Department of Soil Science and Agril.

Chemistry
College of Agriculture, Dapoli
(Dr. B. S. K. K. V., Dapoli)

Information
1. Introduction:
College of Agriculture, Dapoli was established in the year 1965. Chemistry section of
the College also came into existence in the same year. With the establishment of Konkan
Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli in the year 1972, the Chemistry section of the College turned into
the Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science. M. Sc. (Ag.) Degree programme
was started in the year 1975 and Ph. D. programme was started in the year 2002.

2. Mandate of the Department:

1. To carry out education ad extension education activities pertinent to the field of Soil
Science, Agril. Chemistry and Biochemistry.
2. To carry out the basic and strategic research on physical, chemical and biological
process of soils of the Konkan region for better management of inputs i.e. nutrients
and water.
3. To develop appropriate technology for sustainable crop production and soil fertility
with efficient system of input management for the soils of the Konkan region of
Maharashtra.
3 Academic Programmes of the Department
a. Doctoral Programme:
Sr.No. Course No. Course Title Credits
Semester-I
1. SOILS-601 Advances in Soil physics 2+0=2
2. SOILS-603 Physical Chemistry of soils 2+0=2
3. SOILS-604 Soil Genesis and Micropedology 2+0=2
Minor Courses : 3 Credits
As per Student Advisory Committee
Supporting Courses : 2 Credits
As per Student Advisory Committee
Total 6+0=6
Non-Credit Compulsory (NCC) Course
1. PGS-501 Library and Information Services 0+1=1
2. PGS-504 Basic Concepts in Laboratory Techniques 0+2=2
Semester-II
Major Courses : 5 Credits
1. SOILS -602 Advance in Soil Fertility 2+0=2
2. SOILS-605 Biochemistry of Soil Organic matter 2+0=2
3. SOILS-606 Land Use planning and Watershed Management 2+0=2
Major Courses : 3 Credits
As per Student Advisory Committee
Supporting Courses : 2 Credits
As per Student Advisory Committee
Total 6+0=6
Non-Credit Compulsory (NCC) Course
1. PGS-502 Technical Writing and Communication Skills 0+1=1
2. PGS-503 Intellectual Property and its management in Agriculture 1+0=1
Total 1+1=2
Semester-III
Major Courses : 3 Credits
1. SOILS-607 Soil Resource Management 3+0=3
Major Courses : 2 Credits
As per Student Advisory Committee
Supporting Courese : 3Credits
As per Student Advisory Committee
Doctoral Seminar : 1 Credit
4. SOILS-619 Doctoral Seminar- I 0+1=1
Total 3+1=4
Non-Credit Compulsory (NCC) Courses
1. PGS-506 Disaster Management 1+0=1
2. PGS-505 Agril. Research, Research Ethics and Rural Development 1+0=1
Programme
Total 2+0=2
 Major Courses : 13 Credits
1. SOILS-692 Doctoral Seminar-I 0+1=1
Note : Minor Course and Supporting Course will be decided by respective Student Advisory
Committee.

b. Master programme:
Sr.No. Course No. Course Title Credits
Semester-I
1. SOILS-501 Soil Physics 2+1=3
2. SOILS-503 Soil Chemistry 2+1=3
3. SOILS-504 Soil Mineralogy, Genesis, Classification and survey 2+1=3
Total 6+3=9
Minor Courses : 3 Credits
4. AGRON-505 Agro meteorology and Crop weather forecasting 2+1=3
5. BIOCHEM-501 Basic Biochemistry 2+1=3
6. SOILS-505 Soil Erosion and Conservation 2+1=3
7. SSAC-510 Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques 2+1=3
Supporting Course :3 Credits
8. PP-511 Mineral Nutrition 2+1=3
Total 10+5=15
Non-Credit Compulsory (NCC) Course
9. PGS-501 Library and Information services 0+1=1
10. PGS-504 Basic concepts in Laboratory Techniques 0+1=1
Total 0+2=2
Semester-II
Major Courses :9 Credit
1. SOILS-502 Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Use 3+1=4
2. SOILS-506 Soil Biology and Biochemistry 2+1=3
3. SOILS-511 Analytical Techniques and Instrumental Methods in soil 0+2=2
and Plant Analysis
Minor Courses : 3 Credits
4. SOILS-509 Soil Water and Air pollution 2+1=3
Total 7+5=12
Supporting Courses : 3 Credit
5. STAT-512 Experimental Design 2+1=3
Total 9+6=15
Non-Credit Compulsory (NCC) Courses
6. PGS-502 Technical Writing and Communication Skills 0+1=1
7. PGS-503 Intellectual Property & its management in Agriculture 1+0=1
Total 1+1=2
Semester-III
Major Course :3 Credits
1. SOILS-513 Management of Problematic Soils and Water 2+1=3
Total 2+1=3
 Non-Credit Compulsory (NCC) Course
2. PGS-505 Agri. Research, Research Ethics and Rural Development 1+0=1
Programme
3. PGS-506 Disaster Management 1+0=1
Total 2+0=2
Semester-IV
Major Course:
1. SOILS-519 Master Seminar 0+1=1

