Ananthakumar | Earth Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ananthakumar | Earth Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University Of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India

Author Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ananthakumar M.A. embarked on his academic journey in the field of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry with an enduring passion for agricultural sustainability and soil health. He obtained his Master’s degree from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, during 2002-03, where he built a strong foundation in soil management, agronomy, and land resource utilization. Recognizing the need for advanced scientific research, he pursued a Ph.D. from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, completed in 2010-11. His early academic pursuits reflect a deep commitment to understanding the interplay between soil chemistry, water technology 💧, and crop productivity 🌾, which laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in agricultural research and geospatial technologies 🛰️.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ananthakumar’s professional career spans over two decades, encompassing various significant roles in both governmental institutions and academic settings. His initial tenure at the Central Coffee Research Institute, Coffee Board, for six years, exposed him to practical research in plantation crop management and soil fertility. Subsequently, he served as an Assistant Soil Survey Officer at the Soil and Land Use Survey of India for three years, gaining hands-on experience in land resource assessment 🗺️ and geospatial mapping.

Since then, he has been contributing to academia, having served as Assistant Professor for 12 years and presently as an Associate Professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, for the past 3 years. His affiliation with the Water Technology Centre, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya, positions him strategically to address the challenges in soil and water resource management in Karnataka and beyond.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ananthakumar’s research portfolio reflects an impressive blend of innovation, applied science, and policy-oriented studies. His key areas of research include:

  • Geospatial Applications 🌐

  • Micro Irrigation Management 💦

  • Precise Water and Nutrient Management

  • Problematic Soil Management 🧪

  • Smart Irrigation Systems

  • AI and ML Applications in Soil Resource Management 🤖

He has led and participated in multiple externally funded research projects, with significant contributions in soil health, land inventory, and water-saving irrigation techniques. Notable projects include:

  • Ongoing Projects:

    • Monitoring the effect of one-time controlled land application of distillery spentwash – focusing on sustainable industrial waste disposal.

    • Strengthening of Water Technology Center – promoting applied research on soil and water management.

  • Completed Projects:

    • Land Resources Inventory & Digital Library Portal – funded by the World Bank 🌍, enabling decision-support systems for efficient land use.

    • Natural Farming 🌿 – aligning traditional practices with modern sustainability approaches.

    • Remote Sensing and GIS for Land Resource Inventory – promoting digital transformation in resource planning.

    • Simulation Modeling for Cropping System Design – addressing climate change impacts through data-driven planning.

His 33+ research publications span high-impact journals such as Land, Plant Archives, Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, and International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, among others. His Google Scholar profile shows growing influence, with 18 citations, while his ORCID and Web of Science IDs reflect strong academic visibility 📊.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ananthakumar has earned recognition through academic and professional platforms. He has been appointed for editorial responsibilities with the Journal of Farm Sciences and is actively involved in open peer review management. His collaborations with the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning further establish his role as a national resource person in soil resource studies.

As a life member of prestigious scientific societies including:

  • Indian Science Congress

  • Indian Society of Agronomy

  • Journal of Soil Biology and Ecology

  • Journal of Plantation Crops

  • Indian Society of Soil Science

—he actively contributes to scientific discourse and development of soil and water conservation strategies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Ananthakumar’s research has real-world impact, especially in Karnataka’s agricultural ecosystem, where water scarcity and soil degradation are pressing concerns. His work on micro-irrigation in paddy 🌾 and subsurface drip fertigation in sugarcane 🍬 showcases practical solutions to reduce water usage and enhance soil longevity. The fertigation scheduling for corn 🌽 and crop planning under climatic uncertainty exemplify his commitment to climate-smart agriculture.

He has guided one Ph.D. and six Master students as Chairman, and mentored over 10 postgraduates as a committee member—helping to cultivate the next generation of agricultural scientists 👩‍🔬👨‍🔬.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a thought leader in soil and water sciences, Dr. Ananthakumar is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture through technological integration, digital land inventory systems, and AI-based solutions. His long-standing efforts in knowledge dissemination, capacity building, and scientific mentoring contribute significantly to agricultural policy frameworks in India.

