About the Department
The Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry came into existence after the establishment of College of Agriculture during 1990. The masters degree programme was started during 2016-17. Various laboratory equipments such as Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Nitrogen digestion & Distillation unit, Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and 5 KV online backup inverter for instruments were purchased.
Brief history of the degree programme:
| Year of Start: | 2016-17 |
| Objectives of Initiating M.Sc. Programme | To provide higher education in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry to impart both theoretical and practical knowledge to the students.To address soil- related problems in production of field and horticultural crops in the region (Zone 3). |
| Accomplishments of Programme | Latest batch students of M.Sc. (Agri.) have completed their degree in 2017-18. |
Faculty Strength:
Programme is also taking the help of research staff to complete the curriculum
| Designation | Sanctioned | In-place | |
| T | T | R* | |
| Professor and Equivalent | 1 | – | – |
| Associate Professor and Equivalent | – | 1 | – |
| Assistant Professor and Equivalent | 4 | 2 | – |
| Total | 5 | 3 | 0 |
*One teacher availed from Regional Agricultural Research Station
Technical and supporting staff:
The supporting staff is being shared from other Departments and Dean (Agri.) office as and when required.
| Designation | Sanctioned | In-place |
| Assistant | 01 | 01 |
| Messenger | 01 | 01 |
Classrooms and laboratories:
List of classroom and functional laboratories
| Particulars | No. of Room | Capacity |
| No. of Lecture rooms with sitting capacity | 01 | 30 |
| No. of smart class-rooms; seminar room with LCD | 01 | 30 |
| Laboratories | 01 | 30 |
List of working equipments present in the department
| Name of Equipment |
| ICP-OES |
| Automatic Nitrogen Estimation System (Double units) |
| Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometr |
| Weighing balance (720g, 0.001g LC) |
| 5 KV static inverter UPS/ online UPS with 1 hour backup |
| Digital Conductivity meter with Cell Mode |
| pH meter |
| Flame photometer |
| Spectrophotometer |
| Micro centrifuge |
| Glass Double Distillation unit of water |
| Rotary Shaker |
| COD Digester |
Mention theory and practical batches for PG programmes
| No. of Courses offered | 02 |
| No. of theory and practical batches | 01 |
| No. of courses with practical component | 02 |
*Non credit compulsory course offered by the department
Conduct of Practical and Hands-on training
Every student has to register for minimum of 20 credit hours for major subjects as recommended by BSMA Committee. Students may register some of the courses listed below based on their research problem.
| Course No. & Credit Hours | Practical and Hands-on training | How far students getting desired practical and Hands-on training as per curriculum |
| SOL 511 (1+2) Analytical Techniques and Instrumental Methods in Soil and Plant Analysis | Preparation of solutions for standard curves, indicators, primary standards for acid-base, oxidation – reduction precipitation and complexometric titrations, Soil and plant sampling techniques, processing and handlingDetermination of nutrient potentials and buffering capacities of soils for P & K determination of P, NH4& K fixing capacities of soils.Analysis of soil extracts and irrigation waters for their soluble cations and anionsDetermination of total ash, crude protein and sugar content in economic plant parts.Rapid tissues tests. Interpretation of soil and plant test results. | Expertise in preparation of solutions for standard curves, indicators, primary standards for acid-base, oxidation – reduction precipitation and complexometric titrations, Expertise in handling & operating following instruments: pH meter, Electrical conductivity meter, Spectrophotometer, Flame photometer, Kjel-dhal instrument, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and Inductively coupled plasma-Optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). |
| SOL 513 (2+1) Management of Problematic Soils and Waters | 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 (Cl–, SO4—, CO3— and HCO3–) in ground waters and soil samples Lime and gypsum requirements of acid and sodic soils | Expertise in the identification of Saline soils, Sodic soils and calcareous soil in field condition.Characterization of acid, acid sulfate, salt-affected and calcareous soils. And its reclamation. |
Teaching Faculty:
| Name | Designation | Mobile Number | |
| Dr. S. H. Guttargi | Associate Professor and Head | 9449723580 | guttargish@uasd.in |
| Dr. Vidyavathi G.Yadahalli | Assistant Professor | 9742490444 | yadahallivg@uasd.in |
| Dr. Sidharam Patil | Assistant Professor | 9449455565 | patils@uasd.in |