The Milestone Presentation at EGU General Assembly 2026

In a proud moment for Indian higher education, Dr. Devansh Desai from Silver Oak University showcased a groundbreaking multi-institutional research paper at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly 2026 in Vienna, Austria. Held from May 3 to 8, this premier global event brought together thousands of earth scientists to discuss pressing issues like climate change, ecosystem dynamics, and sustainable development. Dr. Desai's presentation, titled "Biosphere-Atmosphere Exchanges of Carbon, Water, and Energy in India: Synthesis from Eddy Covariance Measurements for Enabling Socioeconomic Benefits," highlighted as a key highlight in session BG8.3, underscored India's growing role in geoscientific research.

This achievement not only celebrates the innovative work emerging from Silver Oak University's Department of Physics but also signals the university's commitment to fostering high-impact research amid India's rapid urbanization and climate challenges. As one of the youngest institutions in Gujarat to earn NAAC 'A' accreditation, Silver Oak is positioning itself as a hub for satellite agrometeorology and environmental studies.

Dr. Devansh Desai: A Rising Star in Satellite Agrometeorology

Dr. Devansh Desai serves as Head of the Department of Physics and Mathematics at Silver Oak Institute of Science, Silver Oak University in Ahmedabad. With a PhD in the field, his expertise lies in multi-scale modeling of energy and water fluxes using earth observation data. His Google Scholar profile boasts publications on topics like evapotranspiration estimation from geostationary satellites, ground heat flux models, and longwave radiation under foggy skies—critical for understanding land-atmosphere interactions in diverse agro-climatic zones.

Dr. Desai's journey reflects dedication to bridging remote sensing with on-ground applications. From coordinating ISRO's IIRS training programs to leading state-level scientific juries, he has consistently advanced research in satellite agrometeorology. This EGU presentation marks a pinnacle, elevating his profile and Silver Oak's visibility on the global stage.

What Makes the EGU General Assembly Significant?

The EGU General Assembly is the largest earth science conference worldwide, attracting over 18,000 participants annually. Session BG8.3 focused on "From Long-Term Flux Observation and Ecosystem Research Networks to Individual Applications - Benefits to Science and Society," co-sponsored by networks like ICOS. It emphasized translating flux data into actionable insights for policymakers, aligning perfectly with Dr. Desai's work on India's ecosystems.

For Indian researchers, presenting at EGU signifies rigorous peer review and international validation. It opens doors to collaborations with global flux networks like FLUXNET, AmeriFlux, and AsiaFlux, fostering knowledge exchange vital for addressing India's unique challenges like monsoon variability and urban heat islands.

Unpacking the Research: Biosphere-Atmosphere Interactions

The paper synthesizes eddy covariance (EC) flux data from 12 sites across India, spanning croplands, forests, mangroves, and other land covers. Eddy covariance is a micrometeorological technique that directly measures turbulent exchanges of carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor (H2O), and sensible heat between the earth's surface and atmosphere using towers equipped with sonic anemometers and gas analyzers. Step-by-step, it captures high-frequency wind and scalar fluctuations to compute net fluxes, providing ground-truth for satellite models.

This first-of-its-kind systematic review addresses gaps in coordinated EC measurements in India, where heterogeneous landscapes complicate flux estimation. The study reveals spatiotemporal patterns: croplands peak CO2 uptake during the monsoon season, though varying by agro-climatic zones; forests toggle between well-watered and stressed states based on temperature and soil moisture.

Key Findings: Carbon Sequestration and Water Use Efficiency

• Croplands show maximum carbon absorption during monsoon but not uniformly—irrigated areas outperform rainfed ones.
• Mangroves sequester substantial carbon yet are limited by basin salinity, highlighting coastal vulnerability.
• Water-limited ecosystems exhibit the highest water-use efficiency (WUE, ratio of carbon gained to water lost), while irrigated croplands have the lowest.
• Indian tropical/subtropical forests display lower WUE compared to temperate/boreal counterparts globally.

These insights, derived from years of data, enable better calibration of remote sensing products and ecosystem models, crucial for India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. For instance, accurate WUE mapping can optimize irrigation in water-scarce Gujarat, where Silver Oak is located.

The Power of Multi-Institutional Collaboration

Co-authored by 16 experts including Pramit Kumar Deb Burman (lead), GS Bhat, Yogesh Tiwari, and internationals like Ross Morrison and Andrew Turner, the paper exemplifies pan-India and global teamwork. Contributors hail from institutions linked to IndiaFLUX, IITs, ISRO, and flux networks worldwide. Dr. Desai's role underscores Silver Oak's integration into this ecosystem, despite being a private university.

Such collaborations amplify impact: pooling data from sparse towers overcomes individual limitations, yielding robust national-scale synthesis. For young universities like Silver Oak, this boosts credibility and attracts funding.

Implications for India's Climate and Agriculture Policy

India, with 18% of global population but 2.4% land, faces acute pressure on ecosystems. This research informs sustainable land management: e.g., enhancing mangrove restoration for blue carbon credits or tailoring crop varieties for WUE in drought-prone areas. Policymakers can use it for India's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS), targeting net-zero by 2070.

In Gujarat, where agriculture employs 40% workforce, flux insights optimize water allocation amid depleting groundwater. The study bridges science-society gap, enabling socioeconomic benefits like improved yields and resilience.Read the full EGU abstract here.

Silver Oak University's Rise in Research Landscape

Founded in 2019, Silver Oak University has rapidly ascended, earning NAAC 'A' as Gujarat's youngest. Under Dr. Desai's leadership, the Physics Department coordinates ISRO programs and publishes in high-impact journals like Biogeosciences. This EGU feat aligns with India's NEP 2020 push for research-intensive universities.

The university's focus on interdisciplinary programs like satellite agrometeorology equips students for green jobs, reflecting Gujarat's solar and agro ambitions.

Challenges and Opportunities in Indian Flux Research

Despite progress, India has fewer than 50 EC towers versus hundreds in Europe/US. Challenges include maintenance in remote areas and data standardization. Yet, initiatives like IndiaFLUX and MoES funding offer hope. Dr. Desai's work pioneers synthesis, inspiring more sites in underrepresented biomes like Western Ghats.

For students, this opens PhD paths in geosciences; for faculty, grants via DST-SERB. Higher ed institutions must invest in infrastructure to sustain momentum.

Global Recognition and Future Outlook

EGU spotlight positions Dr. Desai for further collaborations, potentially leading to full papers in Nature or GRL. For India, scaling EC networks could refine GHG inventories, vital for COP31 hosting. Silver Oak plans more international tie-ups, mentoring young researchers.

This presentation exemplifies how private universities drive public good research, urging peers to prioritize impactful science over rote metrics.

Photo by Kanchanara on Unsplash

Stakeholder Perspectives and Actionable Insights

• Researchers: Integrate EC data with MODIS/Landsat for hybrid models.
• Policymakers: Use WUE maps for NMSA irrigation planning.
• Educators: Embed flux science in curricula for climate-literate graduates.
• Students: Pursue agrometeorology via ICAR-IARI or IITs.

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