The per capita arable land is declining rapidly due to the demographic pressure, soil degradation, urbanisation and conservation to non-agricultural uses. Exploding population and shrinking arable land and water resources put enormous pressure on the scientists to go in for technologies that can enhance the productivity per unit area. The Indian Soil Scientists in the past have made commendable research relating to inventorisation, Characterization, diagnosis and mapping of different soil but also to quantifying their potentials and developing suitable conservation, reclamation and management techniques for augmenting production. To meet the targeted food production for the next few decades, management of soil resources will be a major challenges for the scientific community. Research is needed in areas of Remote sensing and GIS for land and water use management, reliable estimate of the extend of land degradation, etc. Innovative technologies which can improve soil fertility by means of increasing soil organic matter, micro and secondary nutrient availability and soil resilience. Management of inland and coastal salt affected soils. Advanced research on Integrated Nutrient Management, Alternate land use system involving silvipasture, dryland horticulture and medicinal plants. This book has Seven chapters with contributed papers which will be highly for the scholars, scientists and academicians in the field of soil Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Botany, Environmental Science, Agricultural Advisors and Research and Development Centers. This book will also be useful for the scholars aspiring for competitive examinations.
Dr.R.Singaravel, M.Sc.(Ag.), Ph.D., Post Doc. (Aus.), Professor of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University Graduated during 1988 and completed M.Sc.(Ag.) during 1990 and Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry during 1999. He did his Post Doc. at Murdoch University, Australia during 2010 under Endeavour Research Fellowship awarded by the Govt. of Australia. He was awarded with the Indian Society of Soil Science for the best Ph.D. during 1999. He has 27 years of research and teaching experience. He has published about 82 research papers in National and International Journals. Visited countries like USA, Australia, China, Thailand and Sri Lanka for the presentation of research papers at International conferences. He has participated in national and international conferences and presented 73 papers. He has guided 7 Post Graduate and 3 Ph.D. scholars. He has prepared 5 research manuals and 4 books for students use at University level. He has operated several research projects funded by UGC, DST, NMPB, TN State Govt. and other Private Agencies. He served as examiner for valuation of PG and Ph.D. thesis. At present he is serving as Joint Controller of Examinations, Annamalai University.
Dr. A.Angayarkanni, Professor of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry has a teaching and research experience of 30 years. Her field of specialization is soil fertility. She has completed 5 Projects to the tune of Rupees 47.85 lakhs. She has made 6 international visits and has published 70 research papers in National and International Journals. She has participated in national and international conferences and published 84 papers. She has organised 3 conferences and has served as a member in various committees. Her research guidance includes 2 Ph.D. candidates and 7 M.Sc. (Ag.) candidates. She has examined several M.Sc.(Ag.) and Ph.D. thesis. She has also served as a selection committee member for other universities. She is also a member of the Board of studies for Annamalai University as well as other Agricultural Universities.
