Academic programmes:
Ist Semester
Undergraduate courses
|
S. No. |
Course No. |
Course Title |
Credit hours |
|
1 |
Soils 51 |
Elementary Soil Fertility |
2+1 |
|
2 |
Soils 101 |
Fundamentals of Soil Science |
2+1 |
|
3 |
Soils 102 |
Principles of Soil Science |
1+1 |
|
4 |
Soils 301 |
Manures, Fertilizers & Soil Fertility Management |
2+1 |
|
5 |
Env 101 |
Environmental Studies and Disaster Management |
2+0 |
|
6 |
Soils 491 |
Agro-Industrial Attachment |
0+4 |
|
|
|
(i) Fertilizer Industries |
|
|
|
|
(ii) Vermicompost Units |
|
|
|
|
(iii) Biofertilizer Units |
|
Course No : Soils 101
Course Title : Fundamentals of
Soil Science
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. I
Theory
Soil as a natural body, pedological and
edaphological concepts of soil; Soil genesis: soil forming rocks and minerals;
weathering, processes and factors of soil formation; Soil Profile, components of
soil; Soil physical properties: soil-texture, structure, density, porosity, soil
colour and consistence; Elementary knowledge of soil taxonomy classification and
soils of India; Soil water retention, movement and availability; Soil air,
composition, gaseous exchange, and plant growth, Soil temperature; source,
amount and flow of heat in soil; effect on plant growth, Soil reaction-pH, soil
acidity and alkalinity, buffering, effect of pH on nutrient availability; soil
colloids - inorganic and organic; silicate clays: constitution and properties;
sources of charge; ion exchange, cation exchange capacity, base saturation; soil
organic matter: composition, properties and its influence on soil properties;
humic substances - nature and properties; soil organisms: macro and micro
organisms, their beneficial and harmful effects.
Lecture Schedule
|
Sr . No. |
Topic |
No. of lecture (s) |
|
1 |
Soil Science and its disciplines; concept of soil and land |
1 |
|
2 |
Minerals: definition, classification, and
importance |
1 |
|
3 |
Rocks: definition, classification, and
properties |
1 |
|
4 |
Weathering: physical, chemical and
biological |
1 |
|
5 |
Soil forming factors |
1 |
|
6 |
Processes of soil formation and their
types |
1 |
|
7 |
Taxonomic soil classification |
1 |
|
8 |
Soils of India and Punjab |
1 |
|
|
First Hourly Exam |
|
|
9 |
Soil colour, Soil texture- significance
and classes, Soil profile |
1 |
|
10 |
Soil structure- significance, classification and genesis |
1 |
|
11 |
Soil consistence; soil crusting |
1 |
|
12 |
Bulk density and particle density of soils, porosity - their
significance and manipulation |
2 |
|
13 |
Soil water: retention, concept of soil water potential, soil moisture
constants |
2 |
|
14 |
Movement of water in soil: saturated and
unsaturated; |
1 |
|
15 |
Infiltration, percolation, permeability, drainage and factors affecting
them |
1 |
|
16 |
Thermal properties of soils: heat capacity, specific heat, thermal
conductivity, thermal diffusivity, thermal retentivity, heat of
vaporization |
1 |
|
17 |
Soil temperature: variation of soil temperature, factors affecting and
its influence on plant growth |
1 |
|
18 |
Soil air: composition, factors affecting composition, gaseous exchange,
influence of soil air on plant growth |
2 |
|
|
Mid Term Exam |
|
|
19 |
Soil colloids: properties, nature, types and significance |
2 |
|
20 |
Layer silicate clays: source of charges on silicate clays |
2 |
|
21 |
Ion adsorption, ion exchange, CEC and AEC, factors influencing ion
exchange and its significance |
2 |
|
22 |
Soil reaction: Concept and its role in
nutrient availability; characteristics and management of acid, saline
and alkali soils. |
2 |
|
23 |
Soil organic matter: composition, decomposition, mineralization |
2 |
|
24 |
Humus: genesis and nature; Carbon cycle, C:N ratio and its importance |
2 |
|
25 |
Soil biology: types of soil organisms, condition affecting their growth,
beneficial and harmful effects of soil organisms |
2 |
List of books
- Fundamentals of Soil Science by Indian
Society of Soil Science, Second Revised Edition (2009) Indian Society of
Soil Science, New Delhi, 728p.
- The Nature and Properties of Soils by Nyle C.
Brady and Ray R Weil, 14th Edition (2014) Prentice Hall of India
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 1046p.
- Introduction to Soil Physics by Pradeep K.
Sharma First Edition (2017) Westville Publishing House, New Delhi. 512p.
- Text Book of Soil Physics by A. K. Saha,
Reprinted (2008). Kalyani Publsihers, Ludhiana, 500p.
- A Text Book of Pedology: Concepts and
Applications by J. Sehgal (2005) Kalyani Publsihers, Ludhiana, 516p.
- Introductory Soil Science by D. K. Das Third
Revised Edition (2011) Kalyani Publsihers, Ludhiana, 645p.
- Fundamentals of Soil by V. N. Sahai, Third
Revised Edition (2004) Kalyani Publsihers, Ludhiana, 301p.
Post graduate courses
|
S. No. |
Course No. |
Course Title |
Credit hours |
|
1 |
Soils 501 |
Soil Physics |
2+1 |
|
2 |
Soils 502 |
Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Use |
2+1 |
|
3 |
Soils 503 |
Soil Chemistry |
2+1 |
|
4 |
Soils 507 |
Geomorphology and Geochemistry |
2+0 |
|
5 |
Soils 508 |
Soil, Water and Air Pollution |
2+1 |
|
6 |
Soils 510 |
System Approaches in Soil and Crop studies |
2+0 |
|
7 |
Soils 511 |
Management of Problem Soils and Water |
2+1 |
|
8 |
Soils 591 |
Seminar |
0+1 |
|
9 |
EMN 521 |
Electron Microscopy |
1+2 |
|
10 |
NRM 501 |
Recent Techniques in Crop Residue Management vis-a vis Soil Quality |
2+1 |
|
11 |
NRM 503 |
Natural Resources Management under Climatic Variability |
2+0 |
|
12 |
Soils 603 |
Physical Chemistry of Soils |
2+0 |
|
13 |
Soils 604 |
Soil Genesis and Micropedology |
2+0 |
|
14 |
Soils 605 |
Biochemistry of Soil Organic Matter |
2+0 |
Course No : Soils 301
Course Title : Manures, Fertilizers and Soil Fertility
Management
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. I
Theory
Introduction and importance of organic manures.
Properties and methods of preparation of bulky and concentrated manures.
Green/leaf manuring. Fertilizer recommendation approaches. Integrated nutrient
management. Chemical fertilizers - classification, composition and properties of
major nitrogenous, phosphatic, potassic fertilizers, secondary and micronutrient
fertilizers, complex fertilizers and nano fertilizers. Soil amendments.
Fertilizer storage. Fertilizer Control Order. History of soil fertility and
plant nutrition. Criteria of essentiality, role, deficiency and toxicity
symptoms of essential plant nutrients. Mechanisms of nutrient transport to
plants. Critical levels of different nutrients in soil. Forms of nutrients in
soil. Factors affecting nutrient availability to plants. Chemistry of soil
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur and micronutrients.
Soil fertility evaluation - Soil testing, plant analysis, rapid plant tissue
tests, indicator plants. Factor influencing nutrient use efficiency (NUE), Time
and methods of application of fertilizers under rainfed and irrigated
conditions.
