Applied Research

Dr. Balwinder Kumar is a research scientist in cereal and forage agronomy with Lakeland College’s applied research department. With over 15 years of experience, his expertise spans conservation agriculture, soil fertility and nutrient management, micronutrient biofortification, climate-resilient cropping systems, plant growth regulators (PGRs), intercropping, nutrient cycling in prairie agroecosystems and integrated crop-livestock systems.

Dr. Kumar leads applied research to improve the productivity, grain yield, and forage potential of major cereal crops, including wheat, barley, oats, and triticale. His current work addresses key challenges in Western Canadian agriculture such as lodging mitigation, drought resilience, input efficiency, and soil health management by developing practical, science-based solutions for producers. He collaborates closely with producers, industry, and research partners to deliver outcomes that are both innovative and field-ready.

Education:

• PhD in Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, India
  
• MSc in Agronomy (Weed Science), Punjab Agricultural University, India
  
• BSc in Agriculture (Honor), Punjab Agricultural University, India
  
• MBA, Indira Gandhi National Open University, India

Areas of expertise: 

• Conservation agriculture
• Soil fertility and nutrient management
• Micronutrient biofortification
• Climate-resilient cropping systems
• Plant growth regulators (PGRs)
• Intercropping
• Nutrient cycling in prairie agroecosystems
• Integrated crop-livestock systems
• GHG reduction
• Food security