Senior Scientist (Soil Science)

Ph.D. in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry 1995 Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi .

M.Sc. (Ag) in SSAC 1989 and  B.Sc (Ag) 1987 Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi; 

Area of Work 

Soil Chemistry; Cropping/ farming system research in coconut; Integrated Nutrient Management for sustainable crop production; Organic farming; Training the Research and Extension workers

Salient Research Achievements/works

During my Ph.D, I worked on the effect of N-K-Zn interaction in wheat-moong-maize cropping system. Further, in the field of integrated nutrient management of palms (Coconut & Arecanut), it was found that 50 % substitution of inorganics by composted coir pith gave highest economic returns with beneficial effect on soil and plant health. Experience in on farm waste composting of coconut gave best results with chemical treatment. Potassium and sulphur adsorption studies in different coconut growing soils. Geospatial variability of available nutrient pool in different cropping systems. Mobility of the P and K in soil has been worked out in fertigation experiment. Integrated nutrient management in coconut based cropping / farming system involving on farm waste recycling and chemical inputs.

In grapes, improving water use efficiency through the use of mulch and antitranspirant like Antistress have led to saving of 20-25 % irrigation water in grafted vines.  Work on rootstock like Dogridge and B-2/56 revealed > 25 % saving in irrigation water compared to own rooted vines. Subsurface irrigation in grafted vines could save 20-25 % irrigation water.  Studies on fertigation showed that 40 % of recommended fertilizer level is sufficient for higher yield and quality of vines.  Studies have been initiated on K- water interaction and on integrated nutrient management in grapes.

Established National Referral Laboratory in the Centre for monitoring pesticide residues in grapes for export to European Union.  Involved in planning and execution of the project nationally.

Publications

Email 

ajayk_upadhyay@yahoo.com

Phone: 020-2691-4245 / 5573 / 5574 (O)

Postal Address 

National Research Centre for Grapes, P.B. No. 3, Manjri Farm Post, Solapur Road, Pune - 412 307, Maharashtra, India.