Lecture Schedule
|
Sr.No. |
Topic |
No. of lecture(s) |
|
1 |
History of soil fertility and plant
nutrition |
1 |
|
2 |
Essential and beneficial elements,
criteria of essentiality |
1 |
|
3 |
Role of essential plant nutrients |
1 |
|
4 |
Forms of nutrients in soil |
1 |
|
5 |
Deficiency and toxicity symptoms of
essential plant nutrients |
1 |
|
6 |
Mechanisms of nutrient transport to plants |
1 |
|
7 |
Chemistry and transformations of Nitrogen,
Phosphorus and Potassium in soils |
3 |
|
8 |
Chemistry of secondary and micronutrients
in soils |
1 |
|
9 |
Factors affecting N, P, K and
micronutrient availability to plants |
3 |
|
10 |
Soil fertility evaluation approaches-soil
testing, plant analysis, rapid plant tissue tests, indicator plants |
3 |
|
11 |
Critical levels of different nutrients in
soil and plants |
1 |
|
12 |
Fertilizer recommendation approaches |
1 |
|
13 |
Factors influencing fertilizer use
efficiency (FUE) |
1 |
|
14 |
Time and methods of application of
fertilizers under rainfed and irrigated conditions |
2 |
|
15 |
Introduction, importance and
classification of organic manures |
1 |
|
16 |
Properties and methods of preparation of
bulky manures |
2 |
|
17 |
Properties and methods of preparation of
concentrated manures |
1 |
|
18 |
Green/leaf manuring – methods, benefits
and characteristics |
1 |
|
19 |
Classification of chemical fertilizers |
1 |
|
20 |
Composition and properties of major
nitrogenous, phosphatic and potassic fertilizers |
2 |
|
21 |
Composition and properties of secondary
and micronutrient fertilizers |
1 |
|
22 |
Composition and properties of complex and
nano fertilizers |
1 |
|
23 |
Fertilizer storage, Fertilizer Control
Order |
1 |
|
24 |
Integrated nutrient management |
1 |
|
25 |
Soil amendments, their types and sources |
1 |
|
|
Total |
34 |
Practical
Introduction of analytical instruments and their
principles, calibration and applications. Colorimetry, flame photometry and
atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Determination of soil organic carbon,
alkaline hydrolysable N and extractable P in soils. Determination of
exchangeable Na, K, Ca and Mg in soils. Determination of extractable S and DTPA
extractable Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu in soils. Determination of N, P, K, S and
micronutrients in plants.
Practical Schedule
| Sr. No. |
Practical schedule |
| 1 |
Determination of organic carbon in soils |
| 2 |
Determination of alkaline hydrolysable N
in soils |
| 3 |
Principle of colorimeter, its calibration,
application and determination of available P in soils |
| 4 |
Principle of flame photometer, its
calibration, application and determination of available K in soils |
| 5-6 |
Determination of exchangeable cations in
soils |
| 7 |
Determination of available S in soils |
| 8 |
Principle of atomic absorption
spectrophotometer, its calibration, application and determination of
DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu in soils |
| 9 |
Digestion of plant samples for
determination of nutrients |
| 10 |
Determination of total N in plants |
| 11 |
Determination of total P in plants |
| 12 |
Determination of total K and S in plants |
| 13 |
Determination of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu in
plants |
| 14 |
Determination of total N in urea |
| 15 |
Determination of water soluble P in SSP
and DAP |
| 16 |
Determination of total N and P in manure |
List of Books Recommended
- Goswami, N.N. et al. (eds.) -
Fundamentals of Soil Science, 2nd Edition, 2009. ISSS,
N. Delhi.
- Soil Science: An Introduction,
(2015) by Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi.
- Tisdale, S.L., Nelson, W.L. and Beaton, J.D.
- Soil Fertility and Fertilizers, 1985, 4th
Edition, MacMillan Publishing Company, New York.
- Kanwar, J.S. - “Soil Fertility –
Theory and Practice” ICAR, New Delhi.
- Brady, N.C. - Nature and Properties
of Soils, 1999. 10th Edition.
- Aggarwal, J.P., Yawalkar, K.S. and Bokde, S.
- Manures and Fertilizers, 11th Edition 2011. Agri. –
Horticultural Publishing House, Nagpur.
- Das P.C. (2008) Manures and
Fertilizers (Third edition, 2015) Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana
- Basak, Ranjan Kumar (2016)
Fertilizers: A Text Book (Fourth edition) Kalyani Publishers,
Ludhiana
Course No : Env.101
Course Title : Environmental
Studies and Disaster Management
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem. I
Definition, scope and importance of environmental
science. Natural Resources - renewable and non-renewable resources. Forest
resources - use and over-exploitation. Water resources - use and
over-utilization of surface and ground water, floods, drought. Mineral resources
- use, exploitation and their environmental effects. Food resources - world food
problems, challenges of modern agriculture. Energy resources - renewable and
non-renewable. Land resources - land degradation and restoration. Ecosystems -
concepts, types, structures and functions. Biodiversity at global, national and
local levels, hot-spots of biodiversity, threats to biodiversity. Environmental
Pollution - air, water, soil, marine, noise, thermal pollution and nuclear
hazards. Solid waste management - causes, effects and control. Social issues and
the environment - unsustainable to sustainable development. Water conservation -
rain water harvesting, watershed management. Environmental ethics - issues and
possible solutions, climate change, global warming, acid rain, ozone layer
depletion, nuclear accidents and holocaust. Environment Protection Acts - air,
water, wildlife protection, forest conservation. Human population and
environment. Role of information technology in environment and human health.
Natural disasters - nature, types and their effects. Climatic change - ozone
depletion, global warming, sea level rise. Man-made disasters - types and their
effects. Disaster management - concept of disaster management, national disaster
management framework, financial arrangements, role of Government, NGOs, media
and other organizations in disaster management.Visits to ecologically important
places and management organizations during weekends as a part of advisory and
class tours by the respective departments/class incharges.
Lecture Schedule
| S.No. |
Topic |
No. of Lecture(s) |
Recommended Books |
|
Department of Soil Science (12) |
|
| 1 |
Definitions, scope and significance of environmental sciences |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 1 |
| 2 |
Natural Resources: Renewable and non-renewable resources. Water
resources: use and over-utilization of surface and groundwater |
1 |
Book 5, Chapter 14 |
| 3 |
Mineral resources: use, exploitation and their environmental effects |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 7 |
| 4 |
Land resources: land degradation and restoration |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 6 |
| 5 |
Water Pollution |
2 |
Book 1, Chapter 10
Book 5, Chapter 13 |
| 6 |
Soil Pollution |
2 |
Book 1, Chapter 11
Book 5, Chapter 13 |
| 7 |
Solid waste management: causes, effects and control |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 12 |
| 8 |
Water conservation: rain water harvesting, watershed management |
1 |
Book 6, Chapter 8 |
| 9 |
Human population and environment, Role of information technology in
environment and human health |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 15 |
| 10 |
Field tour: visit to local polluted
site-urban/rural/industrial/agricultural |
1 |
|
|
Department of Climate Change & Agrometeorology (10) |
|
| 11 |
Environmental pollution: air, noise and marine pollution |
1 |
Book 3, Chapter 7 |
|
Thermal pollution, nuclear pollution and management |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 13
Book 4, Chapter 13 |
| 12 |
Floods and drought |
1 |
Book 7, Chapter 8
Book 2, Chapter 21 |
| 13 |
Climate change - ozone layer depletion, global warming, sea level rise,
nuclear hazards and holocaust |
2 |
Book 7, Chapter 12 |
| 14 |
Environmental ethics: issues and possible solutions |
1 |
Book 9, Chapter 6
Book 4, Chapter 22 |
| 15 |
Natural disasters: their nature, types and effects. Manmade disasters:
their nature, types and effects |
1 |
Book 2, Chapter 21 |
| 16 |
Disaster management: concepts of disaster management, national disaster
management framework, financial arrangements, role of government, NGOs,
media and other organizations in disaster management |
2 |
Book 4, Chapter 18
Book 2, Chapter 21 |
| 17 |
Field tour: visit to disaster management organizations; collections of
statistics of national disaster occurred since 20th century |
1 |
|
|
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (9) |
|
| 18 |
Food resources: world food problems, challenges of modern agriculture |
1 |
Handouts |
| 19 |
Forest resources: use and over exploitation, deforestation and its
effects on environment |
1 |
Book 8 |
| 20 |
Ecosystem: concepts, types, structures and functions, energy flow in
ecosystem |
2 |
Book 1, Chapters 2 & 3
Book 9, Chapter 3 |
| 21 |
Biodiversity at global, national and local levels, hot spots of
biodiversity and threats to biodiversity |
2 |
Book 3, Chapter 14 |
| 22 |
Social issues and environment: unsustainable to sustainable development |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 18 |
| 23 |
Environmental protection acts: air, water, wildlife protection, forest
conservation |
1 |
Book 1, Chapter 17 |
| 24 |
Field tour: visit to local area to document environment assets- river/
forest/ grassland/ hills/ mountain |
1 |
|
|
Total No. of Lectures |
31 |
|
Recommended Books
- Dhaliwal G.S and Kukal S.S. 2005. Essentials of Environment Science.
Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana
- Kukal S.S. and Kingra P.K. 2019. Introduction to Environment and
Disaster Management. Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana
- Sharma P.D. 2010. Ecology and Environment. Rastogi Publishers, New Delhi
- Anjaneyulu Y. 2004. Introduction to Environmental Science. BS
Publications, Hyderabad
- Dhaliwal G.S. and Kler D.S. 1995. Principles of Agricultural Ecology.
Himalaya Publishing House, Bombay
- Arun Kumar Saha. 2006. Text Book of Soil Physics. Kalyani Publishers,
Ludhiana
- Mahi G S and P K Kingra. 2018. Fundamentals of Agrometeorology and
Climate Change. Kalyani Publishers, New Delhi.
- Status of Forest Report 2019 – Forest Survey of India, Dehradun
- Chauhan, A.S. 2014. Environment Studies. Jain Brothers, Karol Bagh, New
Delhi
Course No : Soils 501
Course Title : Soil Physics
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. I
Theory: Soil physical behavior.
Soil consistence. Dispersion and workability of soils. Soil compaction and
consolidation. Soil strength-bulk density relations. Swelling and shrinkage-
basic concepts. Soil structure- 165 genesis, characterization and management.
Soil tilth. Soil crusting - mechanism, factors affecting and evaluation. Soil
conditioners. Puddling, its effect on soil physical properties. Soil water -
retention, constants. Energy state of soil water, soil-moisture characteristics.
Hysteresis. Water flow in saturated and unsaturated soils, Darcy's law,
hydraulic conductivity, permeability. Infiltration, internal drainage and
redistribution. Evaporation. Hydrologic cycle, field water balance.
Soil-plant-atmosphere continuum. Composition, renewal and measurement of soil
air. Aeration requirement for plant growth. Modes of energy transfer in soils,
energy balance, thermal properties of soil. Soil temperature in relation to
plant growth.
Practical: Mechanical analysis of
soil. Measurement of Atterberg limits. Aggregate analysis. Measurement of
soil-water content. Measurement of soil-water potential. Determination of soil-
moisture characteristics curve and computation of pore-size distribution.
Determination of hydraulic conductivity under saturated and unsaturated
conditions. Determination of infiltration rate of soil. Determination of
aeration porosity and oxygen diffusion rate. Soil temperature measurements.
Course No : Soils 502
Course Title : Soil Fertility and
Fertilizer Use
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. I
Theory: Soil fertility and soil
productivity. Nutrient sources - fertilizers and manures. Soil N - sources and N
transformations. Biological nitrogen fixation. Nitrogenous fertilizers - their
fate in soils and enhancing N use efficiency. Soil P - forms, reactions in soils
and factors affecting availability. Management of P fertilizers. Potassium-
forms, mechanism of fixation, Q/I relationships. Management of K fertilizers.
Sulphur, Ca and Mg - source, forms, fertilizers and their behavior in soils and
management. Micronutrients- critical limits in soils and plants, factors
affecting their availability, sources and management. Common soil test methods
for fertilizer recommendations. Site-specific and plant need based nutrient
management. Integrated nutrient management. Blanket fertilizer recommendations-
usefulness and limitations. Soil fertility evaluation. Soil quality in relation
to sustainable agriculture.
Practical: Laboratory and
greenhouse experiments for evaluation of indices of nutrient availability and
their critical values in soils and plants. Chemical analysis of soil for total
and available nutrients. Analysis of plants for essential elements.
Course No : Soils 503
Course Title : Soil Chemistry
Credit Hours :2+1
Semester : Sem. I
Theory: Chemical composition of
earth's curst and soils. Elements of equilibrium thermodynamics, chemical
equilibria, electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. Inorganic and organic
colloids-surface charge characteristics, diffuse double layer theories, zeta
potential stability, coagulation/ flocculation, peptization, electrometric and
sorption properties of soil colloid. Soil organic matter-fractionation,
clay-organic interactions. Cation exchange-theories, adsorption isotherms,
Donnan-membrane equilibrium concept, clay-membrane electrodes and ionic activity
measurement, thermodynamics, anion and ligand exchangeinner sphere and
outer-sphere surface complex formation, fixation of oxyanions, hysteresis in
sorptiondesorption of oxy-anions and anions. Experimental methods to study ion
exchange phenomena and practical implications in plant nutrition. Potassium,
phosphate and ammonium fixation in soils and management aspects. Chemistry of
acid, salt-affected and submerged soils and management aspects
Practical: Analysis of
equilibrium soil solution for electrochemical properties. Determination of point
of zero-charge and associated surface charge characteristics. Potentiometric and
conductometric titration of soil humic and fulvic acids. E4/E6 ratio of soil
humic and fulvic acids. Adsorption-desorption of phosphate/ sulphate.
Construction of adsorption envelop of soils by using phosphate/fluoride/sulphate
and ascertaining the mechanism of the ligand exchange process involved.
Determination of titratable acidity of an acid soil.
Course No : Soils 507
Course Title : Geomorphology and
Geochemistry
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem. I
Theory: General introduction to
geology and geochemistry. Major and minor morphogenic and genetic landforms,
study of schematic landforms and their elements with special reference to India.
Methodology of geomorphology, its agencies, erosion and weathering. Soil and
physiography relationships. Erosion surface of soil landscape. Geochemical
classification of elements. Geo- chemical aspects of weathering and migration of
elements. Geochemistry of major and micronutrients and trace elements. Soils 508
Soil, Water and Air Pollution 2+1 Sem. II Soil, water and air pollution problems
associated with agriculture. Nature and sources of pollutantstheir CPC standards
and effect on plants, animals and human beings. Sewage and industrial effluents
- their composition and effect on soil, plant growth and human beings. Soil as
sink for waste disposal. Pesticides - their classification, behavior in soil and
effect on soil micro- organisms. Toxic elements - their sources, behavior in
soils, effect on nutrients availability and on plant and human health. Pollution
of water resources. Emission of greenhouse gases. Remediation/amelioration of
contaminated soil and water, remote sensing applications in monitoring and
management of soil and water pollution to safeguard food safety. 167
Practical: Sampling of sewage
waters and sludge, industrial wastes, polluted soils and plants. Estimation of
dissolved and suspended solids, COD, BOD, nitrate and ammonical N and P, heavy
metal content in effluents. Heavy metals in contaminated soils and plants. Air
sampling and determination of particulate matter and oxides of S. Visit to
various industrial sites to study the impact of pollutants on soil and plants.
Course No : Soils 510
Course Title : System Approaches
in Soil and Crop Studies
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem. I
Systems concepts- definitions, general
characteristics, general systems theory. Systems - thinking, dynamics, behavior
and study. Model - definition and types. Mathematical models and their types.
Modelingconcepts, objectives, processes, abstraction techniques. Simulation
models, their verification and validation, calibration. Representation of
continuous systems simulation models- procedural and declarative.
Simulationmeaning and threats, experiment, design and analysis. Application of
simulation models in understanding system behavior, optimizing system
performance, evolution of policy options under different soil, water, and
nutrient, climatic and cultural conditions. Decision support system, use of
simulation models in decision support system.
