The Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government College of Agriculture, Halgaon, was established in 2016. Since its inception, the division has been actively engaged in teaching, research, and extension activities related to soil science and agricultural chemistry, contributing significantly to the advancement of agricultural education and sustainable soil management practices.

The Division of Soil Science at the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government College of Agriculture, Halgaon, is entrusted with the major responsibilities of teaching, research, and extension in the discipline of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. The specific mandates include:

1. To offer undergraduate courses in Soil Science under the B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture degree programme
2. To develop and promote soil-based technologies to address field-level problems faced by farmers.
3. To facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge with researchers and extension personnel through training programmes, seminars, workshops, symposia, and scientific publications.
4. To provide advisory services to government and non-government organisations through the analysis of soil, plant, irrigation water, and manure, accompanied by technical recommendations. The division also offers guidance to farmers on soil and plant health management.
5. To participate actively in extension activities organised by the University, College, and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra.
6. To collaborate with national and international research institutes, universities, and industries (fertiliser, pesticide, and sugar) for undertaking collaborative research projects.
7. To provide Experiential Learning Programmes (ELP) to undergraduate students for developing practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.

As per the 5th Dean Committee

Sr. No.	Semester	Course No.	Credits	Course Title
1.	I	SSAC-111	2+1=3	Fundamentals of Soil Science
2.	IV	SSAC-242	1+1=2	Problematic Soils and Their Management
3.	III	BIOCHEM- 231	2+1=3	Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology
4.	V	SSAC-353	2+1=3	Manures, Fertilisers and Soil Fertility Management
5.	VI	ELE-SSAC-364	2+1=3	Agrochemicals
6.	VII and VIII	SRP-EL SSAC 406	0+10=10	Agricultural Waste Management
7.	VII and VIII	SRP - 401	0+2=2	RAWE (Soil Improvement Intervention)
		Total Credits	9+17=26

As per 6th Dean Committee

Sr. No.	Semester	Course No.	Credits	Course Title
1.	I	SOIL-111	2+1=3	Fundamentals of Soil Science
2.	II	SOIL-122	2+1=3	Soil Fertility Management
3.	II	SEC-123	0+2=2	Agricultural Waste Management (Skill Enhancement Course)
4.	IV	SOIL - 243	1+1=2	Problematic Soils and Their Management
5.	VI	BIOCHEM - 361	2+1=3	Essentials of Plant Biochemistry
6.	VII	ELE-SOIL-474	3+1=4	Agrochemicals
7.	VIII	0+2=2	2(1+1)	RAWE (Soil Improvement Intervention)
		Total Credits	10+9=19

Title: Agricultural Waste Management

A)Importance

In order to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce the cost of production, timely advisory services and the availability of quality inputs to farmers are essential. The Agricultural Waste Management module is primarily conducted by the Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, with minor academic support from the Departments of Plant Pathology and Agricultural Economics.

Under this module, students are provided with practical exposure to the scientific management and recycling of agricultural residues. The module emphasises the preparation of vermicompost using Vermibed and biodegradable materials available within the college campus. In addition, students are trained in the preparation of NADEP compost and other organic manures. These activities help students to understand composting techniques, nutrient cycling, and sustainable soil fertility management practices.

This module also focuses on manure quality evaluation and soil test-based fertiliser recommendations to promote balanced nutrient use and improved soil health

B)Module Objectives

1. To provide hands-on training to students in the preparation of vermicompost, NADEP compost, and other organic manures
2. To analyse and interpret the quality of compost and manure produced.
3. To develop the ability to offer soil test-based fertilizer and compost use recommendations to farmers
4. To develop entrepreneurial skills and encourage self-employment opportunities through sustainable agro-waste recycling and value addition.