Departmental History – Background information vision – Goal

The Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry started functioning at the College of Agriculture, AAU, Vaso in the year 2018, however the courses related to soil science and agricultural chemistry were offered since 2012. The main objective of this department is to plan, undertake, promote and coordinate education, research and its application in soil science for enhancing soil productivity and fertility. The department also offers services like soil testing, plant testing, water testing, and fertilizer testing. The department collaborates with the other departments at AAU Vaso campus in conducting different agricultural experiments and researches.

OBJECTIVES

• To impart excellent education and generate young workforce skilled with knowhow of novel soil science related techniques.
• To undertake farmer-oriented research and extension activities to cater upcoming demand of agrarian economy.

FACULTY INFORMATION

ACTIVITIES

• TEACHING

The faculty of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry conducts theory and practical sessions for the polytechnic and undergraduate students.

Other academic activities

Experiential Learning (EL) Programme: EL provides the students an excellent opportunity to develop analytical and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge through meaningful hands on experience, confidence in their ability to design and execute project work. The Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry offers an ELP module called “Soil, Plant, Water and Seed Testing” and through this the department trains the students to take up soil, plant, water and seed testing as entrepreneurs. The following table suggests the numbers of the students trained in the last five years (2017-18 to 2020-21).

Rural Awareness Work Experience (RAWE) programme: Under RAWE programme, the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry carries out the departmental orientation programme, on-campus training, visits of various research stations/KVKs/villages/agro-industries and progressive farmers.

• RESEARCH

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry is also associated with research activities wherein several field experiments are being conducted round the year. Here is the list of research experiments:

• EXTENSION

Extension Activities Carried Out by the Faculty:

FACILITIES

Practical Classroom/ Instrument Room:

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry has a well-furnished practical classroom/ instrument room equipped with computer, sound system, LCD projector, educational charts, internet facilities, different types of rocks-minerals and necessary instrument, chemicals, glassware and plasticware related to soil, plants, water, and fertilizer testing.

Practical Laboratory:

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry has a well-furnished laboratory with different types of instruments, chemicals, glassware and plasticware related to soil, plants, water, and fertilizer testing.

Agro-Meteorological Observatory:

A well-equipped agro-meteorological observatory is also maintained by the department. It records the meteorological data twice a day. The observatory has the equipments to measure maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction, soil temperature, rainfall and evaporation. The data recorded in the observatory are displayed on a display board at the entrance of the College Building. This data can be made available to farmers on demand at free-of-cost for working out the water requirements of the plants and prediction of diseases.

PUBLICATIONS

Publications by the Faculty Members

CONTACT PERSON

Ms. Pushpa S. Parmar
Assistant Professor and Head
Department of Soil Science and Agri. Chemistry
College of Agriculture, AAU, Vaso
Mob. No.: +91 –9924438962
E-mail:hodssacvaso@aau.in