c. Bachelor Programme:
Class Course Credits Title of the Course
No
Semester –I
F.Y.B.Sc. (Ag.) SSAC-111 3=2+1 Introduction to Soil Science
F.Y.B.Sc.(Hort.) H/SSAV-111 2=1+1 Fundamentals of Soil Science
F.Y.B.Sc. (For.) F/SSAC-111 2=2+1 Fundamentals of Geology and Soil Science
Semester-II
F.Y.B.Sc.(For.) NRM-121 3=2+1 Chemistry of fertility of forest soils
F.Y.B.Sc. SSAC-122 3=2+1 Soil Chemistry , Soil fertility and Nutrient
(Ag./Hort.) Management
F. Y. B. Tech. AG-124 2= 1+1 Soil Science
(Agril. Engg.)
Semester-III
S.Y.B.Sc.(Hort.) H/SSAC-233 2=1+1 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
S.Y.B.Sc.(For.) F/SSAC-232 2=1+1 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Semester-IV
S.Y.B.Sc. SSAC-243 3=2+1 Manures, Fertilizers and Agrochemicals
(Ag./Hort.)
S.Y.B.Sc.(Hort.) H/SSAC-244 1=0+1 Soil Irrigation water and Plant Analysis
Semester- V
T.Y.B.Sc.(Ag.) SSAC-354 3=2+1 Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Semester- VI
T.Y.B.Sc.(Ag.) F/BIOT-361 2=1+1 Biotechnology
Semester- VII
Sr.B.Sc.(Ag.) RAWE 1=0+1 Rural Agril. Work Experience.
ACSS-475
Sr.B.Sc.(Hort.) RAWE 1=0+1 Rural Hort. Work Experience.
ACSS-471
4 Infrastructure
a. Laboratories:
The Department of SSAC has four laboratories, one for PG students and three
for UG practicals. All laboratories are well furnished and well equipped.

Well equipped Central Instrumentation Center (CIC) for Ph.D. and Post Graduate
students for research was established in the year 2001 under this Department. In the CIC,
the microprocessor based instruments like Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer,
spectrophotometer, flame photometer; pH meter, EC meter etc. are kept for the PG
student and university scientists research work.

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Gas Chromatography

Soxhlet apparatus & Distyl EM

Faculty development :
Training attended :-
Dr. S. C. Talashilkar, Professor, Department of Soil Science and Agril. Chemistry
attended the International Training on “Establishing certified Organic Management Systems
for Production, Processing and Marketing” at ENCON and IIRD, Aurangabad in 2002.
D.J. Dabke, Soil Scientist, Water Management Scheme attended the Workshop on
Water Conservation Methods in Agriculture at Anand Agril. University, Anand, Gujarat in
2009.
Dr. M. C. Kasture, Assistant Professor attended 4 Days training on, “Dionex Ultimate
3000 High Performance Liquid Chromatography System” from 27-30, October, 2009.
Dr. M.C. Kasture, Assistant Professor attended 21 days training programme on
“Integrated Plant Nutrient Management to Sustain Soil fertility and Health for Higher Crop
Production” at J. N. Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur during 9-12, December, 2010.
Dr. M.C. Kasture, Assistant Professor attended 5 days Lead Auditor Course on
“Quality Management System as per IS/ISO 9001:2008” at Bureau of Indian Standards, Jaipur
during 2-6, May, 2011.
Dr. M. C. Kasture and Shri. R. V. Dhopavkar, Assistant professors attended 21 days
Winter School on “Instrumental Techniques in Agriculture and Food Quality Assessment” at
Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during 1-21, October, 2011.
Dr. M. C. Kasture, Assistant Professor participated in the ICAR sponsored short
course on “Food Pollutant Evaluation for Food Safety and Quality” at IIHR, Bangalore during
4-13, September, 2012.
Major achievements of the Department:

Establishment of Fruit Beverages Research Center (2007-08).

