Department of Soil Science

Agricultural Sciences

The Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in soil science. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that provide students with a strong foundation in soil fertility, plant nutr.

About Us

Vision, Mission, PEOs, and PLOs

Vision
To be a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence in soil science education, research, and innovation, producing competent professionals and transformative technologies that promote sustainable soil resource management, precision agriculture, digital agriculture, and food security for the benefit of society.
Mission
The Department of Soil Science is committed to:
1.
Delivering high-quality education that develops strong theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in soil science, with particular emphasis on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and sustainable agricultural production.
2.
Advancing innovative research in soil health, nutrient management, precision agriculture, digital agriculture, and climate-resilient farming to address emerging agricultural challenges.
3.
Developing graduates with critical thinking, ethical values, leadership qualities, entrepreneurial skills, and lifelong learning attitudes to serve academia, industry, government, and farming communities.
4.
Promoting collaboration with farmers, industry, research organizations, and public institutions to transfer knowledge, develop innovative technologies, and contribute to national agricultural development and environmental sustainability.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Within three to five years of graduation, graduates of the BS (Hons.) Agriculture (Soil Science) program will be able to:
PEO-1: Professional Competence
Apply sound knowledge and practical skills in soil science, particularly soil fertility, plant nutrition, soil health, and nutrient management, to solve agricultural and environmental problems in professional settings.
PEO-2: Innovation and Research
Conduct research, adopt emerging technologies, and utilize digital agriculture, precision farming, and modern analytical tools to improve agricultural productivity and sustainable soil management.
PEO-3: Leadership and Professional Development
Demonstrate ethical conduct, effective communication, teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurial abilities while contributing successfully to academia, government, industry, consultancy, and farming communities.
PEO-4: Lifelong Learning and Sustainable Development
Pursue higher education, continuous professional development, and lifelong learning while promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices and responsible management of natural resources.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Upon successful completion of the BS (Hons.) Agriculture (Soil Science) program, graduates will be able to:
PLO-1: Soil Science Knowledge
Apply fundamental and advanced knowledge of soil science, including soil chemistry, soil physics, soil biology, soil fertility, and plant nutrition, to agricultural and environmental systems.
PLO-2: Problem Analysis
Identify, formulate, analyze, and solve soil-related problems using scientific principles, critical thinking, and appropriate analytical approaches.
PLO-3: Laboratory and Field Competency
Perform laboratory analyses, field investigations, soil sampling, fertility evaluation, and interpretation of analytical results using standard scientific procedures.
PLO-4: Investigation and Research
Design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret scientific data, draw evidence-based conclusions, and communicate research findings effectively.
PLO-5: Modern Tools and Digital Agriculture
Utilize modern laboratory instruments, information technology, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, precision agriculture technologies, artificial intelligence, smartphone applications, and digital decision-support tools for soil and crop management.
PLO-6: Sustainable Soil and Nutrient Management
Develop sustainable strategies for improving soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, environmental protection, and climate-resilient agricultural production.
PLO-7: Environment and Society
Assess the environmental, economic, and societal impacts of soil and agricultural management practices, and recommend sustainable solutions for responsible natural resource management.
PLO-8: Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Demonstrate integrity, ethical conduct, professionalism, and social responsibility while practicing soil science and engaging with stakeholders.
PLO-9: Communication and Teamwork
Communicate scientific information effectively through written, oral, and digital media, and work efficiently as a member or leader of multidisciplinary teams.
PLO-10: Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Apply leadership, project management, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills to develop technologies, consultancy services, and agribusiness solutions that support sustainable agricultural development.
PLO-11: Lifelong Learning
Recognize the need for continuous professional development, independent learning, and adaptation to emerging scientific knowledge and technological advancements.
PLO-12: Community Engagement and Extension
Work collaboratively with farmers, extension agencies, industry, and research organizations to transfer knowledge, promote adoption of improved technologies, and contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

The Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in soil science. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that provide students with a strong foundation in soil fertility, plant nutrition, soil health, and sustainable agricultural production through a combination of classroom learning, laboratory work, field training, and research.
With a special focus on precision nutrient management, digital agriculture, and sustainable soil resource management, the department is committed to developing innovative technologies and practical solutions to address modern agricultural challenges. Through quality education, impactful research, and collaboration with farmers, industry, and research organizations, the department prepares competent graduates to contribute to food security, environmental sustainability, and the advancement of Pakistan's agricultural sector.

Programs

Presently the Department of Soil Science offer a wide range of degree programs.

Our Staff

  • All Staff
  • Teaching
  • Administrative
Prof. Dr. Rashid Mahmood

Prof. Dr. Rashid Mahmood

Chairman / Professor

Dr. Zain Mushtaq

Dr. Zain Mushtaq

Assistant Professor

Department of Soil Science
Agricultural Sciences

The Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation in soil science. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs that provide students with a strong foundation in soil fertility, plant nutr....

Analysis Name

Cost/samples (PKR)

Drying and sieving of soil sample

30

Plant sample drying and grinding

40

Soil EC

30

Soil pH

50

Soil gypsum requirement

200

Soil organic matter

100

Soil organic carbon

100

Soil texture (Hydrometer method)

200

Soil and plant digestion for N determination

200

N determination from the digest

200

Plant digestion for P, K and micronutrient determinaiton

350

P determinaiton from soil

200

K determiantion from soil

200

P determinaiton from digest

150

K determiantion from digest

150

Dry ashing of plant samples

300

Soil respiration

300

Irrigation water analysis

50

Agricultural Sciences