Indian Society of Soil Science

Indian Society of Soil Science
Name	Indian Society of Soil Science
Formation	1934
Type	Learned society
Headquarters	New Delhi
Location	India
Leader title	President

Indian Society of Soil Science is a professional organization dedicated to advancement of soil science research, education and extension in India. The society engages with institutions such as Indian Council of Agricultural Research, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University and IARI to promote soil health, nutrient management and land use planning. It interfaces with agencies like Food and Agriculture Organization, World Bank, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning and Central Soil Salinity Research Institute to influence policy, practice and capacity building.

History

The society was established in 1934 amid expansion of agricultural research associated with Imperial Agricultural Research Institute and contemporaneous institutions such as Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Punjab Agricultural University. Early leaders included scientists connected to Mahatma Gandhi-era agrarian movements and figures from All India Soil and Fertilizer Association and Royal Society-linked delegations. Through periods marked by initiatives such as the Green Revolution in India and collaborations with International Rice Research Institute, the society supported soil surveys, fertilizer recommendations and land reclamation projects tied to Integrated Rural Development Programme and regional programs involving Council of Scientific and Industrial Research laboratories. The society’s history intersects with major events including the Third Five Year Plan and post-independence institutional reforms led by V. V. Giri-era policy makers.

Objectives and Activities

The society’s objectives include promoting research, dissemination and application of soil science among stakeholders like State Agricultural Universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendra networks, National Dairy Development Board projects and agro-environmental programs. Activities encompass organizing symposiums with partners such as Indian Meteorological Department, conducting soil testing initiatives alongside Fertilizer Association of India, and advising programs run by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and National Rainfed Area Authority. The society fosters links to international bodies like International Union of Soil Sciences, Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions, and Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research centers to advance soil fertility, erosion control, salinity management and carbon sequestration in landscapes impacted by projects like Sardar Sarovar Project and Narmada Bachao Andolan-era debates.

Membership and Governance

Membership draws professionals from IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, University of Calcutta, Panjab University, Aligarh Muslim University and numerous State Agricultural University faculties. Governance is conducted through an elected council with office-bearers and committees analogous to governing bodies in Indian National Science Academy and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The society holds elections similar to practices in Indian Botanical Society and coordinates with institutional members including Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences representatives. Membership categories mirror structures found in The Royal Society and American Society of Agronomy chapters, with student, associate and fellow grades.

Publications and Journals

The society publishes technical bulletins, monographs and a peer-reviewed journal hosting articles from contributors at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Banaras Hindu University, Punjab Agricultural University, University of Hyderabad and CSIR-NCL. Its journal features special issues on topics like nutrient management drawn from collaborations with International Fertilizer Development Center, studies referencing datasets from National Remote Sensing Centre and method papers aligned with standards used by Agricultural and Food Chemistry-type periodicals. Publications include proceedings from conferences co-branded with Indian Council of Agricultural Research and compilations analogous to outputs by Geological Survey of India and National Academy of Sciences, India.

Conferences, Workshops and Training

The society organizes national conferences, regional workshops and training courses in partnership with Krishi Vigyan Kendra networks, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute and international partners like International Rice Research Institute and CGIAR centers. Events address thematic areas such as precision agriculture showcased at forums similar to those held by Indian Society of Agronomy, soil carbon sequestration dialogues modeled after United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change side-events, and hands-on training with instrumentation used in National Physical Laboratory and Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute. Workshops frequently convene experts from World Bank funded projects, Asian Development Bank initiatives and state agencies involved in watershed management such as National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas.

Awards and Recognitions

The society confers awards, medals and fellowships that recognize contributions comparable to honors given by Indian National Science Academy, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and professional bodies such as Indian Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America. Awards celebrate lifetime achievement, young scientist excellence and best thesis recognition from universities including IARI, Banaras Hindu University and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Recipients often include researchers who have collaborated on landmark projects like Green Revolution in India, irrigation schemes associated with Bhakra Nangal Dam studies, and international research linked to International Fund for Agricultural Development programs.

Category:Scientific societies in India