Being an interdisciplinary subject, soil science provides an indepth knowledge on physical, chemical and biological properties of tropical soils essential for sustainable soil management. Theoretical aspects are blended with laboratory, analytical and field skills for farm-level applications. Soil genesis and classification focus on better land use planning. Subjects covered under soil fertility provide a detailed knowledge essential for maximum fertilizer use efficiency. Detecting soil and water pollutants is also given due consideration in order to control soil degradation.

Development of farmer-friendly technologies on site-specific nutrient management, manipulation of soil gene resources for optimal soil productivity and appropriate soil conservation measures are coupled with state of the art research activities to cater to the growing need for minimizing environmental pollution.