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Bonnie Johnson
September 07, 2026
Media ArticleTexas Tech University has named nationally recognized soil scientist Sandeep Kumar as chair of its Department of Plant & Soil Science, effective September,1,2026. With experience in academic research, teaching, and federal leadership, Kumar is expected to help advance the department's research and educational mission.
Before joining Texas Tech, Kumar served as National Program Leader in the Institute of Bioenergy, Climate & Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). In that position, he oversaw federal research investments focused on soil health, reducing agricultural emissions, and strengthening farming system resilience.
His appointment places an accomplished scientist at the helm of a department whose expertise spans crop breeding, plant genomics, water conservation, and fiber innovation. Kumar said, "I’m honored to join Texas Tech University and the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources. I look forward to working with our outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders to build on the department's strong foundation, expand interdisciplinary research and innovation, and prepare the next generation of leaders."
College leaders cited Kumar's strong scientific background and leadership experience as important factors in his selection. Dean Clint Krehbiel praised his ability to connect research with practical agricultural solutions and strengthen partnerships that benefit both industry and education.
Throughout his career, Kumar has focused on sustainable agricultural production and resource conservation. His work has examined the effects of no-till farming, cover crops, livestock integration, and diversified crop rotations on soil health, water quality, and long-term productivity.
He is also recognized for his research on soil organic carbon, greenhouse gas emissions, and water retention. In addition, Kumar has utilized advanced imaging technologies such as X-ray computed tomography to study soil structure and the movement of water and nutrients below ground.
Colleagues believe his collaborative approach will help elevate the department's profile and research impact. Krishna Jagadish, a leader in Texas Tech's Sustainable Integrated Systems Research Program, described Kumar as well-positioned to enhance the department's national and international visibility through multidisciplinary research initiatives.
Before joining USDA in 2021, Kumar spent nearly a decade at South Dakota State University, leading research programs in soil management and carbon dynamics while mentoring graduate students. Earlier, he worked as a research scientist and postdoctoral researcher at The Ohio State University.
According to Darren Hudson, associate dean for strategic initiatives and assessment, Kumar's experience gives him a strong understanding of both research priorities and stakeholder needs. Hudson said this background will support the department's continued growth and long-term impact.
Born in India, Kumar earned bachelor's and master's degrees in agriculture and soil science from Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University before completing a doctorate in soils at the University of Missouri. His accomplishments include being named a Fellow of both the Soil Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy in 2025.
Kumar now assumes leadership of a department that serves about 330 students and supports research across more than 46,000 square feet of facilities. Key programs include the Institute of Genomics for Crop Abiotic Stress Tolerance (IGCAST), the Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute, and the Texas Alliance for Water Conservation, all of which contribute to the university's growing influence in agricultural innovation.
Photo Credit: depts.ttu.edu
