Soil & Environmental Sciences
Agriculture is a part of Azad Kashmir's economy. Most of the rural population depends on the produce of their
land holdings for their livelihoods. Wheat, Maize, Rice, Barley, Millet and legumes are common crops of the State. In addition, various fruits are produced on a significant area. The soil is a nonrenewable natural source and the soils of Azad Jammu & Kashmir are under serious threat of degradation. The resultant decline in productivity is the outcome of this degradation. The important agent causing soil degradation is water erosions. However, significant contributions towards soil deterioration were
also contributed by nutrient depletion, compaction, crusting and lowering of water table under prevailing
management ecological conditions. This is the need of the day to safeguard the prescious, nonrenewable natural resources and enhance their productivity on sustainable basis.
With the foundation of University College of Agriculture at Rawalakot as a sub campus of University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in 1980, Department of Soil Science was established. Since then it added grace not only to the college of Agriculture but also contributed a significant role in the uplift of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJ&K) among national Universities. During 2003-04, after the promotion of college of Agriculture as Faculty, Department of Soil Science emerged as a sign of excellence with
regard to teaching and research. Since 1999, department has started
postgraduate and doctoral
Programmes. The department of Soil Science is actively engaged in
research activities on
different aspects of soil i.e. Soil Fertility and Plant
Nutrition, Integrated Plant
Nutrient Management
System, Soil Microbiology
and Soil Quality and
Legumes Introduction and
Establishment.
The department by now has
completed one research
project funded by Pakistan
Science Foundation (PSF),
Islamabad. At present, three research projects funded by different
organizations are in progress. The Departments has well qualified and
dedicated teachers. The contribution and dedication of the staff towards
research is reflected though quality research papers in international peer
reviewed Journals. The dedications of the faculty members have also
been recognized by various national organizations, since a number of
faculty members have won prestigious national awards (Alexander von
Humboldt Fellowship (AvH), Best Scientist of the year Best Teachers
cum Researcher Award and Star Laureate Award etc.).
The Department of Soil Science is intensively engaged in developing
trained human resource base, conduct basic and applied research in the
relevant field, and provide advisory service to farmers, NGOs and the
relevant agro-based industry. Department has the potential to imparts
short term training to farmers and in service agri-personnel pertaining
to the technological development and resource management.
| Introduction | Faculty Members | Programs |