Course No : Soils 511
Course Title : Management of
Problem Soils and Water
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. I
Theory: Area, distribution,
origin and basic concepts of problematic soils. Morphological features and
characterization of salt-affected soils. Management of salt- affected soils.
Salt tolerance of crops - mechanism and ratings. Monitoring of soil salinity in
the field. Management principles for sandy, clayey, red lateritic and dry land
soils. Acid soils - nature, sources and management. Effect on plant growth. Lime
requirement of acid soils. Biological sickness of soils and its management.
Quality of irrigation water, management of brackish water. Salt balance under
irrigation. Characterization of brackish waters, area and extent. Agronomic
practices in relation to problematic soils. Cropping pattern for utilizing poor
quality ground waters.
Practical: Characterization of
acid, acid sulfate, salt- affected and calcareous soils. Determination of
cations (Na+, K+, Ca+, and Mg++) in ground water and soil samples. Determination
of anions (CI- , SO4 2- , CO3 2- and HCO3 - ) in ground waters and soil samples.
Lime and gypsum requirement of acid and sodic soil.
Course No : Soils 603
Course Title : Physical Chemistry
of Soils
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem. I
Colloidal chemistry of inorganic and organic
components of soils - their formation, clay organic interaction. Predictive
approaches for cation exchange equilibria - thermodynamics, empirical and
diffuse double layer theory, relationships among different selectivity
coefficients. Structure and properties of diffuse double layer. Thermodynamics
of nutrients transformation in soils. Cationic and anionic exchange and their
models, molecular interaction. Adsorption / desorption isotherms - Langmuir
adsorption isotherm, Freundlich adsorption isotherm, normalized exchange
isotherm, BET equation. Selective and non - selective adsorption of ions on
inorganic surfaces and organic surfaces of soil materials. Common solubility
equilbria - carbonates, iron oxide and hydroxides, aluminum silicate, aluminum
phosphate. Electrochemical properties of clays.
Course No : Soils 604
Course Title : Soil Genesis and
Micropedology
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem. I
Pedogenic evolution of soil. Soil composition and
characterization. Weathering and soil formationfactors and pedogenic processes.
Thermodynamics of mineral stability and weathering sequences of minerals.
Assessment of soil profile development by mineralogical and chemical analysis.
Micro - pedological features of soils - their structure, fabric analysis, role
in genesis and classification.
Course No : Soils 605
Course Title :Biochemistry of
Soil Organic Matter
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem. I
Organic matter- pools, composition and
distribution in soils and its functions. Environmental significance of humic
substances. Decomposition of organic residues in soil in relation to organic
matter pools. Biochemistry of the humus formation and different pathways for
humus synthesis in soil. Soil carbohydrates and lipids. Nutrient transformations
- N, P, and S. Trace metal interaction with humic substances, Significance of
chelation reactions in soils. Reactive functional groups of humic substances,
adsorption of organic compounds by clay and role of organic substance in
pedogenic soil aggregation processes. Clayorganic matter complexes. Humus -
pesticide interaction in soil, mechanisms.
2nd Semester
Undergraduate courses
| S. No. |
Course No. |
Course Title |
Credit hours |
|
1 |
Soils 52 |
Elementary Soil Physics and Conservation |
2+1 |
|
2 |
Soils 106 |
Soil and Water Management |
1+1 |
| 3 |
Soils 202 |
Problematic Soils and their Management |
2+0 |
| 4 |
Soils 302 |
Precision Farming, Geoinformatics and Nanotechnology |
1+1 |
| 5 |
Soils 303 |
Biofertilizers and Biopesticides |
2+1 |
| 6 |
Soils 304 |
Soil, water and plant analysis |
1+1 |
| 7 |
Soils 492 |
Experiential Learning in Soil, Plant, Water and Seed Testing |
0+20 |
Course No : Soils 52
Course Title : Elementary Soil
Physics and Conservation
Credit Hours: 2+1
Semester : Sem. II
Detailed Lecture Schedule
| S. No. |
Topic |
No. of lectures |
|
1 |
Soil as a three phase system-solid particles, water and air |
2 |
|
2 |
Distribution of phase components in surface and subsoils |
1 |
|
3 |
Soil texture – its importance and classification |
2 |
|
4 |
Volume-mass relationships in soils |
2 |
|
5 |
Soil structure- classification, significance and management. |
2 |
|
FIRST HOURLY EXAMINATION |
|
6 |
Soil water-retention and storage |
2 |
|
7 |
Direct and indirect ways to measure soil water content |
2 |
|
8 |
Plant available water |
1 |
|
9 |
Soil water transmission characteristics including infiltration |
2 |
|
10 |
Composition of soil air and its renewal |
2 |
|
11 |
Soil temperature- thermal properties, diurnal and seasonal variations
and management |
3 |
|
MID TERM EXAMINATION |
|
11 |
Soil erosion by water – forms, causes and factor affecting |
2 |
|
12 |
Mechanism of soil erosion by water and factors affecting it |
2 |
|
13 |
Erosivity – factors affecting and erosivity indices |
1 |
|
14 |
Erodibility – factors affecting and erodibility indices |
1 |
|
15 |
Soil erosion management including gully erosion control. |
3 |
|
16 |
Wind erosion – causes, factors, forms |
2 |
|
17 |
Wind erosion management including shelterbelts and wind breaks. |
2 |
|
FINAL EXAMINATION |
Detailed Practical Schedule
| S No. |
Practical Schedule |
Place |
| 1 |
Determination of particle size analysis
(soil texture) |
UG Lab II |
| 2 |
Dry aggregate size analysis |
UG Lab II |
| 3 |
Determination of soil bulk and particle
densities |
do-/Field |
| 4 |
Determination of soil moisture by neutron
scattering technique |
- |
| 5 |
Determination of soil moisture status by
tensiometery |
-do- |
| 6 |
Determination of soil moisture
characteristics |
Lab II |
| 7 |
Determination of infiltration rate of
soils |
Field/UG lab II |
| 8 |
Determination of total and air filled pore
spaces |
Field/UG lab II |
| 9 |
Measurement of soil temperature |
UG lab II |
| 10 |
Determination of per cent surface cover by
mulches and crop canopy. |
UG lab II |
| 11 |
Measurement and estimation of runoff |
Field |
| 12 |
Measurement of soil loss in runoff water |
UG lab II |
| 13 |
Determination of splash erosion |
UG lab II |
| 14 |
Visit to soil conservation works |
Field |
List of Books:
- Nature and Properties of Soils by NC Brady
- 2. Soil Physics by Arun Kumar Saha
- Soil Physics by Ghildyal and Tripathi
- Soil Erosion and Conservation by RPC Morgan
- Introduction to Soil Physics by Pardeep K
Sharma
Course No : Soils 106
Course Title : Soil and Water
Management
Credit Hours: 1+1
Semester : Sem. II
Theory: Concept of soil, its
meaning and definition. Components of Soil. Soil physical properties -Soil
texture, structure, density, porosity, soil water, soil air, soil temperature.
Soil chemical properties, Soil organic matter. Land capability classification
and suitability. Soils of India and Punjab. Soil quality and soil health.
Distribution of waste land/degraded lands and problem soils in India. Management
of salt affected soils, calcareous soils, acid soils, acid sulphate soils,
eroded and compacted soils, flooded/water logged soils, physically constrained
soils, polluted soils. Alternate land use strategies for management of
problematic soils including bioremediation/ phytoremediation. Irrigation
water-quality and standards, utilization of poor quality water in agriculture.
Practical: Soil sample collection
and its preparation for analysis. Determination of soil color, density, porosity
and moisture content. Determination of soil texture by feel method.
Determination of infiltration rate, aggregate stability. Determination of soil
reaction (pH) and total soluble salts content (EC) and organic matter in soil.
Determination of lime and gypsum requirement of
acid and sodic soils, respectively. Determination of water soluble cations and
anions, exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, Na and K) and computation of ESP.
