Dr. Pritpal Singh: Senior Extension Scientist (Soil Science) at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India
Dr. Pritpal-Singh is a distinguished academician and researcher specializing in soil science, with a specific focus on sustainable agricultural practices, soil fertility management, and nutrient cycling. With extensive experience in agricultural research and extension services, Dr. Pritpal-Singh has worked on a wide range of national and international projects, collaborating with leading institutions and organizations to advance agricultural practices, improve soil health, and ensure sustainable food security. His work has had a significant impact on agricultural productivity, environmental conservation, and resource management in India.
Online Profiles
Dr. Pritpal-Singh maintains an active online presence on academic and research platforms, where he shares his research findings, publications, and contributions to the agricultural sector. He is frequently engaged in discussions related to soil health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation. His research is widely accessible through platforms such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and other academic networks, where his work continues to influence both national and international scientific communities.
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3662 total citations — a solid overall impact.
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An h-index of 29 — meaning they have 29 papers cited at least 29 times, showing consistent scholarly influence.
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An i10-index of 76 — meaning 76 papers have at least 10 citations, indicating a broad base of moderately cited work.
Education
Dr. Pritpal-Singh’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Hons.) from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, where he graduated with a first division. He furthered his studies with an M.Sc. in Soil Science from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, earning a merit certificate and the prestigious Dr. M.S. Randhawa Gold Medal for the highest OCPA. His academic pursuit culminated in a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the same university, where he earned an OCPA of 8.81/10. His commitment to academic excellence and his contributions to the field have earned him several distinctions and recognition.
Research Focus
Dr. Pritpal-Singh’s research primarily revolves around soil science, focusing on soil fertility, sustainable farming systems, and the role of micronutrients in crop production. He has worked extensively on assessing the impact of different agricultural practices on soil health, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and environmental sustainability. His notable research projects include exploring the recycling potential of industrial waste products, like sludge from Coca-Cola bottling plants, and developing long-term strategies for soil resilience in diverse agro-ecosystems. His research also addresses the challenges of soil degradation, climate change, and the enhancement of crop productivity in the rice-wheat cropping systems of India.
Experience
Dr. Pritpal-Singh has over two decades of experience in soil science and agricultural research, having worked in various roles as a researcher, extension expert, and educator. He has handled multiple research projects funded by national and international bodies, including the ICAR, PAU, and other agricultural institutes. His work has had a transformative impact on farming practices in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where he has focused on promoting agricultural mechanization, water conservation, and sustainable crop residue management. Dr. Pritpal-Singh has also played a vital role in enhancing the agricultural education and outreach programs, particularly at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra and various extension units of PAU.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Pritpal-Singh’s research timeline spans over several years, with a series of pioneering projects in soil science, environmental conservation, and agricultural sustainability. His career began in 2005 with the recycling potential of industrial sludge in agriculture, followed by multiple large-scale studies on soil quality, nutrient management, and climate-resilient farming practices. From 2009-2012, he worked on high-profile projects such as the National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) and the NAIP (ICAR) research project on soil resilience. His more recent focus has been on carbon sequestration, phosphorus management, and soil-test-based nutrient recommendations for improving productivity and sustainability.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Pritpal-Singh has received numerous awards throughout his career, recognizing his excellence in research and contributions to agriculture. Some of the notable honors include the prestigious Dr. N.S. Randhawa Gold Medal for academic excellence, multiple awards for best research papers and posters, and recognition for his extension work through national platforms. His recent achievements include the PAWEES (2022) paper award for his research on the rice-wheat system in South Asia and several awards for his work in agricultural extension, such as first prizes in stall competitions at Kisan Melas and Farm Literature Popularization Award (2023-24).
Top Noted Publications
Dr. Pritpal-Singh’s research has been widely published in leading international and national journals. His work on the effects of industrial waste on crop yield and soil health has been groundbreaking, with publications in journals like Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, Geoderma, and Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. Notable among his international publications is his work on soil carbon pools in agroforestry systems and the residual effects of industrial sludge in rice-wheat cropping systems. His work continues to inform both scientific communities and practical agricultural applications, improving farming techniques and environmental sustainability.
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Benbi, D.K., Brar, K., Toor, A.S., Singh, P.
