2022 Precision Ag Researcher Of The Year

JONESBORO,  ARKANSAS

   Dr. Simerjeet S. Virk, Assistant Professor and Precision Agriculture Specialist, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia has been named the 2022 Precision Ag Researcher of the Year at the 25th Annual National Conservation Systems Cotton & Rice Conference, Southern Precision Ag Conference, Southern Corn & Soybean Conference, and the Delta States Irrigation Conference.

   Virk earned his Ph.D in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Georgia, a MS in Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University and a BS in Agricultural Engineering at Punjab Agricultural University, India.

   Virk has been involved in conducting precision ag research since 2010. 

   His research works are focused on testing and evaluating precision ag technology on agricultural equipment and machinery to improve field performance and crop productivity. He is one of the leading researchers conducting in-depth on-farm multi-location studies utilizing newer planting technologies. Especially beneficial to peanut- cotton regions, his findings from planting technology research can also pave the way for optimizing machine setup and input usage for long term sustainability for these crops.

   In his current role as Assistant Professor and Extension Precision Ag Specialist at UGA, Virk is developing a unique research and outreach program in collaboration with producers to bring out the practical and relevant knowledge needed to further the understanding and adoption of these technologies. He is also leading small unmanned aerial systems research to integrate spatial variability knowledge with application technology to a leap towards digital agriculture.

   Virks research includes the development and evaluation of sensors and control systems for planting, dry and liquid application equipment to improve accuracy and placement of crop inputs, variable-rate technology for site-specific management of crop inputs, remote sensing technology including ground and airborne sensors for in-season crop management, yield monitoring and mapping systems to improve accuracy and quality of spatial yield data, and GIS systems for farm data management and analytics for improved crop management decisions.

   He also actively shares information, highlights and activities related to precision ag work at the University of Georgia with a broader audience through Georgia Ag social media outlets.

   Virk is a member of the American Society of Agronomy, the American Peanut Research and Education Society, Registered Engineer Intern, Professional Engineering Institute of Agricultural Engineers, International Society of Precision Agriculture, and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. ∆