CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyala, Palampur | India
Dr. Pardeep Kumar is a Principal Scientist at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, India. A renowned soil scientist, he specializes in micronutrient and secondary nutrient management, with over three decades of academic and research contributions. His expertise includes integrated nutrient supply, agronomic biofortification, and sustainable soil management in hill agriculture. As Professor NFL Chair in Soil Science and Incharge of AICRP on Micronutrients, he has led transformative projects, modernized research infrastructure, and guided numerous scholars. Widely published and nationally recognized, Dr. Kumar’s contributions have had lasting impacts on soil science education, research, and nutrient policy formulation in India.
Author Profile
Google Scholar
Education
Dr. Kumar obtained his M.Sc. in Soil Science with research focused on nutrient characterization and land classification for sustainable land use. His Ph.D. research at CSKHPKV, Palampur, involved advanced studies on soil taxonomy and land use planning at the soil series level, which laid the foundation for his expertise in soil fertility management. This strong academic grounding enabled him to develop methodologies for GPS-based soil fertility mapping and nutrient-efficient genotyping. His rigorous academic background continues to shape his applied research approach, enabling scientific solutions to soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies, especially in the agro-ecological context of Himachal Pradesh.
Professional Experience
Dr. Pardeep Kumar began his professional journey as an Assistant Scientist under the AICRP on Tillage. Over the years, he has risen through ranks to become Principal Scientist and Professor NFL Chair in Soil Science—India’s only chair of its kind. As Incharge of AICRP on Micronutrients, he has overseen major research projects, policy guidance, and infrastructure development. His responsibilities span teaching, mentoring, and project leadership. He has mentored several young faculty and contributed significantly to institutional development. His collaborations with organizations like National Fertilizers Limited further extend his influence into industry-level problem-solving and field-level application of scientific findings.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Kumar has received multiple institutional and national-level recognitions for scientific leadership and innovation. His development of Himachal Pradesh’s first Micro and Secondary Nutrient Atlas was nationally applauded. He has been honored by the Indian Society of Soil Science and other professional bodies for his outstanding contributions to soil fertility and nutrient management. His leadership in agronomic biofortification and evaluation of novel fertilizers like metalosates has earned him appreciation across academic and policy circles. Repeated commendations from CSKHPKV and national bodies recognize his achievements in teaching, research, and infrastructure modernization. He is widely seen as a transformative figure in Indian soil science.
Research Skills
Dr. Kumar has deep expertise in micronutrient and secondary nutrient management, with a focus on Zn, B, and Mo in major cropping systems. His work integrates GPS-based nutrient mapping, IPNS strategies, and biofortification for nutritional enhancement. He specializes in nutrient-efficient genotype identification and novel carrier evaluation like metalosates. Proficient in agronomic data analysis, soil fertility diagnostics, and long-term nutrient planning, he brings practical and academic insights into sustainable agriculture. His laboratory skills span atomic absorption spectroscopy, pH and EC analysis, and soil organic carbon evaluation. His work has guided nutrient policy and enhanced crop productivity in acidic and degraded soils.
Conclusion
Dr. Pardeep Kumar exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence in the field of soil science. His academic rigor, combined with strategic research and field-level impact, makes him a leading authority in nutrient management and sustainable agriculture. His mentorship has shaped the next generation of soil scientists, and his published work influences both educational curricula and agricultural policies. With a rich portfolio of completed research projects and an active role in academic governance, he continues to lead advancements in agronomy. His contributions have not only elevated CSKHPKV’s stature but also transformed soil fertility management practices in Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
Publications
Kumar, P., & Sharma, P.K. (2020). Soil salinity and food security in India. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. (Cited by 478)
Sharma, A., Parmar, D.K., Kumar, P., Singh, Y., & Sharma, R.P. (2008). Azotobacter soil amendment integrated with cow manure reduces need for NPK fertilizers in Sprouting Broccoli. Journal of Vegetable Science. (Cited by 67)
Kumar, P., Lai, L., Battaglia, M.L., Kumar, S., Owens, V., Fike, J., Galbraith, J., et al. (2019). Impacts of nitrogen fertilization rate and landscape position on select soil properties in switchgrass field at four sites in the USA. Catena. (Cited by 60)
Kumar, P., & V, T.S. (2005). Characterization and classification of some rice growing soils of Palam valley of Himachal Pradesh. Agropedology. (Cited by 44)
Kumar, S., Lai, L., Kumar, P., Valentín Feliciano, Y.M., Battaglia, M.L., Hong, C.O., et al. (2019). Impacts of nitrogen rate and landscape position on soils and switchgrass root growth parameters. Agronomy JournaL. (Cited by 41)
Kumari, K., Nazir, G., Singh, A., & Kumar, P. (2017). Studies on boron fractions with different physico-chemical properties of cultivated soils of Himachal Pradesh, India. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. (Cited by 34)