Protected Cultivation: Structural Design, Crop Management Modeling, and Automation

Looks at protected cultivation techniques to safeguard crop plants from the harmful effects of climate change, toxic chemicals, and crop pests and diseases. Covers structure design, crop cultivation techniques, irrigation and fertigation, insect pests and diseases management, economic analysis, greenhouse micro-climate/environment, etc.

Mahesh Chand Singh, PhD, is working as a Scientist in the Department of Soil and Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Before joining PAU Ludhiana, he was a Scientist at the Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, in the Department of Soil Science and Water Management. Prior to that, he has also worked with national and international agencies and research platforms, including the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines, under an International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) funded research project as a research associate. He is also working as co-principal investigator in four different research projects related to irrigation and drainage systems, remote sensing and GIS applications and protected cultivation. Dr. Singh has published more than 35 research papers in internationally reputed journals as well as several book chapters and popular articles and one practical manual. He is the recipient of several awards, including Best Scientist Award and PAU Gold Medal for Doctoral Research for his research achievements. He developed soilless media cultivation practices for seedless cucumber (Parthenocarpic). He is a life member of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers, India.

K. K. Sharma, PhD, is a Plant Pathologist at the Dr. D.R. Bhumbla Regional Research Station of Punjab Agricultural University, Ballowal Saunkhri, Tehsil Balachaur of district Saheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab, India. Previously, he was Assistant Professor (plant pathology) at the Doon P.G. College of Agricultural Science and Technology, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. He has been engaged for more than 10 years in research (both academic and corporate sectors) and has four years of teaching. He was also involved in the transfer of technology through different extension activities. He has published more than 20 research papers in national and international journals of repute as well as practical e-manuals, book chapters, and popular articles. In addition to teaching and research, he is also engaged in various agriculture extension activities, such as agro-advisory services and transfer of technology through farmers’ trainings and field days. He is a recipient of young scientist awards and best poster awards for his research contributions by reputed societies.