Title: Total and labile pools of soil organic carbon in cultivated and undisturbed soils in northern India
Journal: Geoderma
Year: 2015 | Volume: 237 | Pages: 149–158
Citations: 316 -
Bhatt, R., Singh, P., Hossain, A., Timsina, J.
Title: Rice–wheat system in the northwest Indo-Gangetic plains of South Asia: Issues and technological interventions for increasing productivity and sustainability
Journal: Paddy and Water Environment
Year: 2021 | Volume: 19 (3) | Pages: 345–365
Citations: 223 -
Benbi, D.K., Brar, K., Toor, A.S., Singh, P., Singh, H.
Title: Soil carbon pools under poplar-based agroforestry, rice-wheat, and maize-wheat cropping systems in semi-arid India
Journal: Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems
Year: 2012 | Volume: 92 (1) | Pages: 107–118
Citations: 176 -
Singh, P., Singh, G., Sodhi, G.P.S.
Title: Energy auditing and optimization approach for improving energy efficiency of rice cultivation in south-western Punjab, India
Journal: Energy
Year: 2019 | Volume: 174 | Pages: 269–279
Citations: 155 -
Sharma, S., Singh, P., Choudhary, O.P.
Title: Nitrogen and rice straw incorporation impact nitrogen use efficiency, soil nitrogen pools and enzyme activity in rice-wheat system in north-western India
Journal: Field Crops Research
Year: 2021 | Volume: 266 | Article: 108131
Citations: 149 -
Khurana, M.P.S., Singh, P.
Title: Waste water use in crop production: a review
Journal: Resources and Environment
Year: 2012 | Volume: 2 (4) | Pages: 116–131
Citations: 129 -
Singh, P., Benbi, D.K.
Title: Soil organic carbon pool changes in relation to slope position and land-use in Indian lower Himalayas
Journal: Catena
Year: 2018 | Volume: 166 | Pages: 171–180
Citations: 106 -
Sharma, S., Singh, P., Kumar, S.
Title: Responses of soil carbon pools, enzymatic activity, and crop yields to nitrogen and straw incorporation in a rice-wheat cropping system in north-western India
Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
Year: 2020 | Volume: 4 | Article: 203
Citations: 103
Strength for the Distinguished Researcher Award
1. Groundbreaking Research in Soil Health & Fertility
Dr. Pritpal Singh has consistently demonstrated outstanding expertise in soil science, particularly focusing on soil fertility management and nutrient cycling. His innovative work on industrial waste recycling (such as the use of sludge from Coca-Cola bottling plants) for improving soil health and productivity has set new benchmarks in sustainable agriculture. His research addresses crucial issues like soil degradation and the role of micronutrients in enhancing crop productivity, making significant contributions to soil science.
2. Pioneering Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Dr. Singh’s dedication to advancing sustainable farming systems is evident through his extensive research on carbon sequestration, climate-resilient farming, and soil-test-based nutrient management. His pioneering work in promoting sustainable crop residue management and water conservation techniques in India’s rice-wheat cropping systems has directly impacted the environmental sustainability of farming practices, particularly in regions such as Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
3. Impact on National and International Agricultural Practices
Dr. Singh’s collaborative efforts with international organizations and leading academic institutions have made his work influential globally. His research on the rice-wheat system and soil resilience has shaped farming strategies in South Asia, influencing agricultural policy and farm practices to improve food security and sustainability. His contributions have also been instrumental in advancing the understanding of soil organic carbon pools, particularly in agroforestry systems and semi-arid regions.
4. Long-Term Commitment to Agricultural Extension and Outreach
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Pritpal Singh has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and practical applications. His involvement in agricultural extension programs, particularly through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), has been pivotal in disseminating soil science knowledge to farmers. His outreach efforts have led to widespread adoption of modern, sustainable agricultural practices in rural India, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and resilience.
5. Recognition for Academic Excellence & Research Innovation
Dr. Singh’s academic journey has been marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dr. N.S. Randhawa Gold Medal and awards for excellence in agricultural extension. His publication record, including highly cited works in leading journals such as Geoderma and Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, highlights his scholarly influence. His active participation in academic platforms and his impactful research in soil health continue to shape the field of soil science and sustainable agriculture.