Measure, monitor & manage: Agri experts mull caring for soil
The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), Ludhiana Chapter, in association with the Indian Society of Soil Science, Ludhiana Chapter, on Thursday celebrated World Soil Day with the theme “Caring for Soils: measure, monitor, manage”.
The event marked a special lecture on “Nurturing Soil and Boosting Yields: The Essentials of Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Agricultural Systems” by guest speaker Dr Hardeep Singh, Cropping Systems Specialist, West Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
The event was chaired by Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, convener, NAAS-Ludhiana and Director of Research, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana.
Interacting with the students and faculty members, Dr Singh delved into the principles and practices of integrated nutrient management, emphasising its transformative potential for modern agriculture.
He presented strategies for implementing integrated nutrient management in diverse crop rotations for developing a climate-resilient farming practice.
He also talked about evaluating the potential of waste-derived biochar for improving the soil nutrient holding capacity and carbon sequestration.
With a goal to foster global knowledge-sharing ecosystem that addresses region-specific agricultural challenges through innovative solutions, Dr Singh called for seeding opportunities for collaborative partnerships between the University of Florida and PAU.
The lecture was followed by a vibrant discussion between the speaker, faculty and students on key aspects of integrated nutrient management and promoting sustainable soil health.
Dr Dhatt talked about how nurturing soils, empowering farmers, and driving agricultural transformation for a sustainable future was important for building resilient agricultural systems that ensured food security while safeguarding our planet’s resources for generations to come. The event was also attended by NAAS Fellows, PAU officers, scientists and students from various departments.
Earlier, PAU Department of Soil Science Head Dr Dhanwinder Singh, who is also the Ludhiana Chapter president of the Indian Society of Soil Science, welcomed the guest speaker and highlighted the importance of celebrating World Soil Day.
PAU Additional Director (Extension Education) Dr GPS Sodhi highlighted the critical role of soil in sustaining life on Earth and emphasised the need for adopting sustainable soil management practices.
A poster competition was organised for students of the department.
Dr Dhatt and other dignitaries awarded certificates to the winning students.
Principal soil chemist Dr Rajeev Sikka proposed the formal vote of thanks.
NAAS-Ludhiana coordinator Dr Gaurav Kumar Taggar and co-coordinator Dr Abhishek Sharma organised the event. Treasurer Dr Parveen Chhuneja was also present on this occasion.
