Vivek Sharma

0000-0002-8092-4355

Best Management Practices (BMPs): Perimeter Borders

Vivek Sharma, Kati W. Migliaccio, Brian Boman, Jemy Hinton, and Kevin Hancock

This publication addresses perimeter borders as a best management practice. Written by Vivek Sharma, Kati W. Migliaccio, Brian Boman, Jemy Hinton, and Kevin Hancock, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, revised May 2021.

Methods to Quantify In-Field Nutrient Leaching

Bibek Acharya, Vivek Sharma, Charles Barrett, Sudeep Singh Sidhu, Lincoln Zotarelli, and Michael D. Dukes

This publication summarizes the basic concepts of three most-used NO3-N leaching quantification methods in field conditions. Written by Bibek Acharya, Vivek Sharma, Charles Barrett, Sudeep Singh Sidhu, Lincoln Zotarelli, and Michael D. Dukes, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, December 2022.

Carrot (Daucus carota) Production in the Sandy Soils of North Florida: Nitrogen Fertilization Guidelines

Morgan Morrow, Vivek Sharma, Robert C. Hochmuth, Charles Barrett, and Marina Burani-Arouca

This publication discusses carrot growth characteristics and provides nitrogen fertilizer best management practices for carrot crops growing in north Florida. The nitrogen management guidelines presented in this publication are based on multiyear field-based research conducted by UF/IFAS. Written by Morgan Morrow, Vivek Sharma, Robert C. Hochmuth, Charles Barrett, and Marina Burani-Arouca, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, July 2023.

Variable Rate Technology and Its Application in Precision Agriculture

Vivek Sharma, Uday Bhanu Prakash Vaddevolu, Shiva Bhambota, Yiannis Ampatzidis, Haimanote Bayabil, and Aditya Singh

The main aim of this publication is to discuss the concept of variable rate technology (VRT), and its components associated with variable rate application of water, fertilizer, and other agricultural inputs. This publication also provides an example of the control system for variable rate application of agricultural inputs in row and tree crops. Written by Vivek Sharma, Uday Bhanu Prakash Vaddevolu, Shiva Bhambota, Yiannis Ampatzidis, Haimanote Bayabil, and Aditya Singh, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, January 2025.

Variable Rate Irrigation Technology: A Step-by-Step Guide to Field Implementation

Haimanote Bayabil, Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, and Vivek Sharma

This fact sheet explores variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology and its components and provides specific examples of field-scale applications of VRI technology with step-by-step guidelines for data collection, data interpretation, developing VRI prescription maps, and uploading maps for implementation. Written by Haimanote Bayabil, Niguss Solomon Hailegnaw, and Vivek Sharma, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2025.

Mobile Drip Irrigation (MDI): Benefits and Challenges for Its Adoption and Use

Bhimsen Shrestha yVivek Sharma

Overhead sprinkler irrigation is one of the most widely used methods in agriculture. However, sprinkler systems can lead to significant water loss through evaporation and wind drift, especially in hot or windy climates. To address these challenges, mobile drip irrigation (MDI) has emerged as an innovative alternative. This publication presents a comprehensive overview of the mobile drip irrigation (MDI) system. It explains how water is distributed within an MDI system and evaluates the economic factors involved in converting a center pivot irrigation system to MDI. A practical decision checklist is included to help determine whether an MDI system is suitable for a specific field operation. Written by Bhimsen Shrestha and Vivek Sharma, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, September 2026.

A Practical Guide for Peach Irrigation Scheduling in Florida

Charles Barrett, Lincoln Zotarelli, Carlos Zambrano-Vaca, Charles Barrett, Vivek Sharma, Juanita Popenoe, Ali Sarkhosh, Richard Beeson, Richard Beeson, Kelly T. Morgan, Kati W. Migliaccio, yJose X. Chaparro

This publication provides a practical guideline for irrigation of young (1–3 years old) and adult (>3 years old) peach trees cultivated in Florida.

Use of Controlled-Release Nitrogen in Watermelon Production in the Suwannee Valley

Taite Miller, Taite Miller, Robert Hochmuth, Sydney Williams, Vivek Sharma, Mark Warren, Henry T. Pittman, Tatiana Sanchez, yEmily Beach

Efficient nitrogen management in watermelon production is critical for maintaining yields while minimizing environmental losses, particularly in the sandy soils of north Florida. Field and on-farm trials conducted by UF/IFAS in the Suwannee Valley evaluated controlled-release fertilizers as an alternative to conventional nitrogen sources.

Crop Water Use and Irrigation Scheduling Guide for North Florida

Vivek Sharma, Charles Barrett, De Broughton, and Thomas Obreza

UF/IFAS Nutrient Management Recommendation Series: Carrot

Robert Hochmuth, Vivek Sharma, Thomas Obreza, and Rao Mylavarapu

Nutrient management recommendations for carrot are described according to the standard UF/IFAS recommendation format of 1) a calibrated soil test result; 2) target soil pH; 3) the "4Rs" of fertilizer management: rate, timing, placement, and source; and 4) water management factors.