Bijay Singh obtained BSc (Hons) (Mathematics) from Panjab University, MSc (1972) (Soil Science) from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and PhD (1976) (Soil Science) also from PAU under the supervision of Dr GS Sekhon. He then joined PAU and worked there in the Department of Soils as Assistant Soil Chemist (1976-86), Soil Chemist (1986-94) and Senior Soil Chemist (1994-2006). In 1985, he was Commonwealth Visiting Scientist at the University of Reading, UK and studied interaction effects of soil organic matter and moisture on the rate of denitrification under field situations. In 2006, he was selected as ICAR National Professor to define need-based nitrogen management options in rice and wheat using leaf colour chart, chlorophyll meter and optical sensors. After completing the term of ICAR National Professor in May, 2012, he is continuing his work as INSA Senior Scientist at PAU, Ludhiana.

Academic and Research Achievements: Bijay Singh made pioneering contributions on: enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in rice-wheat cropping systems; fertilizer N related environmental pollution problems; and integrated nutrient management. Research on losses of N from soil-plant system provided basis for enhancing fertilizer N use efficiency, avoiding possible pollution of the environment from fertilizers and helped in formulating more efficient fertilizer management practices for rice and wheat grown in coarse textured soils of north-western India where farmers apply large doses of N fertilizers. His later studies on scheduling fertilizer N to rice, wheat and maize through need-based fertilizer applications using leaf colour chart provided a breakthrough in economizing fertilizer N usage. Strategies for rational use of nitrogen fertilizers in cereals have also been evolved using gadgets like chlorophyll meter (SPAD) and optical sensor. Contributions on basic and applied aspects of integrated management of fertilizers, animal manures, green manures and crop residues provided scientifically sound directions for achieving not only sustainable yields in rice-wheat system but also for maintaining soil fertility for future generations. He developed/handled several research projects funded by different national and international agencies. He has more than 300 publications to his credit including 150 in peer reviewed journals. He also contributed seven chapters in Advances in Agronomy.

Other Contributions: Singh has been on the Editorial boards of the journals  Agricultural Research, Agriculture, Ecosystem and Environment , Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science and Pedosphere..

Awards and Honours: Professor Bijay Singh won Fertilizer Association of India\'s Silver Jubilee Award of Excellence (1984 and 2001), Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Memorial Prize by ICAR (1985), Recognition Award (2000) and Dr NS Randhawa Memorial Award (2008) by the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi and Professor Krishna Sahai Bilgrami Memorial Medal (2009) and Professor Bal Dattatraya Tilak lecture award (2014) by the Indian National Science Academy (2009). He was also elected Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi and Indian Society of Soil Science. In 2008, he was elected Vice Chairman of Commission 3.3 (Soil fertility and Plant Nutrition) of the International Union of Soil Sciences