Determination of quality of irrigation water (pH, EC, SAR, RSC, boron, chlorides
etc.)
Detailed lecture schedule
| Sr. No. |
Topic |
No. of lecture(s) |
|
1. |
Concept of soil, its meaning and definition |
1 |
|
2. |
Components or phases of Soil –Soil solids, soil liquid and soil gaseous
phase |
1 |
|
3. |
Soil texture –its definition, particle size classification, mechanical
analysis and triangular textural diagram |
1 |
|
4. |
Soil structure –its definition, types , class and grade of soil
structure |
1 |
|
5. |
Quantitative interrelationships of the solid, liquid and air components
of soil |
1 |
|
6. |
Soil water –soil moisture constants, forms of soil water, concept of
water potential and its components, water retention by soils, water flow
in soils. |
2 |
|
7. |
Soil air and its composition, renewal of soil air, factors affecting
soil aeration. |
1 |
|
8. |
Soil temperature and heat, variation of soil temperature, factors
affecting soil temperature, thermal properties of soil and heat flow in
soil. |
1 |
|
9. |
Soil colloids and their properties |
2 |
|
10. |
Importance and nature of soil organic matter, humic substances, humus
formation and management of soil organic matter. |
1 |
|
11. |
Land capability classification and suitability |
1 |
|
12. |
Soils of India and Punjab |
1 |
|
13. |
Soil quality and soil health |
1 |
|
14. |
Distribution of waste land/degraded lands and problem soils in India |
1 |
|
15. |
Management of salt affected soils, calcareous soils, acid soils, acid
sulphate soils, |
1 |
|
16. |
Management of eroded and compacted soils, flooded/water logged soils,
physically constrained soils, polluted soils |
1 |
|
17. |
Alternate land use strategies for management of problematic soils
including bioremediation/ phytoremediation |
1 |
|
18. |
Irrigation water-quality and standards, utilization of poor quality
water in agriculture. |
1 |
Detailed practical schedule
| Sr. No. |
Practical schedule |
Place of conduct |
|
1. |
Soil sample collection and its preparation for analysis. |
UG Lab. I or II |
|
2. |
Determination of soil color using Munsell color chart. |
-do- |
|
3. |
Determination of particle density, bulk density and porosity of soil.
|
-do- |
|
4. |
Determination of soil moisture content by gravimetric method. |
-do- |
|
5. |
Determination of soil texture by feel method. |
-do- |
|
6. |
Determination of infiltration rate. |
-do- |
|
7. |
Determination of aggregate stability. |
-do- |
|
8. |
Determination of soil reaction (pH) in soil. |
-do- |
|
9. |
Determination of total soluble salts content (EC) in soil. |
-do- |
|
10. |
Determination of organic matter in soil. |
-do- |
|
11. |
Determination of lime requirement of acid soils. |
-do- |
|
12. |
Determination of gypsum requirement of sodic soils. |
-do- |
|
13. |
Determination of water soluble cations and anions. |
-do- |
|
14. |
Determination of exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, Na and K) and computation
of ESP. |
-do- |
|
15. |
Determination of quality of irrigation water (pH, EC, SAR, RSC, boron,
chlorides etc.) |
-do- |
List of Books Recommended
- Indian Society of Soil Science (2012) Fundamentals of Soil Science, 2nd
Edition, ISSS, N. Delhi.
- Sehgal, J. (2005) A Text Book of Pedology: Concepts and Applications,
Kalyani Publsihers, Ludhiana, 516p.
- Brady, Nyle C and Weil Ray R (2002) The Nature and Properties of Soil.
(14th edition). Pearson Education (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Indian Branch, 482
F.I.E. Partapganj, Delhi 110092, India
Course No : Soils 202
Course Title : Problematic Soils and their Management
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem.
Theory
Soil quality and health. Distribution of waste
land and problem soils in India, their categorization based on properties.
Reclamation and management of saline, sodic, acid, acid sulphate, eroded,
compacted, flooded, waterlogged and polluted soils. Irrigation water – quality
and standards. Utilization of saline and sodic water in agriculture. Remote
sensing and GIS in diagnosis and management of problem soils. Bioremediation of
problem soils through multipurpose tree species. Land capability classification.
Land suitability classification. Problematic soils under
different agro-ecosystems.
Lecture Schedule
|
Sr. No. |
Topic |
No. of lecture (s) |
|
1 |
Soil quality and health- Factors affecting
soil quality, soil quality indicators, applications of soil quality
approach in sustainable use of soil resources, strategies for improving
soil quality |
2 |
|
2 |
Distribution of waste land and problem
soils in India and their categorization based on properties |
2 |
|
3 |
Acid soils and types of acidity |
3 |
|
4 |
Salt affected soils – Sources of salinity
and alkalinity, classification and distinguishing features of saline and
sodic soils |
3 |
|
5 |
Reclamation and management of salt
affected soils |
2 |
|
6 |
Acid sulphate soils and its management |
1 |
|
7 |
Management of eroded soils-Soil erosion by
water and wind |
2 |
|
8 |
Management of compacted and waterlogged
soils |
2 |
|
9 |
Management of polluted soils- Impacts of
soil pollution, major soil problems, remediation of polluted soil |
2 |
|
10 |
Quality of irrigation water and its
appraisal |
2 |
|
12 |
Utilization of saline and sodic water in
agriculture- Salt tolerance and crop selection, use of amendments,
irrigation management |
4 |
|
13 |
Remote sensing and GIS in diagnosis and
management of problem soils |
2 |
|
14 |
Bioremediation of problem soils |
2 |
|
15 |
Land capability classification |
1 |
|
16 |
Land suitability classification |
1 |
|
17 |
Problematic soils under different
agro-ecosystems |
1 |
List of books
- Soil Science: An Introduction (2015) by
Indian Society of Soil Science, New Delhi, 728p.
- Indian Society of Soil Science (2012)
Fundamentals of Soil Science, 2nd Edition, ISSS, N. Delhi.
- The Nature and Properties of Soils by Nyle C.
Brady and Ray R. Weil, 14th Edition (2014) Prentice Hall of India
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 621p.
- Introductory Soil Science by D. K. Das Third
Revised Edition (2011) Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana, 645p.