Cashew apple wine Karonda wine

Renovation of Rocks and Minerals Museum (2011-12).

Development of Seminar Hall for PG students (2011-12).

5 Faculty:
a. Academic staff:
Name of the Faculty Dr. S. S. Prabhudesai
Post held Head
Date of Birth 28/08/1955
Qualification M. Sc. (Ag.) Ph. D.
Area of Specialization Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry
Experience (Years) 34 Yrs.
Research project guided:
Ph. D. 1
M. Sc. 2
Present area of research Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry
Contact Details
Land line No. 02358/282415 Extn.222
Mobile No. 09421001268
Fax No. 02358/282108
Email headacss@rediffmail.com

Name of the Faculty Dr. (Smt.) P .S. Sawant

Post held Asstt. Prof. (Food Nutri.)
Date of Birth 17/05/1967
Qualification Ph. D.(Food and Nutrition)
Area of Specialization Food and Nutrition
Experience (Years) 12 Yrs.
Research project guided:
Ph. D. -
M. Sc. 1
Present area of research Agricultural Chemistry
Contact Details
Land line No. 02358/283383
Mobile No. 09850750147
Fax No. 02358/282108
Email poojasawant@rediffmail.com
Name of the Faculty Prof. N. H. Khobragade
Post held Assistant Professor
Date of Birth 03/01/1974
Qualification M. Sc. (Ag.)
Area of Specialization Soil Science
Experience (Years) 8 Yrs.
Research project guided:
Ph. D. -
M. Sc. -
Present area of research Soil Science
Contact Details
Land line No. 02358/282415 Extn. 222
Mobile No. 09421610790
Fax No. 02358/282108
Email nitinkhobragade74@gmail.com

Name of the Faculty Prof. S. R. Akhave

Post held Assistant Professor
Date of Birth 13/04/1954
Qualification M. Sc. (Ag.)
Area of Specialization Soil Science
Experience (Years) 7 Yrs.
Research project guided:
Ph. D. -
M. Sc. -
Present area of research Soil Science
Contact Details
Land line No. 02358/282415 Extn. 222
Mobile No. 09421228689
Fax No. 02358/282108
Email srakhave@yahoo.com
Name of the Faculty Prof. R. V. Dhopavkar
Post held Assistant Professor
Date of Birth 26/02/1965
Qualification M. Sc. (Ag.)
Area of Specialization Soil Science
Experience (Years) 6 Yrs.
Research project guided:
Ph. D. -
M. Sc. -
Present area of research Soil Science
Contact Details
Land line No. 02358/282415 Extn. 222
Mobile No. 09421142213
Fax No. 02358/282108
Email rajeshdhopavkar@rediffmail.com

Name of the Faculty Dr. M. C. Kasture

Post held Assistant Professor
Date of Birth 27/04/1978
Qualification M. Sc. (Ag.) Ph. D.
Area of Specialization Agricultural Chemistry &
Soil Science
Experience (Years) 6 Yrs.
Research project guided:
Ph. D. -
M. Sc. 3
Present area of research Soil fertility & Wine
Technology
Contact Details
Land line No. 02358/282415 Extn. 222
Mobile No. 09421610724
Fax No. 02358/282108
Email kasturemc@gmail.com
6 Activities:
Dr. S. S. Prabhudesai, Head, Department of SSAC and his team of scientists and PG
students conducted the demonstration on the application of fertilizer briquettes to
vegetables crops at Vegetable Improvement Scheme, Wakawali.

