Ferguson College of Agriculture

Digvijay Mohite, originally from India, is a Ph.D. student in the Oklahoma State University Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. He earned his master’s degree in Regulatory Science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

 

“My academic journey has focused on precision agriculture and soil science, driven by a commitment to sustainable farming practices,” Mohite said. “Prior to my Ph.D., I worked as a graduate research assistant, gaining expertise in data management and agricultural research methodologies.”

 

He chose OSU for its strong agricultural research program and the Ferguson College of Agriculture’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges, such as water scarcity.

 

“The opportunity to work at the Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center, coupled with OSU’s supportive faculty and resources, has made it the ideal place to advance my research and contribute to sustainable agriculture,” he said.

 

Mohite is advised by Dr. Sumit Sharma, and his dissertation is titled “Irrigated Cotton Production Under Limited Well Capacities in the Central High Plains.”

 

His research evaluates continuous and rotational cotton production systems under limited irrigation in the Oklahoma Panhandle, addressing the declining water levels of the Ogallala Aquifer.

 

“The project is conducted at the Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Goodwell, Oklahoma,” he said. The project examines cotton yields, soil moisture dynamics and crop quality under 250, 350 and 450 GPM irrigation treatments.

 

“Using tools like the DSSAT-CSM-CROPGRO-Cotton model and Sentek moisture probes, I aim to optimize water use efficiency and develop sustainable cropping strategies for semi-arid regions,” Mohite said.

 

He is passionate about developing innovative solutions to support farmers in water-limited regions, ensuring food security and resource sustainability.

 

“OSU’s land-grant mission and its focus on practical, impactful research inspire me to push boundaries in precision agriculture,” he said. “The collaborative environment and the chance to work with cutting-edge tools like DSSAT fuel my enthusiasm to make a difference in farming communities.”

 

Mohite’s favorite part of graduate school is the hands-on research experience—collecting field data, analyzing soil moisture trends and seeing tangible results that can benefit farmers. “Collaborating with peers and mentors at OSU, especially during field experiments in Goodwell, has been incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated,” he said.

 

After completing his Ph.D., Mohite plans to pursue a career in agricultural research or Extension services, focusing on precision agriculture and sustainable crop management.

 

“I aim to work with farming communities, possibly in an academic or administrative role, to implement data-driven strategies that enhance productivity while conserving resources like water,” he said.

 

Mohite is an amateur boxer, and he likes to keep himself updated on world geopolitics and economics.