Course No : Soils 302
Course Title : Precision Farming, Geoinformatics and
Nano-technology
Credit Hours : 1+1
Semester : Sem.II
Theory
Precision agriculture - concepts and techniques,
their issues and concerns for Indian agriculture, Definition (Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology, Nanobiotechnology), History and timeline (Contribution of
important scientific discoveries for the development of nanotechnology),
Nanoscale effects, Types of nanomaterial, Basic information on top down and
bottom up approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials, Physical, chemical and
biological approaches for synthesis of nanomaterials, Characterization
techniques, Use of nanomaterials for enhancing crop productivity,
Nanofertilizers and nanopesticides: basic concepts and application,
Nanodiagnostics: Easy detection of phytopathogens using nano-based sensors,
Global positioning system (GPS), components and its functions, Geographic
information system (GIS), components and its functions, Spatial data and their
management in GIS, Use of geospatial technologies in studying Crop stress
(biotic/abiotic), Geo-informatics - definition, concepts, tool and techniques,
Use of Geo-informatics in precision agriculture, Remote sensing concepts,
Application of Remote sensing in agriculture, Image processing and
interpretation, Crop discrimination and yield monitoring, soil mapping and
fertilizer recommendation using geospatial technologies, Crop simulation models,
Uses of crop models for optimization of agricultural inputs, STCR approach for
precision agriculture
Practical
Preparation protocols of soil and plant samples
for characterization using spectroscopy and electron microscopy tools, Role of
stabilizers or surfactants for development of stable formulations and
applications of nanoparticles for enhanced seed germination and growth,
anti-microbial properties of nanomaterials, Use of GPS for agricultural survey,
Introduction to GIS software, spatial data creation and editing, Crop stress
(biotic/abiotic) monitoring using geospatial technology, Introduction to image
processing software, Visual and digital interpretation of remote sensing images,
Generation of spectral profiles of different objects, Supervised and
unsupervised classification and acreage estimation, Multispectral remote sensing
for soil mapping, Creation of thematic layers of soil fertility based on GIS,
Creation of productivity and management zones, Fertilizers recommendations based
on VRT and STCR techniques
Detailed Lecture Schedule
| Sr. No. |
Topic |
Deptt/Section |
|
1 |
Precision agriculture - concepts and
techniques, their issues and concerns for Indian agriculture |
Soil Science, Nano, Agromet, PRSC |
|
2 |
Definition (Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology, Nanobiotechnology), History and timeline (Contribution
of important scientific discoveries for the development of
nanotechnology), Nanoscale effects |
Nano-technology |
|
3 |
Types of nanomaterial, Basic information
on top down and bottom up approaches for the synthesis of nanomaterials |
|
4 |
Physical, chemical and biological
approaches for synthesis of nanomaterials, Characterization techniques |
|
5 |
Use of nanomaterials for enhancing crop
productivity, Nanofertilizers and nanopesticides: basic concepts and
application |
|
6 |
Nanodiagnostics: Easy detection of
phytopathogens using nano-based sensors |
|
7 |
Global positioning system (GPS),
components and its functions |
Climate Change & Agrometeorology |
|
8 |
Geographic information system (GIS),
components and its functions |
|
9 |
Spatial data and their management in GIS |
|
10 |
Use of geospatial technologies in studying
Crop stress (biotic/abiotic) |
|
11 |
Geo-informatics - definition, concepts,
tool and techniques |
Punjab Remote Sensing Centre |
|
12 |
Use of Geo-informatics in precision
agriculture. |
|
13 |
Remote sensing concepts |
|
14 |
Application of Remote sensing in
agriculture |
|
15 |
Image processing and interpretation |
|
16 |
Crop discrimination and yield monitoring |
Soil Science |
|
17 |
soil mapping and fertilizer recommendation
using geospatial technologies |
|
18 |
Crop simulation models |
|
19 |
Uses of crop models for optimization of
agricultural inputs |
|
20 |
STCR approach for precision agriculture |
Practicals
| Sr. No. |
Name of the practical |
Deptt/Section |
| 1-2 |
Preparation protocols of soil and plant samples for characterization
using spectroscopy and electron microscopy tools |
Nano-technology |
| 3-5 |
Role of stabilizers or surfactants for development of stable
formulations and applications of nanoparticles for enhanced seed
germination and growth, anti-microbial properties of nanomaterials |
| 5-6 |
Use of GPS for agricultural survey, Introduction to GIS software,
spatial data creation and editing |
Climate Change & Agrometeorology |
| 7-8 |
Crop stress (biotic/abiotic) monitoring using geospatial technology |
| 9 |
Introduction to image processing software |
Punjab Remote Sensing Centre |
| 10 |
Visual and digital interpretation of remote sensing images |
| 11 |
Generation of spectral profiles of different objects |
| 12 |
Supervised and unsupervised classification and acreage estimation |
| 13 |
Multispectral remote sensing for soil mapping |
| 14-15 |
Creation of thematic layers of soil fertility based on GIS |
Soil Science |
| 16 |
Creation of productivity and management zones |
| 17-18 |
Fertilizers recommendations based on VRT and STCR techniques |
List of Books:
- Introduction to Nanoscience and
Nanotechnology by K.K. Chattopadhyay and A.N. Banerjee, 2012 edition, PHI
learning private limited, New Delhi, India
- Hand Book of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
by Jayanta Barman,2014 edition, Kalyani publishers, New Delhi, India
- Nanotechnology: Principles and Practices by
Sulabha K. Kulkarni, 2007 Edition, Capital Publishing Company, New Delhi
- Biotic and Abiotic Stress in Plants by Peyton
Turner (Editor), 2017 edition, Larsen and Keller Education, www.
Arsen-Keller.com
- Introduction to GPS: the global positioning
system by A. El-Rabbany, 2006, 2nd edition.
- Remote Sensing: Principles and Applicationby
A.N. Patel and Surendra Singh, 2012 edition, Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur,
Rajasthan, India
- Principles of Geoinformatics by R.K. Gupta
and Subash Chander, 2008, Jain Brothers, New Delhi.
- Fundamentals of Remote Sensing by J George,
2005, Universities Press India Pvt. Ltd. 2nd edition.
- Remote sensing and image interpretation by
T.M. Lillesand, R.W. Kiefer and J.W. Chipman, 2015, John Wiley and Sons Inc.
7th edition.
- Geo-informatics applications in agriculture
by A.K. Singh and U.K.Chopra, 2007, New Delhi New India Publishing Agency, 1st
edition.
- Handbook of Processes and Modelling in
Soil-Plant System by D.K.Benbi and R.Nieder (Eds.) 2003 edition, Food
Products Press, USA
- Soil-specific farming; Precision agriculture
by R. Lal, 2016, New York CRC Press.
Course No : Soils 303
Course Title : Biofertilizers and
Biopesticides
Credit Hours: 2+1
Semester : Sem. II
Theory
Biofertilizers - introduction, status and scope.
Structure and characteristic features of bacterial biofertilizers -
Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium and Frankia,
cyanobacterial biofertilizers - Anabaena, Nostoc,
Hapalosiphon and fungal biofertilizers - AM endomycorrhiza and
ectomycorhiza. Nitrogen fixation - free living and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Mechanism of phosphate solubilization and mobilization, K solubilization.
Production technology - strain selection, sterilization, growth and
fermentation. Mass production of carrier based and liquid biofertilizers.
Factors influencing the efficacy of biofertilizers. pplication technology for
seeds, seedlings, tubers and sets. Storage, shelf life, quality control and
marketing of biofertilizers. FCO specifications for quality control of
biofertilizers. Biopesticides-History, concept, importance, scope and potential
of biopesticides. Definitions and classification of biopesticides - pathogen,
botanical pesticides and biorationales and their uses. Mass production
technology of biopesticides. Virulence, pathogenicity and symptoms of
entomopathogenic organisms. Methods of application of biopesticides. Quality
control of biopesticides. Impediments and limitations in production and use of
biopesticides. Registration of biopesticides.
Practical
Isolation, biochemical characterization and
purification of Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium, P-solubilizers,
K-solubilizers and cyanobacteria. Mass multiplication and production of inocula
of biofertilizers. Isolation of AM fungi - wet sieving method and sucrose
gradient method. Mass production of AM inoculants. Isolation and purification of
important biopesticides - Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Metarhyzium
and Beauvaria and their production. Techniques of mass production of
biopesticides. Equipment in biopesticide production. Field visit to naturally
infected cadavers. Identification of entomopathogenic entities in field
condition.
