KSU grad wins third place for hemp soil health research

By Blake Jackson

Prashant Bhatt, a graduate student at Kentucky State University (KSU), has achieved a significant milestone in his academic journey. He recently secured third place in the Graduate Student Oral Presentation, Soil Health Session, at the 2024 ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting held in San Antonio, Texas.

Bhatt's research, titled "Integration of Industrial Hemp in Conventional Crop Rotation System and its Effect on Soil Health," explored the potential benefits of incorporating industrial hemp into traditional crop rotations.

Under the guidance of Dr. Shawn Lucas and Dr. Anuj Chiluwal, Bhatt conducted a three-and-a-half-year study comparing hemp rotation with the standard corn-soybean rotation.

The research revealed that industrial hemp can significantly improve soil structural stability. However, the study found similar results in terms of soil active carbon content between the two rotation systems.

While the research is ongoing, these initial findings suggest that industrial hemp could be a valuable addition to sustainable agricultural practices.

“It is a great experience to be in these kinds of conferences where we directly interact with our scientific community to get feedback or give our experiences to them,” said Bhatt.

This recognition underscores the quality of research conducted at KSU and the dedication of its students and faculty. Bhatt's achievement is a testament to the university's commitment to advancing agricultural science and promoting sustainable practices.

Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university