Kunal Ghosh, PhD, DSc, is Professor & Head in the Department of Agricultural Chemistry & Soil Science. He did his Bachelors in Chemistry and Masters & Doctoral degrees in Agricultural Chemistry & Soil Science followed by a DSc in Chemistry, all from the University of Calcutta. Dr Ghosh research involvement is in various areas of soil chemistry and agricultural chemistry. However, the thrust of his research and his landmark contribution to the subject, has been in the field of soil organic matter. He pioneered work on the chemistry of soil humic acids which culminated in a unified concept of macromolecular structures of humic substances in the environment.. Professor Ghosh established by accurate viscometric, osmometric and surface tension studies that humic substances behave as polyelectrolytes. He derived the mechanisms of surface adsorption phenomena on water, oil and clay minerals. The studies ultimately lead to the development of the macromolecular structures of humic substances. It was established that the configurations of humic substances are not unique; they vary with their environment. With this work, the long standing dispute over sphero-colloid and linear molecule concepts was resolved and the solution structure of humic substances was clearly established, and it became possible to explain and predict the properties of humus on the basis of this structural information

Professor Ghosh’s contribution to the understanding of humus chemistry also includes the elaboration of a detailed pathway of humus formation in soils, both chemically and biologically. He also studied various reactions of humic substances and showed how pH and electrolytes affect free radical concentrations and how reactions with metal ions, caused a change in their valance state. Several new concepts were developed on how humic acids interact with the soil minerals.

Environmental chemistry is another area where Dr Ghosh has been actively involved. He has worked on the effects of deforestation and cultivation on soil properties with extensive field work in Simlipal national Park.

Another area of Dr Ghosh’s research efforts is the development of organic farming technologies.

Doctoral students : Dr Ghosh has guided over twenty students for their doctoral degrees.

Publication :   71                                   Patents : 5

Selected publications :