Lecture Schedule Theory
|
S. No. |
Topic |
No. of lectures |
| 1 |
Biofertilizers- Introduction, scope, status, |
1 |
| 2 |
Role of microbial groups in soil fertility and crop production |
1 |
| 3 |
Bacterial and cyanobacterial biofertilizers-Azospirillum,
Azotobacter, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium and Frankia,
Anabaena, Nostoc, Hapalosiphon |
3 |
| 4 |
Fungal biofertilizers-Mycorrhiza: Ecto and endomycorrhiza |
2 |
| 5 |
Biological nitrogen fixation- Nitrogen fixers including symbiotic,
associative and free-living N-fixation |
2 |
| 6 |
P-solubilizers-Mechanism of P-solubilization and mobilization, K-solubilizers |
2 |
| 7 |
Biofertilizer production technology- strain selection, sterilization,
inoculation, growth and liquid state fermentation |
2 |
| 8 |
Mass production of carrier based and liquid biofertilizers |
2 |
| 9 |
Factors affecting efficacy of biofertilizers, Method of application of
biofertilizers |
2 |
| 10 |
Storage and shelf-life assessment, quality control, BIS standards or FCO
specifications of biofertilizers, Biofertilizer marketing strategies |
2 |
| 11 |
Biopesticides: Definition and classification |
1 |
| 12 |
History, Scope and Importance of biopesticide |
2 |
| 13 |
Types of biopesticides and their uses |
2 |
| 14 |
Production of biopesticide- different methods |
2 |
| 15 |
Pathogenicity and symptoms of entomopathogenic organism |
1 |
| 16 |
Methods of application of biopesticides |
2 |
| 17 |
Limitations in use of biopesticide, quality control and Registration |
2 |
|
Total |
31 |
Practical Schedule
| S. No. |
Practical |
No. of practicals |
| 1 |
Methods of isolation and purification of
Rhizobium from soil/ legume root nodules |
2 |
| 2 |
Methods of isolation and purification of free living Azotobacter
and cyanobacteria from soil |
2 |
| 3 |
Methods of isolation and purification of Azospirillum from
cereal roots |
1 |
| 4 |
Methods of isolation and purification of phosphate and potassium
solubilizers from soil |
2 |
| 5 |
Inoculation of broth media and mass cultivation of biofertilizers |
3 |
| 6 |
Isolation of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from soil sample by wet
sieving |
1 |
| 7 |
Introduction to equipments for production of biopesticide |
1 |
| 8 |
Method of isolation of pathogens for production of biopesticide |
2 |
| 9 |
Methods of production of biopesticide |
2 |
| 10 |
Field visit for symptomatic identification of entomopathogens |
1 |
| |
Total |
17 |
Suggested reading-
- Biofertilizer Handbook by P. Bhattacharya and
H.L.S. Tandon, 2012, Nirwan Printers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi
- Agricultural Microbiology by G. Rangaswamy
and D.J. Bhagayaraj, 1993, Prentice Hall Publishers, New Delhi.
- Soil Microbiology by Subba Rao NS, Fourth
Edition. Oxford and IBH Publishers, New Delhi.
- The Fertilizer Control Order,2016, Commercial
Law Publishers, India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi.
- Principles of Insect Pest management by G.S.
Dhaliwal and R Arora 1996, USG Publishers, Ludhiana
- Sustainable Crop Protection Biopesticide
Strategies by Koul O, Dhaliwal G.S. and Kaul V.K. Kalyani Publishers,
Ludhiana
Course No : Soils 304
Course Title : Soil, Water and
Plant Analysis
Credit Hours: 1+1
Semester : Sem. II
Theory:
Methods of soil, water and plant sampling and
processing for analysis. Characterization of soil hydraulic properties - soil
water, diffusion and mass flow. Renewal of soil air. Methods of estimation of
oxygen diffusion rate and redox potential. Use of radio tracer techniques in
soil fertility evaluation and plant nutrient studies. Soil micro-organisms and
their importance. Saline, alkali, calcareous, acidic, waterlogged and sandy
soils, their appraisal and management. Mineral composition of horticultural
crops. Leaf analysis standards, index tissue, interpretation of leaf analysis
values. Rapid tissue tests for plant. Quality of irrigation water. Management of
poor quality irrigation water in crop production. Soil and water pollution.
Practical:
Collection and preparation of
soil, water and plant samples for analysis. Determination of moisture content
and hydraulic conductivity of soil. Determination of pH, electrical
conductivity, calcium carbonate, cation exchange capacity and exchangeable
cations in soil, and estimation of exchangeable sodium percentage. Determination
of gypsum and lime requirements of soil. Rapid tissue tests to assess nutrient
status of plants. Irrigation water quality analysis. Determination of pH and EC
in irrigation water samples. Determination of carbonate, bicarbonate, chlorine,
boron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium in soil and irrigation water and
estimation of sodium adsorption ratio.
Lecture Schedule Theory
| Sr. No.
|
Topic |
No. of Lecture
(s) |
| 1 |
Methods of soil, water
and plant sampling and processing for analysis. |
1 |
| 2 |
Soil water -
Characterization of soil hydraulic properties |
2 |
| 3 |
Soil Air- diffusion and
mass flow. Renewal of soil air. Methods of estimation of oxygen
diffusion rate and redox potential. |
1 |
| 4 |
Use of radio tracer
techniques in soil fertility evaluation and plant nutrient studies. |
1 |
| 5 |
Soil micro-organisms and
their importance. |
1 |
| 6 |
Saline, alkali,
calcareous, acidic, waterlogged and sandy soils, their appraisal and
management. |
2 |
| |
Mid term
examination |
|
| 8 |
Mineral composition of
horticultural crops. |
1 |
| 9 |
Leaf analysis standards,
index tissue, interpretation of leaf analysis values. |
2 |
| 10 |
Rapid tissue tests for
plant. |
1 |
| 11 |
Quality of irrigation
water. Management of poor quality irrigation water in crop production. |
2 |
| |
Second Hrly |
|
| 12 |
Soil pollution. |
1 |
| 13 |
Water pollution. |
1 |
Practical Schedule
|
Sr. No. |
Topic |
|
1 |
Collection and preparation of soil, water and plant samples for
analysis. |
|
2 |
Determination of moisture content of Soil (Gravimeter) |
|
3 |
Determination ofhydraulic conductivity of soil. |
|
4 |
Determination of pH, electrical conductivity of Soil |
|
5 |
Determination ofcalcium carbonate in Soil |
|
6 |
Determination of cation exchange capacity and exchangeable cations in
soil |
|
7 |
Estimation of exchangeable sodium percentage of soil |
|
8 |
Determination of gypsum requirement in Soil |
|
9 |
Determination of lime requirement in Soil |
|
10 |
Rapid tissue tests to assess nutrient status of plants |
| 11 |
Irrigation water quality
analysis. |
|
12 |
Determination of pH and EC in irrigation water samples. |
|
13 |
Determination of carbonate, bicarbonate, chlorine, boron, calcium,
magnesium, sodium and potassium in soil |
|
14 |
Determination of carbonate, bicarbonate, chlorine, boron, calcium,
magnesium, sodium and potassium in irrigation water |
| 15 |
Estimation of sodium adsorption ratio |
List of Books:
- Soil Fertility & Fertilizers by Havlin JL, Beaton JD, Tisdale SL, Nelson
WL(8th edition)
- Nature and properties of Soils by Weil RR and
Brady NC
- Fundamentals of Soil Science by Indian
Society of Soil Science, Second Revised Edition (2009) Indian Society of
Soil Science, New Delhi.
- Text Book of Soil Physics By A. K.
Saha,Reprinted (2008). Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana.
- Introductory Soil Science by D.K. Das Third
Revised Edition (2011) Kalyani Publishers, Ludhiana.
Post graduate courses
2nd Semester
|
S. No. |
Course No. |
Course Title |
Credit hours |
| 1 |
Soils 504 |
Soil Mineralogy, Genesis, Classification and Survey |
2+1 |
| 2 |
Soils 505 |
Soil Biology and Biochemistry |
2+1 |
| 3 |
Soils 506 |
Soil Erosion and Conservation |
2+1 |
| 4 |
Soil 508 |
Soil, Water and Air Pollution |
2+1 |
| 5 |
Soils 509 |
Analytical Techniques and Instrumental Methods in Soil and Plant
Analysis |
1+2 |
| 6 |
Soil 591 |
Seminar |
0+1 |
| 7 |
Soils 601 |
Advances in Soil Physics |
3+0 |
| 8 |
Soils 602 |
Advances in Soil Fertility |
3+0 |
| 9 |
Soils 606 |
Land Use Evaluation and Planning |
2+0 |
Course No : Soils 504
Course Title : Soil Mineralogy,
Genesis, Classification and Survey
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. II
Theory: Fundamentals of crystallography, space
lattice, coordination theory, isomorphism and polymorphism. Classification,
structure, chemical composition and properties of clay minerals. Genesis and
transformation of crystalline clay minerals. Amorphous soil constituents and
other non-crystalline silicate minerals. Clay minerals in Indian soils. Soil
formation - factors, models, processes. Weathering of rocks and mineral
transformations. Soil profile. Soil classification systems - historical
developments and modern systems of soil classification. Soil survey- types,
techniques. Soil series- characterization and procedure for establishing soil
series, benchmark soils and soil correlations. Soil survey interpretations.
