by Fran tenBensel Benne | Agronomy and Horticulture
Saurav Das started Sept. 6 as a research assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff.
Das mainly works on soil health, biogeochemistry of carbon and nitrogen in different land-use and management systems, and climate-plant-soil-microbe interactions. His primary focus is benchmarking soil health measurement and management by accounting for regional soil and climatic variability. He also investigates the interaction of plant microbes, especially the molecular mechanisms of symbiotic association for rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms.
Several state and national bodies have recognized his work. Das has collaborated with Bijesh Maharjan, associate professor in agronomy and horticulture at the PHREEC, to develop novel concepts such as the Soil Health Gap and Cropland Reference Ecological Unit. A 2022 congressional memorandum referred to his work on Nebraska producers’ motivation and challenges in adopting soil health management.
Das also works with Mitch Stephenson, associate professor of agronomy and horticulture at the PHREEC, and Aaron Hird, state soil health specialist from the USDA-NRCS.
In a statewide effort, Das is developing an interactive reference soil health map in collaboration with the USDA-NRCS. Once developed, producers can use the decision tool to adjust their soil health management practices based on soil health gaps and goals.
Initially, Das joined the University of Nebraska–Lincoln PHREEC in the summer of 2018 as a visiting scientist. Starting in January 2020, he worked as a postdoc research associate in the Soil Science Program and then started as a research assistant professor in September 2022.
Originally from a small town named Tinsukia, Assam, in the northeastern region of India, Das earned a doctorate in microbiology (soil and water science) in 2017 from Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India. Before coming to Nebraska, he worked as an adjunct faculty in the Department of Microbiology at Sikkim University, Gangtok, India. He was involved with teaching and research in agricultural microbiology and microbial ecology of Himalayan springs.
“Soil and water science has always fascinated me as soil is critical for food production and water is critical for life sustenance,” Das said. “Both soil and water define human health and life.”
Das said he came to Nebraska to learn more about agricultural science.
“Agriculture is one of the major industries in Nebraska, and producers are proactive in implementing modern science and technology in their farms for production,” he said.
Fascinated by this aspect, Das came to Nebraska to work toward understanding and improving the current production system into a more sustainable and soil-smart approach.
“During my research journey, I look forward to collaboration with and participation from the researchers and producers across the state.”
Das said he likes to fish or hike on trails outside of work. In addition, he enjoys watching movies — especially those involving sci-fi and space.
