Dr. Ajay Nair is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. His research and extension work is in the area of Sustainable Vegetable Production. The focus of his research is on cover cropping, conservation tillage, nutrient management, soil amendments and health, and agrivoltaics. He works closely with commercial vegetable growers, extension staff, industry representatives and stakeholders to meet the rising demand of locally grown produce and enhance the profitability and sustainability of vegetable production systems.