Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences was established in 2003 by upgrading the former Department of Soil Science to the status of an institute. The Department of Soil Science was established in 1961 when the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad was created from the former Punjab Agricultural College and Research Institute that had been established in 1906 and which had developed a significant record of teaching, research and extension. Prior to 1961, Soil Science operated within the Section of Chemistry and Agricultural Chemistry.

The Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences has an infrastructure, which is at par with the international standard. The institute has well qualified and dedicated teachers. Most of them are Ph.Ds and having experience of working in foreign countries as post-docs/visiting scientists. They have developed good international linkages through different research projects. The research laboratories of the institute are well-equipped with good facilities. The department/institute has, by now, produced about 900 B. Sc. (Hons), 1000 M. Sc. (Hons.) and 45 Ph. D. students. 

The institute is actively engaged in research on different aspects of Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, Soil and Water Chemistry, Saline Agriculture, Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry, Soil Physics and Environmental Sciences. Advisory services to farmers are also rendered upon request. The department/institute by now has completed about 47 research projects. At present, thirteen research projects, funded by different national and international agencies, are in progress. The contribution and dedication of the staff towards research is reflected through the publication of 4 books, 15 book chapters, 10 monographs, 100 tenchical reports and above 700 research papers at foreign and local levels. The dedications of the faculty members have also been recognized by various national organizations, since a number of faculty members have won prestigious national awards (Pride of Performance, Best Scientists in Agriculture and Best Teachers awards etc.).

The Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences is intensively engaged in developing trained human resource base in soil and environmental sciences, conduct basic and applied research in the relevant field, and provide advisory service to farmers, NGOs and the relevant agro-based industry, and impart short term training to farmers and in service agri-personnel pertaining to the technological development and resource management.