Dr Rajesh Kaushal Assumes Charge as Head of Soil Science Department at Nauni

Solan, March 5, 2026

Dr Rajesh Kaushal has assumed charge as the Head of the Department of Soil Science and Water Management at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni earlier this week.

Dr Kaushal brings extensive academic and professional experience to his new role. His expertise lies in soil fertility and plant nutrition, and his research focuses on soil microbiology and environmental science, particularly the isolation, enumeration and characterization of beneficial microbes from the rhizosphere and composting environments. His work also includes the development of enriched compost, vermicompost and microbe-mediated compost from agricultural waste materials, along with analysis of soil, plant, water, compost and biofertilizers.

Before joining the university, he also worked in the corporate sector for five years. During his career, Dr Kaushal has guided 38 postgraduate students and 18 PhD scholars and has published over 100 research papers, popular articles and extension bulletins, in addition to 17 book chapters.

He is also credited with the development of five Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) technologies for fruit, vegetable and flower crops based on native strains of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR). Of these, two technologies have been adopted at the national level and three at the state level by farmers and orchardists.

Upon assuming charge, Dr Kaushal said that his priority will be to promote awareness about soil health and sustainable agriculture, while strengthening research aimed at restoring soil health and reducing dependence on agricultural inputs. He also emphasized the role of biochar in long-term carbon sequestration in soils. Dr Kaushal assured farmers of his continued commitment to providing quality services and expert consultation for soil and leaf analysis to support sustainable and productive farming practices.