Author: Ashok K. Patra

Dr. Jayanta Kumar Saha, is Head and Principal Scientist of Division of Environmental Soil Science, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India. He did his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science from BCKV, Mohanpur (West Bengal), India. His major research areas are soil pollution impact assessment, food contamination and soil biological activities, and toxicity amelioration. He has worked under various capacities in national and international forums. He has published several original research articles (45) in renowned National and International Journals, technical bulletins and books (9) and book chapters (12) and serves as reviewer of several international journals. He is the recipient of S.N. Ranade Memorial Junior Scientist Award for Excellence in Micronutrient Research. Dr. Rajendiran Selladurai, is Scientist in Division of Environmental Soil Science, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India. He did his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science from Chandra Shekhar Azad Uni. Agri. & Tech., Kanpur and ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, respectively. His specialized areas of work are environmental impact assessment specifically soil pollution, soil quality assessment and management, and carbon sequestration. He has published many numbers of research articles (more than 20) in renowned National and International Journals, book chapters (8) and technical bulletins. He is recipient of Silver Medal for University Second Topper, Junior and Senior Research Fellowships, Young Scientist Awards, Best Poster and Paper Prizes etc.  Dr. Mounisamy Vassanda Coumar, is Scientist in Division of Environmental Soil Science, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India. He did his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science from ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. His specialized areas of work are environmental impact assessment, soil quality and resilience, and toxicity amelioration. He has published several research articles (more than 20), books, book chapter bulletins in renowned national and international journals. He is the recipient of many awards like Junior and Senior Research Fellowships, Best Poster and Paper Prizes, etc. Dr. Mohanlal Dotaniya, is currently Scientist at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India. He obtained M. Sc. in Soil Science from   GBPUA&T, Pantnagar and Ph. D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from IARI, New Delhi. His specialized areas of work are heavy metals interaction in soil and plant, and soil & water pollution. He has published more than 25 research papers/reviews in reputed National and International Journals. He is recipient of Young Scientist Award; Excellence in Research Award. He serves as editorial member of national journals as well as reviewer of many international reputed journals. Dr. Samaresh Kundu, is Former Head and Principal Scientist in Division of Environmental Soil Science, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India. He did his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Soil Science at IARI, New Delhi, Post-Doc at USSR and Post-Doc at Australia. His research areas are Soil Chemistry/Fertility/ Soil Microbiology/Application of Nano Science and Nano Technology in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Research. He has published 130 research papers, 4 Books, 8 Research Bulletins and 20 Book Chapters. He is a recipient of several awards/recognitions and fellowships, namely: Krishak Bharti Barani Kheti Award; Dr. Rajendra Prasad Puruskar of ICAR; Meritorious Invention Award of NRDC; Hari Om Ashram Award of ICAR; ICAR Award for outstanding team research; as well as is Fellow of Indian Society of Soil Science and Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Dr. Ashok Kumar Patra, is Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, India since May, 2014. He did his M. Sc. and Ph. D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry from IARI, New Delhi. Earlier he had served IGFRI Jhansi, CIFE Mumbai and IARI New Delhi. He has made outstanding contribution on different aspects of nitrogen cycling, its ecology and biodiversity. He has contributed more than 200 research publications in reputed national and international journals. He is a recipient of British Council TCT Award; FAI Dhiru Morarji Memorial Award; Bharat Jyoti Award; Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award; ISSS Dr. G.S. Sekhon Memorial Lecture Award; Hooker of IARI New Delhi. He was Editor, Range Management and Agroforestry; President (Delhi Chapter), ISSS; Member, Nature”s Reader Panel. He served as reviewer for several international journals. He is a Fellow of Indian Society of Soil Science and Fellow of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and RMSI.