Going forward, his work is expected to influence precision agriculture practices, development of AI/ML-powered decision support systems 🤖🛰️, and data-driven natural resource management. His vision is aligned with India’s agricultural transformation goals, especially under the changing climatic conditions 🌦️

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Assessment of Soil Quality Indicators of Channegowdarapalya Micro-watershed
    Authors: M Harsha, A Sathish, MA Ananthakumar
    Journal: Journal of the Indian society of soil science
    Year: 2021.

  • Title: Impact of Large Scale Demonstration on Productivity and Profitability of Blackgram Under Rainfed Conditions

    Authors: CM Sunil, C Hanagi, B Manjunath, DB Gayathri, MA Ananthakumar

    Journal: Legume Research- an international journal

    Year: 2023

  • Title: Comparison of natural farming with organic and conventional farming practices in green gram-paddy cropping system
    Authors: S Malakannavar, MA Ananthakumar, MT Sanjay, KS Divyashree,

    Journal: Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
    Year: 2024.

  • Title: Influence of row spacing and organic nutrient management practices on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of chia (Salvia hispanica)
    Authors: P KM, Y SB, F PS, AK MA

    Journal: The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
    Year: 2024.

  • Title: Effect of Drip Fertigation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Ratoon Sugarcane
    Authors:  NN Annappa, MA Ananthakumar, MN Thimmegowda, GG Kadalli

    Journal: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

    Year: 2023.

Paulami Sahu | Hydrogeology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Paulami Sahu - Hydrogeology - Women Researcher Award 🏆

Central University of Gujarat - India

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

She embarked on her academic journey with a profound passion for geology, which led her to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Geology from Presidency College, Kolkata, West Bengal. Her academic excellence was evident from the outset, culminating in her securing the prestigious Gold Medal for achieving First Class First position in her Master's degree in Geology from the University of Calcutta. This early recognition fueled her aspirations, motivating her to delve deeper into the field of hydrogeology.

Professional Endeavors

Armed with a solid educational foundation, she ventured into the realm of hydrogeology, where her academic prowess found its true expression. She pursued her Ph.D. in hydrogeology from the University of Calcutta, a journey marked by rigorous research and scholarly inquiry. Following her doctoral studies, she further honed her expertise through a Post-Doctoral research stint as a DST Woman Scientist, where she made significant contributions to the field.

Contributions and Research Focus in Hydrogeology

Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to advancing our understanding of hydrogeology. Her research endeavors encompass a wide array of topics, including groundwater modeling, groundwater management, and the integration of GIS and remote sensing in hydrogeological studies. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she has delved into the complexities of groundwater dynamics, shedding light on critical issues such as resource sustainability and contamination mitigation.

Accolades and Recognition

Her contributions to hydrogeology have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous accolades and recognition she has received over the years. From prestigious awards such as the Order of Merit and Gold Medal from the University of Calcutta to commendations for her research papers and technical contributions, her accolades underscore the impact of her work on the scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Her research has had a tangible impact on both academia and society at large. By unraveling the intricacies of groundwater systems and developing innovative solutions for their management, she has helped pave the way for sustainable resource utilization and environmental stewardship. Her work serves as a blueprint for future generations of hydrogeologists, inspiring them to tackle pressing water challenges with diligence and innovation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As She continues her journey in hydrogeology, her legacy is defined not only by her individual achievements but also by the knowledge and inspiration she imparts to others. Through her mentorship of students and her leadership in academic and research initiatives, she is shaping the next generation of hydrogeologists and fostering a culture of scientific inquiry and excellence. Looking ahead, her future contributions hold the promise of further pushing the boundaries of hydrogeological research and addressing the evolving challenges of water management and conservation.

In conclusion, her journey in hydrogeology is a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication, and scholarly pursuit. From her early academic pursuits to her current role as an esteemed Assistant Professor, she has left an indelible mark on the field, enriching our understanding of groundwater dynamics and charting a course towards a more sustainable future.

Citations

  • Citations               965
  • h-index                  12
  • i10-index               15

Notable Publications