Research

Research & Publications

My academic work spanning crop simulation modeling, precision agriculture, and geospatial analytics.

Research Interests

  • Crop simulation modeling (DSSAT)
  • Precision agriculture and nutrient management
  • Geospatial analytics and remote sensing for agriculture
  • Machine learning for yield prediction
  • Climate-smart agriculture
  • Decision support tools for smallholder farming systems

Current Work

Currently pursuing my MS at the University of Florida's ABE Department as a UF Fellowship recipient, my thesis research focuses on DSSAT crop simulation modeling and its applications for agricultural decision-making.

I am also contributing to the development of Graphical Visualization GB2 for DSSAT v4.8.6, enhancing data visualization capabilities for the global research community. Additionally, I am expanding my technical skills in crop modeling using Fortran and Python.

Research Projects

Key research projects with detailed objectives, methods, and outcomes.

Field Research • Chitwan, Nepal

Precision Nitrogen Management in Spring Rice

Applied precision nitrogen management strategies to optimize fertilizer application in spring rice (Oryza sativa L.) across multiple management scenarios. Identified optimized application rates that could reduce input costs by 15–20% while maintaining yield. Published in Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology (2024).

Tools: Python, R, Field Experiments
Software Development • University of Florida

DSSAT Graphical Visualization GB2

Contributing to DSSAT v4.8.6 by developing an enhanced graphical visualization tool with modern UI and improved data processing capabilities. Used by researchers in 100+ countries.

Tools: Python, Data Visualization, DSSAT v4.8.6, Fortran

Publications & Posters

Journal Article • 2024

Precision Nitrogen Management in Spring Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Decision Support Tools in Chitwan, Nepal

K Bhattarai, KR Pandey, S Marahatta, M Dhakal, NR Bhusal, R Thapa

Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology, 12(6), 955–965 • Cited: 3

Journal Article • 2025

Impact of Weed Management Practices on the Growth and Yield of Spring Rice in Pyuthan, Nepal

NR Bhusal, MR Pokhrel, R Chaudhary, K Bhattarai, P Timalsina

Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, 7(3), 150–164 • Cited: 1

Journal Article • 2022

Effects of Various Fertilizer Combinations on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Varieties for Dietary Fiber Content and Vegetative Characteristic

B Regmi, K Bhattarai, NR Bhusal, SR Poudel, S Kunwar

Himalayan Journal of Science and Technology, 6(1), 75–86 • Cited: 1

Journal Article

Effects of Ethephon and Pruning Practices on Sex Expression and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Rupandehi, Nepal

K Gyawali, PR Dhital, K Bhattarai, S Baral

Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology, 13(2), 346–352

Poster Presentation • 2025

Evaluating the Performance of the DSSAT Cropping System Model

K Bhattarai • University of Florida

Presented research findings on DSSAT model evaluation, covering calibration methodology, validation results, and model performance metrics.

Presentations & Events

November 16-21, 2025

Crop Physiology Training — Wageningen University & UF

Earned 1.5 ECTS credits through a joint program by Wageningen University's PE&RC and UF's ABE Department.

August 4-8, 2025

23rd DSSAT Development Sprint — University of Kentucky

Virtual participant contributing to DSSAT development and community discussions.

May 19-24, 2025

DSSAT Training — University of Georgia

Completed intensive DSSAT training alongside 72 participants from 28 countries, covering potential production to model applications.

March 13, 2025

HiPerGator Supercomputer Facility Visit — University of Florida

Visited UF's HiPerGator supercomputer facility — a powerful computational resource for agricultural research.

March 2025

Poster Presentation — University of Florida

Presented poster on "Evaluating the Performance of the DSSAT Cropping System Model."

January 6-10, 2025

22nd DSSAT Development Sprint — University of Florida

In-person participant engaged in DSSAT model development and collaborative research.

Academic Profiles

Find my work across academic platforms.