Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry

The Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, one of the oldest teaching and research departments came into existence in May, 1955 to undertake research and teaching programmes in Kerala state. The post graduate programme viz., M. Sc (Ag.) and Ph. D were started in 1961 and 1967 respectively. With the inception of Kerala Agricultural University, in 1972 the Department became a part of the College of Agriculture. The Department is entrusted with the responsibility of undertaking teaching, research and extension in various fields of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry in Kerala.

Department offers six courses, experiential learning programme and one RAWE module for Under graduates and 20 PG courses, apart from the usual training programmes. This year onwards the department is offering two certificate courses ,one is on organic farming and other is on chemical analytical techniques. Till date, 102 students have been awarded with M.Sc. (Ag) and 18 students with Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, from this department.

UG lab, PG lab and a Geo information lab works under this department.

The extension services of the department includes soil test service to equip farming community to cope up with the management of soil fertility related problems, propagation of organic farming technology, vermi technology for solid waste management and established a multidisciplinary diagnostic programme “Karshaka Santhwanam” to attend the field problems within the shortest possible time and give specific recommendations particularly in the three southern districts of Kerala. The scientists of the department have developed technologies for Solid waste management – SUCHITHA COMPOSTand ready to use micronutrient mixture BANANA MICRO MIX which is popular among the farming community and households of various panchayaths.