Shital Poudyal

Shital Poudyal serves as an Assistant Professor and Ornamental Horticulture Specialist in the Department of Plants, Soils and Climate at Utah State University. His research and extension work focuses on sustainable landscape management with emphasis on water conservation, unconventional irrigation sources, and protection of water resources through reduced agrochemical runoff. He actively collaborates with industry stakeholders including the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association and Utah Water Conservation Forum.

Education:

• PhD in Horticulture, Michigan State University (2020)
• MS in Agronomy, University of Wyoming (2015)
• BS in Agriculture, Tribhuvan University (2011)
• College Teaching Certification, Michigan State University (2020)

Research Focus: Dr. Poudyal's work integrates plant physiology with practical horticulture to develop water-efficient practices for ornamental plants. His research examines species-specific responses to salinity stress, nutrient management optimization, and mycorrhizal symbiosis for sustainable agroecosystems. He employs greenhouse and field studies to evaluate irrigation technologies and unconventional water sources like coalbed methane water, aiming to balance plant health with environmental protection.

Publication Trends: Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a concentrated effort on water conservation in ornamental horticulture, with recurring themes of salinity tolerance, nutrient cycling, and citizen science applications. His work bridges fundamental plant science with extension outreach, particularly addressing Utah's water scarcity through practical landscape solutions and industry training programs.

Awards:

• Early Career Competition Award Finalist (2023) - American Society for Horticultural Sciences
• New Specialist Award (2023) - Utah State University Extension Specialists Association
• Outstanding Service Award (2022) - Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas

Advising and Extension: Dr. Poudyal mentors graduate students including Anju Chaudhary, Jenny Koller, and Saroj Burlakoti in the Plants, Soils and Climate program. His extension initiatives encompass the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) program, Master Gardener training, and industry workshops on irrigation recycling and waterwise landscape design, reaching nursery growers and residential landscapers across Utah through webinars and field demonstrations.

Collaborative Networks: He coordinates annual conferences with the Utah Nursery and Landscape Association and Utah Pest Control Association, while leading multi-year projects (2021-2030) to implement water conservation technologies and educate stakeholders on sustainable landscape practices through the Utah Water Conservation Forum.