How do we combine extension and research

Research and extension work together as parts of the same system, ensuring that scientific knowledge translates into practical solutions for farmers.

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Collaborations

Strong collaborations are key to translating research into meaningful impact for agriculture.

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Social Media & Find us in the news

Stay connected with our latest research, projects, and extension activities by following us on LinkedIn.

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View all our extension publications

Our extension publications provide growers and agents with practical, research-backed guidance on vegetable production in the southeastern United States.

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View all our peer-reviewed publications

Our peer-reviewed research addresses critical challenges in vegetable production by developing and validating innovative approaches to irrigation, fertility management, and stress adaptation

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Fundamentals of fertilization for vegetables video series

Coming soon.

Data-driven solutions for resilient vegetable production

We develop practical, data-driven approaches to improve vegetable and specialty crop production. Our work bridges research and extension to support growers, industry partners, and students working in modern agricultural systems.

What is precision horticulture?

Precision horticulture is an approach to crop production that uses data, sensing technologies, and targeted management practices to optimize inputs and improve crop performance at fine spatial and temporal scales.

In practice, precision horticulture integrates tools such as soil and plant sensors, remote sensing, modeling, and automation to make informed decisions about irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and cultural practices. The goal is to increase productivity and crop quality while improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing system resilience under variable growing conditions.

Our Focus

• Precision water and nutrient management
• Crop stress, heat resilience, and plant performance
• Sensors and decision-support tools for growers
• Soil and bed management for vegetable systems
• Automation and labor-saving production technologies

Current Areas of Work

• Nitrogen management strategies for broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries and tea production in North Carolina
• Sensor-based irrigation management in vegetable crops
• Soil fumigation through drip irrigation systems
• Bed architecture innovations for tomato and strawberry production
• Automation of cultural practices in vegetable production