7 Research activities and Achievements:

a. Research Recommendations (Since 2009):
Year Recommendations
2009 Developed technology of Preparation of Wine from Karonda and Cashew apple
fruits.
2010 Developed Konkan Annapurna Briquettes (KAB – 34:14:06) having better hardness
and keeping quality as an alternate to Urea-Suphala briquettes to increase rice yield
and to decrease fertility cost.
2011 It is recomended to undertake three multi-nutrient sprays of 0.55 (Urea, SOP,SSP
each) + 0.25% (ZnSO4, Borax, CuSO4, each) + 0.01% (Sodium molybdate), first spray
at bud break, second on full bloom inflorences and third at egg size fruit of Alphonso
mango alongw with recommended dose of fertilizers in lateritic soil of Konkan to
obtain maximum yield.
2012 It is recommended to apply silica containing Konkan Annapurna Briquettes
(SilKAB) to rice crop fro getting higher yield and net returns.
2012 It is recommended to undertake three sprays of 0.25% (Urea, SOP, SSP each) +0.25%
(ZnSO4, Borax, CuSO4 each) + 0.01% (Sodium molybdate), first spray be given one
month before flowering, second at flowering and third at nut seting time of cahsew
along with recommended dosr of fertilizer in lateritic soil of Konkan to obtain
maximum yield and to control yellow leaf spot of cashew.
2013 It is recommended to apply boron @ 4 kg ha-1 (3.00 g per palm) through the soil
application with recommended dose of fertilizers to reduce the Arecanut cracking in
the Konkan region.
2013 Wine can be prepared from ripe Jamun fruits by using technology developed by Dr.
Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli
2013 On the basis of chemical composition, sensory evaluation of juice and wine and cost
of production, it is concluded that the standard quality cashew apple wine can be
prepared from the pasteurized juice treated with 250 ppm SO2 level (0.43 g K.M.S.
litre-1) and stored for 3 months at 120c ± 2.
2013 Finger Millet based Calcium rich Extrudates can be prepared as per the procedure
developed by Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli.

b. Photographs of the important recommendations:

8 Abstract of the thesis:
The compendium of the thesis abstract of the PG students of the Department
has been prepared and is available in the Department.

9 Extension Activities:
Organization of seminar :-
Organization of State Level Seminar by the Dapoli Chapter of Indian Society of Soil
Science, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli.
Year Theme of the Seminar
2002 Land Resource Management for Food Security and Permanency
2006 Soil Health Improvement for Food Security
2010 Recent Outlook on Sustainable Agriculture, Livelihood Security and Ecology of
Coastal Region (by Dapoli Chapter of ISCAR)
2011 Soil Health, Sustainability and Food Security
2013 National Seminar on “Soil fertility, Degradation and Contaminants”

State Level Seminar during the Year 2011

National Seminar during the Year 2013

10 Publications of the Department:
A. No. of instrumental material and practical manuals developed
Degree Total no. instrumental material and practical manuals developed
B.Sc.(Agri.) 4
B.Sc.(Hort.) 3
B.Sc.(For.) 3
B.Tech. 2
B. Publication of Leaflets/Bulletins :-
Sr.No. Name of Leaflets/Bulletins published in Marathi Year
1 How to Prepare Compost 2002
2 Vermicompost 2003
3 Gliricidia 2005
4 Soil Testing – its importance and fertilizer recommendation 2006
5 Organic Farming 2008
6 Coastal Saline Soils of Konkan 2008
7. Compendium of the Post Graduate Students Thesis Abstract 2013

C. Publication of Books authored by faculty member:-

Sr. Name of Book published Authored by Year
No.
1 Coastal Saline Soil (in Marathi) Dr.V.B.Mehta 2002
2 Organic Manures (in Marathi) Dr.S.C.Talashilkar 2002
3 Properties of Soils, Their Problems and Dr.K.D.Patil 2003
Measures (in Marathi)
4 Spices (in Marathi) Dr.S.C.Talashilkar & 2004
Dr.D.S.Bagade
5 Sustainable Agriculture (in Marathi) Dr.S.C.Talashilkar 2005
6 Earthworms in Agriculture (in English) Dr.S.C.Talashilkar & 2006
A.A.K.Dosani
7 Four Chapters(3,4,19 and 21) in book entitled Dr. S. S. Prabhudesai 2007
“kr’ksrh vkf.k ÁfØ;k mÌkksx”
““kr’ks
8 Organic Farming Systems and Certification R.V.Dhopavkar, 2011
(in Marathi) A.A.K.Dosani &
Dr.S.C.Talashilkar
9 Soil, Water Testing and Fertilizer Management N. H. Khobragade & 2012
(in Marathi) B. L. Ayare
10 Micronutrients (in Marathi) N. H. Khobragade & 2012
B. L. Ayare
11 Contact information:
Name of the Head : Dr. S. S. Prabhudesai
Name of the Department : Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Postal Address : Department of Soil Science and Agril.
Chemistry, College of Agriculture,
Dapoli – 415712, Dist. Ratnagiri (M.S.)
Landline Number : 02358/282415, 282130 Extn. 221 & 222
Mobile Number : 09421001268
Fax : 02358/282108
Email : headacss@rediffmail.com

12 News and Events: -