Ferguson College doctoral student creating innovative crop production solutions

Ferguson College doctoral student creating innovative crop production solutions

Friday, March 6, 2026

Media Contact: Kristin Knight | Office of Communications & Marketing, OSU Agriculture | 405-744-1130 | [email protected]

Nearly 8,000 miles away from his home state of Punjab, India, fourth-generation farmer Harsanjam Singh is leaving his mark through research in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture. Formerly a master's student and now a doctoral student in the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Singh's research in soil science and crop production is developing innovative solutions for farmers across Oklahoma.

While completing his bachelor's degree at Punjab Agricultural University, Singh said he became interested in research.

"During my undergraduate years, it was exciting to hear about new research when agronomists, breeders or other experts presented their work," he said. "I was always intrigued by ag research and how there is always some gap that can be filled."

Interested in continuing to study agronomy with an emphasis in crop production following graduation, Singh said he began researching graduate assistantships in the U.S. He applied and was selected for a position within the Ferguson College.

"OSU was the school that was offering the real, hands-on experience in agriculture," Singh said. "We are involved in field activities, crop production and so much more through our coursework and research."

Throughout his time as a master's student, Singh studied the adaptability of cover crops for cotton production in Oklahoma.

The goal of the project is to manage soil erosion in cotton production, Singh said.

"In Oklahoma, the windy weather can lead to erosion after harvesting," he said. "We don't want our soil to be eroded, so we interseed cover crops into the rows of cotton."

Once harvested, the cover crops leave a layer of residue, protecting the soil during cold and windy months, he added. In total, Singh tested six winter cover crops, including hairy vetch, crimson clover, rapeseed, black oats, winter pea and triticale.

Now in the early stages of his doctoral program, Singh has shifted his focus to creating solutions for producers.

"The project is called Testing Ag Performance Solutions, or TAPS," Singh said. "From an economic perspective, it can be risky for producers to test new ideas within their crop production, and this project allows them to bring their ideas for me to test out on their behalf."

Singh is currently working with corn producers in the Oklahoma Panhandle, studying how varying rates of irrigation and nitrogen rates affect yield and overall production. He added that this research would not be possible without the help of producers.

"The people of Oklahoma have been so generous," Singh said. "For a person like me who came from the other side of the world, I'm super blessed for the way I was welcomed by all the farmers, ranchers and producers."

Singh hopes both his master's and doctoral research will have a positive impact on farmers.

"Farmers are intelligent, and most of the time they are the ones who give us suggestions on gaps that can be filled," he said. "They're the ones who are in the real world, so when they convey their problems, we do our best to research solutions that can be implemented in the real world and helpful to farmers."

Sumit Sharma, assistant professor in the OSU Department of Plant and Soil Sciences and Singh's faculty advisor, commended Singh for his positive approach to his work.

"Harsanjam is a go-getter," Sharma said. "He is highly motivated and always ready to learn new things, which keeps the lab and department in high spirits."

Throughout his time in the Ferguson College, Singh has connected with undergraduate students through his role as a teaching assistant and mentor in the lab.

Singh said the students have challenged him to continue learning and growing as a professional and mentor.

"There will always be a student who will bring a question that you might not know the answer to," Singh said. "But it's a really good opportunity to learn more and help them stay curious in both their learning and my own."

As Singh works to complete his Ph.D., he said his connections have had a positive impact on his learning and research.

"The biggest thing that has helped me grow as a researcher is the connections I've made, not just in academia, but with farmers, business owners and others in the industry," Singh said. "At the end of the day, the research I do is for them."

Story By: Sophia Fahleson | [email protected]