After completing his education at Punjab Agricultural University, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and earning his Ph.D. in Soil Science from The Ohio State University, he went on to influence agricultural practices across continents.
His groundbreaking work on soil carbon sequestration, conservation tillage, cover cropping, mulching, and agroforestry has revolutionized thinking around sustainable agriculture.
Professor Lal’s research proved that restoring soil health not only boosts crop yields but also mitigates climate change by locking atmospheric carbon into the earth. His 2004 Science paper on soil carbon sequestration remains one of the most cited works in agricultural sciences.
Currently a Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science and the Director of the Rattan Lal Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration at The Ohio State University, he continues to lead global efforts in carbon farming, regenerative agriculture, and climate-resilient food systems.
His influence extends beyond academia—he has advised governments, multilateral agencies, and scientific bodies worldwide.
For his remarkable contributions, Professor Lal has received some of the world’s highest honors, including the World Food Prize (2020), Padma Shri (2021), Japan Prize (2019), Arrell Global Food Innovation Award (2020), Glinka World Soil Prize (2018), and World Agriculture Prize (2018), among many others
Glinka World Soil Prize
2018
World Agriculture Prize
2018
Japan Prize
2019
World Food Prize2020
Arrell Global Food Innovation Award
2020
Padma Shri2021
In recognition of his impact, he has been conferred honorary doctorates by nine universities across the globe and consistently ranked among the most cited and influential scientists in agricultural sciences