Research Projects

This project focuses on converting crop waste/leftover and sludge into nutrient resources for soil carbon stabilization and grain quality, with the aim of improving soil, human, and environmental security through "Low-Cost Biochar" (Patent Filled by PI) and Inorganic Nitrogen (INM). The project aims to raise awareness on soil, yield, and environmental sustainability for sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being. The project is unique in India and abroad, as no one has worked on this issue before. PI, under the mentorship of Prof. Rattan Lal, has experience working at a world-renowned lab on soil carbon at Ohio State University, USA. The proposal proposes an integrated approach for soil, human, and environmental health management at farmers' level with economic feasibility. Biochar has proven effective in treating contaminated soils due to its ability to adsorb heavy metals and decrease bioavailability and toxin-induced stress to plants and microorganisms. It also plays a crucial role in soil C stabilization for a long time. Mycorrhizal symbioses have been reported to alter the physical and chemical characteristics of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) association, which is involved in nutrient cycling, especially P mineralization and C stabilization. This proposal supports the understanding of the role of biochar and INM with AMF and micronutrients to improve rice-wheat system productivity, quality, restore soil health, and stabilize the Soil Carbon (SOC) pool. The objective is to improve food, nutritional, environmental, and economic security in the Rice Watersheds of eastern Uttar Pradesh and the country.