Agricultural Soil Sustainability and Carbon Management

Ms. Sunita Kumari Meena - is an accomplished professional serving as an Assistant Professor at RPCAU (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University) in Pusa, Bihar. With her expertise in the field of agriculture, she has made significant contributions to research and education, particularly in the areas of crop science and agricultural extension.As an Assistant Professor, Ms. Sunita Kumari Meena actively engages in teaching, mentoring, and guiding students pursuing agricultural studies. Her dedication to imparting knowledge and fostering a strong understanding of crop science among her students is commendable. She utilizes innovative teaching methods and practical demonstrations to ensure that students grasp concepts effectively.In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Meena is actively involved in research activities at RPCAU. Her research primarily focuses on crop improvement, agronomy, and sustainable farming practices. She conducts field trials, experiments, and data analysis to explore novel techniques for enhancing crop productivity, improving agricultural practices, and mitigating challenges faced by farmers.Ademir de Oliveira Ferreira, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor at Federal Rural University of Pernambuco-UFRPE. He has received a Certificate of Outstanding Contribution as Reviewer, Ecological Indicators (2016, 2017, 2018) and Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment (2017); 'World's Top Peer Reviewers' for Environment/ Ecology - 'Peer Review Awards 2018'; Maria Menezes Research Award (Agricultural Sciences), UFRPE (2018). He has authored/co-authored 59 refereed journal articles and 14 book chapters. He has experience in the field of Agronomy, with emphasis in Management and Soil Conservation, working in no-tillage (NT) systems. His research programs include Mechanisms of C-protection in NT soils; Carbon sequestration potential under NT soils; and Soil fertility management Dr. Vijay Singh Meena has made remarkable contributions in the field of agricultural research, aligning his efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Particularly, his work focuses on evaluating and promoting climate-resilient technologies for diverse cropping systems, directly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). His expertise lies in optimizing input usage, fostering carbon-neutral farming practices, and enhancing productivity and profitability in agriculture, which are integral to achieving SDG 2 by ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, his initiatives in evaluating climate-resilient technologies align with SDG 13 by addressing climate change impacts and promoting adaptation measures in agriculture.Dr. Meena's academic background in Soil Science and Cropping System Management, coupled with his extensive research experience, has equipped him with a profound understanding of cropping systems. His expertise in input optimization, quantitative cropping systems analysis, and soil health management has significantly contributed to improving livelihoods in South Asia, thus supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2. Furthermore, Dr. Meena has been recognized for his scientific excellence, receiving prestigious awards such as the INSA Young Scientist Award and the IASWC Budding Scientist Award, which further highlights his contributions towards achieving the SDGs. In summary, Dr. Vijay Singh Meena's outstanding achievements, leadership abilities, and commitment to agricultural innovation directly contribute to advancing the SDGs, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), and make him a valuable asset in promoting climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.Amitava Rakshit, an IIT-Kharagpur alumnus, is presently Professor at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. Dr. Rakshit worked in the Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal in administration and extension roles. He has visited Scandinavia, Europe, Africa, UAE, and Bangladesh pertaining to his research work and presentation. He was awarded with TWAS Nxt Fellow (Italy), Biovision Nxt Fellow (France), Darwin Now Bursary (British Council, UK), Young achiever award, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute award, and Best Teacher’s Award at UG and PG level by BHU-ICAR, state level by Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and national level by All India Agricultural Students Association in 2009, 2012, 2018, and 2019, respectively. Currently, he is presently the Chief Editor of the International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology (NAAS: 4.91). He is serving as review college member of the British Ecological Society, London since 2011, member of Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition of FAO, Rome, and Commission on Ecosystem Management of IUCN. He has published extensively, including research papers, book chapters and editing books for multiple reputable publishers. Rajendra Shrestha is a Professor of land resources management in the Department of Development and Sustainability of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand. His major research interests are in understanding human dimension of land use change in relation to land degradation and land management, and understanding the interrelations between land use, climate, food security for sustainable development. He also serves as editorial board of number of journals, steering committee member of IGU commissions, APRD/ANSO, and provides consulting to governments in the area of land degradation and sustainable land management. He has served as the councillor of World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, co-chair of Alliance of Belt and Road Environmental Deans, and the Dean of SERD, AIT. Ch. Srinivasa Rao is the Director, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. Previously he has served as a Scientist, Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, Senior Scientist, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur and Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad; Principal Scientist and Project Coordinator, All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture, Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad (CRIDA), Hyderabad; Deputation to International Crop Research Institute for Semi Arid Tropics, Patancheru; Director, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad. Kadambot H.M. Siddique works in the Centre for Legumes in Mediterr at University of Western Australia in Crawley, Australia.

• 1. Global carbon cycle and methods estimating soil carbon: General concepts2. Crop management practices and carbon sequestration3. Soil management carbon sustainability4. Long term effects of intensive biomass harvesting and compaction of soil ecosystem5. Driving factors of soil organic carbon fractions6. Conservation agriculture and soil health7. Comparative assessment of soil health indicators in response to land use systems8. Soil management of salt affected soils9. Soil carbon dynamics in different cropping systems10. Impact of land use management on carbon sequestration11. Importance of modeling in long-term experiments12. Agroforestry for carbon sequestration13. Cropping system intensification and carbon management14. Soil sustainability of cereal-pulses-cereal cropping system15. Importance of microorganisms in regulating soil health16. Climate Adaptation and Conservation Agriculture17. Climate change and soil microbes18. Long-term field experiments and soil health19. Organic Application to Degraded soil system20. Socio-economic aspects in soil management