Following are the achievements of the institute:
1. Heavy Metal Status of Soil and Vegetables Grown around Big Cities
The heavy metal analysis (Pb, Ni, Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) of 3000 soil and water samples collected from 9 Divisions of Punjab showed that 79% samples unfit due to Cr, 56% Pb, 32 % Cd and 8 % Ni. Soil and wastewater samples were also unfit in these areas and samples were above safe limits as prescribed by WHO.
2. Effect of Fertilizers on Soil Properties
The result of a long term study (continues since 1978) showed that the crop yield and soil health was improved by the use of chemical fertilizers. No ill effects of chemical fertilizers were observed on soil or plant health.
3. Integrated Use of Organic and Inorganic Sources
Since the cost of chemical fertilizers is very high and it is going beyond the purchasing power of the farmers, therefore it was decided to use organic sources like plant residues, FYM and green manuring along with the chemical fertilizers to reduce the quantity of inorganic sources of plant nutrients. Green manuring with sesbania and guar after wheat saved one bag of urea for rice during 1st year. Whereas wheat straw had accumulative effect after 2-3 years. It was thus recommended that FYM and green manure must be used by the farmers at least after every three years to keep the good soil physical condition and save or reduce the quantity of chemical fertilizers.
4. Fertilizer Use and Environment
The existing fertilizer application rates and irrigation practices do not pose any threat of water contamination. More than 2500 soil and water samples were collected and analyzed from Okara, Sialkot, Chiniot, Hafizabad, Jhang, Multan, Vehari and Sahiwal districts. The results also showed that nitrates move in soil but not beyond four feet depth and also present in ground water but within safe limits of WHO.
5. Effect of Fertilizers on Soil pH
It is generally felt that some fertilizers are alkaline in reaction (like DAP) and may affect the germination of crops and increase the soil pH. The results of studies showed that even very high dose of fertilizer did not affect the germination and the pH of the soil.
6. Effect of Hard Pan on Crop Yield
Hard pan reduced the fertilizers and water use efficiencies which ultimately reduced the crop yield. The results showed that deep ploughing in the area where this problem exists must be done to reap the potential yield of crops.
7. Effect of KCl vs K2SO4 on Soil Health
The KCl is a cheaper source of potassium as compared to K2SO4. But its use is restricted due to its Cl ion which may increase the salinity. The twenty year results of this project indicated that in normal soil KCl may be successfully used. However its use in salt affected soil and for sensitive crops, like potato and tobacco may be avoided.
8. Micronutrient Status of Citrus and Mango Orchards
Micronutrients play a significant role in quality and quantity fruit production. A survey study was conducted at Soil Chemistry Section during 2003-2005 to assess the micronutrient status of soils at Sargodha and Multan districts. This study revealed that total 334 soil samples were taken from citrus orchards of Sargodha and out of these 82 % were deficient in Zn, 62% in B, 17% in Mn, 7% in Fe and 1% in Cu. Similarly, 270 soil samples were taken from mango orchards of Multan and Lodhran districts. Out of these 81% were deficient in Zn and 27% in B.
9. ISO-Accreditation of Soil Chemistry Laboratory
Soil Chemistry Laboratory, Institute of Soil Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, AARI, Faisalabad got International Accreditation for ISO/IEC-17025:2005 regarding testing activities from Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) Islamabad, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan.
10. Establishment of Climate Change Research Center
Value Chain Analysis Survey of 3 cities for crop diversification was successfully completed. Hands on training on “Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer System” (DSSAT) was completed, with original data of own experiment for future forecast. Participated in the development of Climate Risk Assessment Tool for Projects and worked on climate smart agriculture & mitigation technologies.