Dr. Baljit Singh is currently serving as Principal Scientist (Soil Conservation) at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. With over 25 years of research experience, he specializes in soil fertility, soil chemistry, and agroforestry. He holds a Ph.D. in Soils from PAU Ludhiana and has contributed significantly to the understanding of nutrient dynamics, carbon sequestration, and tree-crop interactions in agroforestry systems. Dr. Singh has played a key role in developing suitable agroforestry models and nutrient management strategies tailored to Punjab’s agroclimatic conditions. His work on phytoextraction, soil micronutrient dynamics, and productivity under tree-based systems is widely published in reputed journals. He has been actively involved in national-level projects, including the integrated development of Jatropha and conservation of sandalwood (Santalum album). He has received several accolades including the Best AICRP-AF Award (2013, 2017) and the prestigious ISAF Gold Medal (2023). Dr. Singh continues to mentor young researchers and contributes to sustainable land-use strategies that integrate ecological and economic benefits.

Research Interests: 

1. Tree crop interaction studies
2. Nutrient management in agroforestry systems
3. Nutrient dynamics and carbon sequestration in tree based agroecosystems

Projects accomplished: 

1. Development of suitable agroforestry models of tree-crop combination of different tree species in Punjab
2. Development of package of cultural practices for Jatropha
3. National network on Integrated development of Jatropha

Ongoing Projects:

Conservation, improvement, management and promotion of sandalwood (Santalum album) cultivation in India

Selected Research Publications (maximum up to 5):

1. Singh J, Singh B and Sharma S (2021) Comparison of soil carbon and nitrogen pools among poplar and eucalyptus based agroforestry systems in Punjab, India. Carbon Management 12 (6): 693-708. (NAAS Rating 9.18)
2. Singh B, Kaur B and Singh D (2020) Assessment of different multipurpose tree species for phytoextraction of lead from lead-contaminated soils. Bioremediation Journal 24 (4): 215-230 (NAAS Rating 7.72)
3. Kaur R, Singh B and Dhaliwal SS (2020) Dynamics of soil cationic micronutrients in a chronosequence of poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.)-based agroforestry system in India. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 20 (4): 2025-2041 (NAAS Rating 9.87)
4. Gill RIS, Singh B and Kaur N (2009) Productivity and nutrient uptake of newly released wheat varieties at different sowing times under poplar plantation in north-western India. Agroforestry Systems 76 (3): 579-590. (NAAS rating = 8.55)
5. Singh B and Sharma K N (2007) Tree growth and nutrient status of soil in a poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.)-based agroforestry system in Punjab, India. Agroforestry Systems 70: 125-34. (NAAS rating = 8.55)

Awards/Honours/Distinctions:

Best AICRP-AF Award 2013 and 2017

ISAF Gold Medal 2023