INtroduction

Department of Soil Science & Agricultural chemistry

Soil is the foundation of life and directly impacts our food and society’s health. The Department of Soil Science focuses on maintaining soil health through teaching, research, and extension in areas like soil fertility, chemistry, physics, biology, pollution, and GIS. Its postgraduate program equips students with the knowledge for sustainable agriculture and future soil management.

    Why this Programme?

    • To impart knowledge to students on advanced aspects of soil fertility, soil chemistry, Pedology, soil biology, soil resource inventory and use of RS & GIS in soil science
    •  To extend the skills on soil testing, soil fertilization and soil survey, classification
    • To impart techniques and on soil conservation, loss minimization, soil pollution and to initiate the conviction towards soils
    • To introduce and impart RS & GIS skills which are inevitable is research and innovation
    • To involve and amalgamate tools based on ICT for soil fertility evaluation and
      monitoring besides improving fertilizer use efficiency
    •  Sustaining the soil health through diversified nutrients management practices

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    Aim of the Programme

    The Masters programme in Soil Science has been designed following the UGC guidelines. The course imparts:

    • Technical knowledge to students in soil and water testing, plant analysis, analytical knowhow, conceptual understanding of soil physical, chemical and biological processes.
    • Development of a globally competitive alumni who can thrive and be asset any where.
    • Investigation skills in varied frontiers of soils science addressing the research gaps identified to alleviate the farmers status.
    • Orientation towards agri-businesses amongst students so as to promote ideas from lab/farm to factory and towards patents.
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    Application and Admission

    •  The master programme in M.Sc. (Ag.) in Soil Science is offered by the Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, PJTAU in Rajendranagar and Jagtial campus.
    • If interested in being a part of Soil Science check out for the Admission requirements and the application procedures.

    Future Career

    •  Holders of masters degree in Soil Science can be future soil scientists, Agricultural Chemists, environmental chemists, Researchers, Associates, extension officers, consultants in government, academia, industries and other organizations. They can also become agri-enterpreneurs.
    • They can also persue doctoral research in reputed academia in India and abroad.

    Student Experiences

    "I successfully completed my master’s in SSAC at the College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU, and deeply appreciate the enriching academic experience. The dedicated faculty, comprehensive curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities provided strong theoretical and practical knowledge. Hands-on research, internships, and access to modern labs greatly enhanced my skills. My time here has been transformative, equipping me for a successful career. "

    – Vyshanvi

    " I am Poojitha (RAM/2022-) and have successfully completed my Master’s in SSAC at the College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU. I sincerely appreciate the university’s excellence in education, dedicated faculty, and opportunities for research and hands-on learning. This transformative journey has enriched my knowledge, skills, and personal growth, preparing me for a successful future. "

    – Poojitha

    "I am pleased to share that I have successfully completed my Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTSAU, under the guidance of Dr. G. Jayasree. The department’s excellent infrastructure, laboratories, and continuous support from faculty greatly enhanced my research. Regular reviews and constructive feedback refined my work and helped achieve the objectives. This enriching journey has strengthened my skills, and I hope my research will contribute meaningfully to the field. "

    – Poojitha

    Masters/PhD in Agriculture

    Introduction

    Students pursue M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. (Ag.) in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, undertaking coursework and guided research approved by the University. Research focuses on soil chemistry, fertility, nutrient dynamics, remote sensing, GIS applications, and soil characterization and classification.

    Thrust area of the Department:
    1. Soil survey and soil nutrient status
    2. Herbicide persistence
    3. Nutrient management (Integrated nutrient management and fertilizer application)
    4.  Soil pollution and waste management
    5. Green House Gas emission under different management practices
    6. Remote Sensing and GIS application
    7. Soil characterisation and classification
    8. Carbon sequestration
    9. Basic research (enzyme activity, analytical methods etc.)
    Research Collabration
    • The College being located at Hyderabad, has the advantage of utilizing the well-established facilities of ICAR institutes such as ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR), ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseed Research (ICAR-IIOR), ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (ICAR-IIMR), ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR CRIDA), ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR NAARM) and other central institutes such as National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and International Centre for Research in Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) etc. both in the form of man power and physical facilities (field and laboratory).
    Acheviements
    • 23 students completed their Ph.D. and 35 students completed their M.Sc. from this Department from 2014-15 till date.
    • Practical manuals were brought out for all the 5 UG courses and 3 PG courses.
    • From 2014 till date, total of 100 research papers were published in NAAS rated journals
      by the students from their research work.
    • Three teachers presently in the Department have a total of 165 published research papers in NAAS rated journals.
    • Teachers of the Department received various awards like Meritorious Teacher Award from University and State Government, Fellows of scientific Societies etc.

    About Infrastructure

    In the Department, there is a Seminar Hall cum Virtual class room where Seminars and meetings are held and online/offline classes are taken for UG, PG and PhD. This room is equipped with a Smart board and internet facility for online classes and virtual meetings. In addition, there is a class room where classes are taken for PG and PhD students. The Seminar Hall and class room are equipped with LCD, display screen, computer/laptop facility etc. which are required for taking class. There is also an online class room for taking classes online for PG and PhD students. It is provided with laptop and internet facility.

