Pushpa Soti
Mentor since: 2022
Field of expertise: Weed and Invasive Plant Ecology, Sustainable Agriculture
Short biography:
Dr. Pushpa Soti is an Assistant Professor in the School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences (SIBCS) with a joint appointment in the School of Earth Environment and Marine Sciences (SEEMS) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). She has mentored several high schools, undergraduate, and graduate students at UTRGV. Dr. Soti received the UTRGV Faculty Excellence Award in Student Mentoring in 2022.
Summary of research projects:
Dr. Soti’s research focuses on the ecology of weedy and invasive plant species within natural and agricultural systems. The goal of my research is to unravel the underlying mechanisms driving plant invasions. Her current research work includes the investigation of complex interactions between plant and soil processes towards integrated weed management providing land managers and farmers with tools to reduce reliance on chemicals. Currently, she is involved in both large-scale field trials and controlled experiments to compare differences in weed and pest suppression, crop performance, and yield following winter and summer season cover crop treatments, which include a three-species cover crop mix and single cover crop trials. We also examine below ground biotic interactions (including mycorrhizae and nematodes) and their ecological implications on soil chemistry as it relates to on-farm productivity and agricultural sustainability.
Website: https://www.utrgv.edu/biology/faculty/pushpa-soti/