Techniques for generation of soil maps. Landform- soil relationship, major soil
groups of India with special reference 166 to respective states. Land capability
and land irrigability classification. Land evaluation and land use type.
Approaches for managing soils and landscapes in the framework of agro-ecosystem.
Practical: Identification and quantification of
minerals in soils. Morphological properties of soil profile in different
landforms. Classification of weathering indices and its application in soil
formation. Grouping soils using available data base in terms of soil quality.
Cartographic techniques for preparation of maps, processing of field sheets,
compilation and obstruction of maps in different scales. Land use planning
exercises using conventional and RS tools
Course No : Soils 505
Course Title : Soil Biology and
Biochemistry
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. II
Theory: Soil biota, soil microbial ecology, types
of organisms. Soil microbial biomass, microbial interactions, un-culturable soil
biota. Microbiology and biochemistry of root-soil interface. Phyllosphere. Soil
enzymes, origin, activities and importance. Soil characteristics influencing
growth and activity of microflora. Microbial transformations of N, P, S, Fe and
Mn in soil. Biochemical composition and biodegradation of soil organic matter
and crop residues. Humus formation. Cycles of important organic nutrients.
Biodegradation of pesticides, organic wastes and their use for production of
biogas and manures. Biotic factors in soil development. Microbial toxins in the
soil. Preparation and preservation of organic manures, rural and urban composts
and vermicompost. Biofertilizers - definition, classification, specifications,
method of production and role in crop production.
Practical: Determination of soil microbial
population. Soil microbial biomass. Elemental composition, fractionation of
organic matter and functional groups. Decomposition of organic matter in soil.
Soil enzymes. Measurement of important soil microbial processes such as
ammonification, nitrification, N2 fixation, S oxidation, P solubilization and
mineralization of other micro nutrients. Study of rhizosphere effect.
Course No : Soils 506
Course Title : Soil Erosion and
Conservation
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. II
Theory: History, distribution,
identification and description of soil erosion problems in India. Soil erosion
by waterfactors and mechanism. Raindrops and soil erosion. Rainfall erosivity -
estimation of erosivity indices. Soil erosion in relation to soil properties.
Wind erosion- factors affecting, extent of problem. Principles and practices of
erosion control. Soil conservation planning in hilly, arid and semi-arid
regions, waterlogged and wet lands. Type, factors and processes of soil/land
degradation and its impact on soil productivity. Watershed management. Water
harvesting, recycling and flood control. Socio-economic aspects of watershed
management. Case studies in respect to monitoring and evaluation of watersheds.
Use of remote sensing in assessment and planning of watersheds.
Practical: Determination of
different soil erodibility indices- suspension percentage, dispersion ratio,
erosion ratio, clay ratio, clay/moisture equivalent ratio, percolation ratio,
raindrop erodibility index. Computation of kinetic energy of falling rain drops.
Computation of rainfall erosivity indices (EI30) using rain gauge data.
Measurement and estimation of runoff and soil loss. Visits to soil and water
conservation works.
Course No : Soils 508
Course Title : Soil, Water and
Air Pollution
Credit Hours : 2+1
Semester : Sem. II
Soil, water and air pollution problems associated
with agriculture. Nature and sources of pollutantstheir CPC standards and effect
on plants, animals and human beings. Sewage and industrial effluents - their
composition and effect on soil, plant growth and human beings. Soil as sink for
waste disposal. Pesticides - their classification, behavior in soil and effect
on soil micro- organisms. Toxic elements - their sources, behavior in soils,
effect on nutrients availability and on plant and human health. Pollution of
water resources. Emission of greenhouse gases. Remediation/amelioration of
contaminated soil and water, remote sensing applications in monitoring and
management of soil and water pollution to safeguard food safety. 167 Practical:
Sampling of sewage waters and sludge, industrial wastes, polluted soils and
plants. Estimation of dissolved and suspended solids, COD, BOD, nitrate and
ammonical N and P, heavy metal content in effluents. Heavy metals in
contaminated soils and plants. Air sampling and determination of particulate
matter and oxides of S. Visit to various industrial sites to study the impact of
pollutants on soil and plants.
Course No : Soils 509
Course Title : Analytical
Techniques and Instrumental Methods in Soil and Plant Analysis
Credit Hours : 1+2
Semester : Sem. II
Theory: Atomic structure.
Radioisotopes-properties and decay principles. Principles and use of radiation
monitoring instruments. Isotopic dilution techniques. Doses of radiation
exposure, radiation safety aspects. Storage and handling of radioactive
materials. Principles of visible, ultraviolet and infrared spectrophotometery,
inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, chromatographic techniques, mass
spectrometry and X-ray defractrometery.
Practical: Oxidation-reduction
and complexo- metric titration. Soil, water and plant sampling techniques, their
processing and handling. Determination of nutrient potentials and potential
buffering capacities of soils for P and K. Identification of minerals by
different methods. Electrochemical titration of clay. Estimation of root CEC.
Analysis of soil and plant samples for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B and
Mo. Analysis of plant materials by digesting plant material by wet and dry
ashing and soil by wet digestion methods. Drawing normalized exchange isotherms.
Measurement of redox potential. Preparation of soil and plant samples for
radioactive measurements. Determination of half life and decay constant.
Course No : Soils 601
Course Title : Advances in Soil
Physics
Credit Hours : 3+0
Semester : Sem. II
Soil water potential, free energy and
thermodynamic basis of potential concept, chemical potential of soil water and
entropy of the system. Development of differential equations in saturated and
unsaturated water flow, capillary conductivity and diffusivity. Limitations of
Darcy's law. Numerical solution for one dimensional water flow. Theories of
horizontal and vertical infiltration under different boundary conditions.
Movement of salts in soils, models for miscible-immiscible displacement,
diffusion, mass flow and dispersion of solutes and their solutions through
differential equations. Break-through curves. Thermal properties of soil, heat
transfer in soils, differential equation of heat flow, and measurement of
thermal conductivity of soil. Structural management of puddled rice soils. Soil
conditioners - significance in agriculture. Solar and terrestrial radiation
measurement, dissipation and distribution in soil-crop systems. Prediction of
evapotranspiration using aerodynamic and canopy temperature-based models. Leaf
diffusion resistance in relation to plant water deficit.
Course No : Soils 602
Course Title : Advances in Soil
Fertility
Credit Hours : 3+0
Semester : Sem. II
Modern concepts of nutrient availability. Soil
solution and plant growth. Nutrient response functions and availability indices.
Nutrient movement in soils, absorption by plants. Mechanistic approach models to
nutrient supply and uptake by plants. Models for transformation and movement of
major micronutrients in soils. Chemical equilibrium involving nutrient ions in
soils, particularly in submerged soils. Modern concepts of fertilizer
application, evaluation, nutrients use efficiency and nutrient budgeting. Soil
fertility evaluation techniques. Role of soil tests in fertilizer use
recommendations. Site - specific nutrient management for precision agriculture.
Monitoring physical, chemical and biological changes in soils. Permanent
manurial trials. Soil productivity under long term intensive cropping- direct,
residual and cumulative effects of fertilizer use.
Course No : Soils 606
Course Title : Land Use
Evaluation and Planning
Credit Hours : 2+0
Semester : Sem. II
Concept and techniques of land use planning.
Factors governing present land use. Land evaluation methods and soil-site
suitability evaluation for different crops, land capability classification and
constraints in application. Agro - ecological regions / sub - regions of India
and their characteristics in relation to crop production. Water harvesting -
concept, significance, types, methodology and use of harvested water in
agriculture to increase water productivity. Watershed development / management -
concept, objectives, characterization. Planning, execution, community
participation and evaluation. Rehabilitation of watershed. Developing
economically and ecologically sustainable agro - forestry systems for watershed
through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and case studies |