    Seminar & Classrooms

    • Seminar Hall cum Virtual Classroom
      1. Equipped with: Smart Board, LCD projector, internet, display screen, computer/laptop setup
      2. Used for: UG, PG, and Ph.D. seminars, meetings, hybrid classes
    • Dedicated PG/Ph.D. Classrooms
      1. Designed for advanced lectures and interactive learning
    • Online Classroom
       Laptop-enabled space with internet access for virtual sessions

      UG, PG & Ph.D. Laboratories

      Level Key Equipment & Features
      UG 1st Year Electronic balance, hot air oven, core samplers, soil tools, rock samples
      UG 2nd Year Electronic balance, mechanical shaker
      UG 3rd Year Electronic balance, water bath, hot plate, reflux apparatus
      PG & Ph.D. Balances (field & lab), mechanical shaker, centrifuge, grinder, hot plate, oven

      Teaching Approach

      • Emphasis on explanation, hands-on training, reagent preparation
      • Individual and small group experiments
      • Instrument handling and reading recordings done by students

      Physics Lab

      • Double ring infiltrometer, Munsell charts, hydraulic conductivity apparatus, BOD incubator

      SOHEC Lab

      • Flame photometer, spectrophotometer, pH & EC meters, SPAD meter, infrared thermometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), nitrogen distillation unit

      EVST Lab

      • GPS, weather tracker, microprocessor-based water analyser, total organic carbon analyser, BOD/COD accessories, laminar air flow, chlorophyll meter, flame photometer

      Instrument Room

      • Centralized instruments: spectrophotometer, EC meter, flame photometer, muffle furnace

      Water Distillation Unit

      • 10 L/h stainless steel distilled water still

      AAS Room

      • Dedicated space for Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

      Awards and Recognitions

      S. No. Name Year Award
      1 Dr. G. Jayasree 2014 Received Padmasri Dr. IV Subba Rao Rytunestam Award for Best Research
      2 Dr. G. Padmaja 2015 State level Meritorious Teacher Award from Government of Telangana, Higher Education Department
      3 Dr. S. Harish Kumar Sharma 2009 Commendation Certificate from Collector & District Magistrate, Karimnagar District for service at RARS Jagitial
      3 2015 Meritorious Teacher Award at 45th Annual Convocation of ANGRAU on 04.04.2015
      4 Dr. T. Anjaiah 2020 Sri Mandava Venkatramaiah Award for Best Teacher from PJTSAU on 6th University Foundation Day
      5 Dr. K. Pavan Chandra Reddy 2015 Commendation Certificate from Collector & District Magistrate, Nizamabad for service in teaching, research and extension
      5 2020 Admitted as Fellow of Indian Society of Oil Seeds Research (ISOR)
      6 Dr. K. Shailaja 2018 Commendation Certificate from Collector & District Magistrate, Nalgonda for service at DAATTC, Nalgonda

      RKVY – Soil Nutrient Management (SOHEC Lab)

      Lab Details
      The Soil Nutrient Management – Primary, Secondary & Plant Analysis Laboratory (SOHEC Lab) was established in 2013 under RKVY at the Dept. of SSAC, COA, Rajendranagar.
      Dr. G. Jayasree was PI till Nov 2014, with Dr. Ch. Sujani Rao and Dr. M. Rajeshwar Naik as Co-PIs.
      Faculty members Dr. M. Rajeshwar Naik, Dr. T. Anjaiah, Dr. K. Pavan Chandra Reddy, Dr. S. Harish Kumar Sharma and Dr. K. Shailaja were associated.
      The lab analyzes soil, plant and water samples from farmers, NGOs, Govt. and private organizations (on cost basis) and provides nutrient management recommendations.

      Master’s Programme Courses

      S. No. Course No. Course Title Credits
      1 SOIL 501* Soil Physics 3 (2+1)
      2 SOIL 502* Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Use 4 (3+1)
      3 SOIL 503* Soil Chemistry 3 (2+1)
      4 SOIL 504* Soil Mineralogy, Genesis and Classification 3 (2+1)
      5 SOIL 505 Soil Erosion and Conservation 3 (2+1)
      6 SOIL 506 Soil Biology and Biochemistry 3 (2+1)
      7 SOIL 507 Radioisotopes in Soil and Plant Studies 2 (1+1)
      8 SOIL 508 Soil, Water and Air Pollution 3 (2+1)
      9 SOIL 509 Remote Sensing and GIS Technique for Soil, Water and Crop Studies 3 (2+1)
      10 SOIL 510 Analytical Techniques and Instrumental Methods in Soil and Plant Analysis 2 (0+2)
      11 SOIL 511 Management of Problem Soils and Water 3 (2+1)
      12 SOIL 512 Land Degradation and Restoration 1 (1+0)
      13 SOIL 513 Soil Survey and Land Use Planning 2 (2+0)
      14 SOIL 514 Introduction to Nanotechnology 3 (2+1)
      15 PGS 504** Basic Concepts in Laboratory Techniques 1 (0+1)
      16 SOIL 591 Master’s Seminar 1 (1+0)
      17 SOIL 599 Master’s Research 30

      * Core Course for Master’s Programme
      ** Compulsory Common Course for Master’s Programme

      Doctoral Programme Courses

      S. No. Course No. Course Title Credits
      1 SOIL 601 Recent Trends in Soil Physics 2 (2+0)
      2 SOIL 602 Modern Concept in Soil Fertility 2 (2+0)
      3 SOIL 603*** Physical Chemistry of Soil 2 (2+0)
      4 SOIL 604*** Soil Genesis and Micromorphology 2 (2+0)
      5 SOIL 605 Biochemistry of Soil Organic Matter 2 (2+0)
      6 SOIL 606 Soil Resource Management 3 (3+0)
      7 SOIL 607 Modelling of Soil Plant System 2 (2+0)
      8 SOIL 608 Clay Mineralogy 3 (2+1)
      9 SOIL 609 Recent Trends in Soil Microbial Biodiversity 3 (2+1)
      10 SOIL 691 Doctoral Seminar I 1 (1+0)
      11 SOIL 692 Doctoral Seminar II 1 (1+0)
      12 SOIL 699 Doctoral Research 75

      *** Core Course for Doctoral Programme