Academic Department
Soil Science
Constituent Department under Biswanath College of Agriculture
Soil Science concentrates on the significance of soils as a very slowly renewable environmental resource. It includes studying the properties and processes occurring in soils alongside the sustainable use and management of this natural resource. It is a bitter truth that the process of meeting the food demand of the world’s ever-increasing population has been exerting tremendous pressure on soil and water resources. Therefore, to meet food security while protecting these natural resources, the role of Soil Science is indispensable.
The department of Soil Science came into existence in 1989 with the mandate of undergraduate teaching, extension, and research. Presently the department offers four (4) core courses and one (1) elective course for undergraduate students along with four (4) minor postgraduate courses. The faculties are also engaged in various institutional and ad-hoc projects (details available in the faculty profiles) and extension activities like farmers training and advisory services. The Scientists of this department take part in Agromet Advisory services and Amar Gaon Amar Gaurav Programme (at farmers field) initiated by the Assam Agricultural University.
The faculties of this department have published several high-quality research papers, book chapters and books. In addition, the faculties have published extension bulletins, popular scientific articles in vernacular language and took part in radio and TV shows pertaining to sustainable soil management practices for our better future. The department also provides Soil Testing and agro- advisory services for the greater interest of the farming community.
Existing Manpower- Faculty and Supporting Staff
| Sl. No. | Name of the incumbent | Designation | Remarks |
| Faculty | |||
| 1 | Dr. Nandita Baruah | Assistant Professor, Soil Science, and In-charge of the Department | Specialized in Soil Fertility |
| 2 | Dr. P.K.Sarmah | Chief Scientist, AICRP on Dryland Agriculture | Specialized in Soil Physics |
| 3 | Dr.Bikram Borkotoki | Jr. Scientist, AICRP on Dryland Agriculture | Specialized in Soil Chemistry and Mineralogy |
| 4. | Dr.Tantuja Nandy | Assistant Professor | Specialized in Pedology |
| 5. | Mrs.Palakshi Borah | Assistant Professor | Specialized in Soil Chemistry and Environmental Science |
| Supporting Staff | |||
| 6. | Mr Nabin Borah | Sr. Lab. Assistant | In position |
| 7. | Mr Devajit Borah | Lab. Assistant | In position |
| # | Course No. | Course Title | Credit | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soil 113 * | Fundamentals of Soil Science | 3 (2+1) | |
| 2 | soil (Elective)-223 * | Biofertilizers and Biowaste management | 3 (2+1) | — |
| 3 | Soil 122 * | Agricultural Microbiology | 2 (1+1) | |
| 4 | Soil 223 * | Manures , fertilizers and soil fertility management | 3 (2+1) | |
| 5 | Soil 322 * | Problematic soils and their management | 2 (2+0) |
* indicates compulsory courses.
| # | Course No. | Course Title | Credit | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | soil 509 | Soil, Water and Air Pollution | 3 (2+1) | |
| 2 | Soil 511 | Analytical Techniques and Instrumental Methods in Soil & Plant Analysis | 2 (0+2) | |
| 3 | Soil 513 | Management of Problem Soils and Water | 3 (2+1) | |
| 4 | Soil 514 | Fertilizer Technology | 1 (1+0) |
* indicates compulsory courses.
Department Faculty Members
5 Faculty2.jpg)
Research & Extension Projects
11 Total Projects
Ongoing Projects (8)
Bio-waste recycling and Enriched Compost Production under sub component "Experiential Learning" of EFC Scheme " Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India".
Oil Palm Cultivation and its Future Prospects in Assam under National Mission on Edible Oils-oil Palm
Effect of Long-term Nutrient Management in Diverse Rainfed Production Systems on Soil Carbon Stocks and Soil Carbon Sequestration
Lumpsum Turnkey Contract on Design, Build, installation, commissioning and operation of an Integrated Plant for the Production and Marketing of Agricultural Bio-inputs (Bio- fertilizers & Bio-pesticides) for 5 Years at Biswanath College of Agri
Characterization and mapping of Char areas of Assam using Geospatial Technologies for planning strategies of crop management and improving livelihood security
Establishment of Natural Farming and Organic Agriculture under R & D
National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture
AICRP on Dryland Agriculture
Completed Projects (3)
Geo surveillance of Agromet Field Units for effective Delivery of Agromet Advisory services (Co-PI)
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Bikram Borkotoki)
Status of Municipality Solid-Waste Generation in Biswanath Chariali and Strategies of Solid-Waste management for Biswanath Chariali Municipality Area
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Pallab Kumar Sarma)
Gramin Krishi Mousam Seva
(PI/Co-PI/Associated Scientist : Dr. Tantuja Nandy)
Department Photo Gallery
1 Photos