentucky State University (October 11, 2024)

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal, Final seed size determining stage in soybean. Poster presentation. KSU Field Day, July 27 2024

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Effectiveness of aerial phenotyping in measuring plant height in soybean. Poster Presentation. KSU Field Day, July 27 2024 

Pun Magar, L., J. Sandifer and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Effectiveness of aerial phenotyping in measuring plant height in soybean. Poster Presentation. Henry County AgTech Field Day, New Castle, KY (July 11, 2024)

Poudel, S. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Identifying final seed size determination stage in soybean. Poster Presentation. Henry County AgTech Field Day, New Castle, KY (July 11, 2024)

Khatri, D. and A. Chiluwal. 2024. Effect of biochar and nitrogen fertilization on soybean yield and seed quality. Oral Presentation. Metcalfe County AgTech Field Day, Edmonton, KY (June 27, 2024)

Chiluwal., A and J. Sandifer. Oral Presentation. Monitoring Soybean Yield and Plant Quality using Aerial Phenotyping. KSU Third Thursday Thing (August 17, 2023)

Sandifer J. and A. Chiluwal. Oral presentation. Drones for use in farming session - application of drone in identifying superior crop cultivars. KSU 25th Anniversary Third Thursday Field Day (July 21, 2022) 

The Agronomy Lab engaged in various extension and outreach activities both on and off-campus to ensure ongoing collaboration with farmers and community stakeholders. The lab team visited several counties in Kentucky to share their work with the farmers. Additionally, the lab actively participated in numerous events organized by the university. These activities enabled students to present their research to end-users while also educating farmers and stakeholders about the research conducted by institutions to enhance farming practices.