Research Director at the Scientific and Technical Research Center for Arid Areas | Algeria
Adil Mihoub is a highly accomplished Research Scientist and currently serves as the Research Director at the Scientific and Technical Research Center for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Algeria. With a Ph.D. in Soil Sciences from the University of Ouargla, his professional career spans over a decade, focusing on sustainable agriculture, soil and water management, and environmental restoration. He has published more than 70 scientific articles, accumulating over 133,000 reads and 700 citations, reflecting the impactful nature of his research. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges agronomy, soil chemistry, machine learning, and geospatial analysis to tackle critical challenges in fragile arid environments.
Professional Profiles
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Education
Adil Mihoub completed his academic journey with a Doctorate in Soil Sciences from University Kasdi Merbah, Ouargla. Prior to this, he obtained his Master of Science degree in Soil Sciences and an Engineer's diploma in Agronomic Sciences with a specialization in Saharian Agriculture. His education was shaped at University Kasdi Merbah, where he also achieved his Baccalaureate in Science. He further pursued his Habilitation in Agricultural Sciences at the University Kasdi Merbah marking his recognition as an expert capable of supervising doctoral research and contributing significant scientific advancements in his domain.
Professional Experience
Adil Mihoub’s professional journey has been predominantly within the Scientific and Technical Research Center for Arid Areas (CRSTRA) in Algeria. He began his career in 2011 as an Engineer at the Institute of Technical Development of Saharan Agriculture (ITDAS), focusing on advancing agricultural practices in desert regions. By 2013, he became a Researcher and Laboratory Manager at CRSTRA, managing key projects related to soil reclamation. He progressively rose to Head of the Research Team in 2018, Associate Professor in 2021, and eventually Research Director in 2024. His roles emphasize leadership in research strategy, project development, and fostering scientific innovations in arid environments.
Research Interest
Dr. Mihoub’s research interests lie in sustainable agriculture and soil fertility enhancement in arid and semi-arid regions. He specializes in soil quality evaluation, land suitability mapping through GIS and machine learning, and soil salinity prediction using remote sensing technologies. A significant focus of his work includes investigating the role of biochar and beneficial microorganisms in improving phosphorus availability and crop productivity. His work advances the management of phosphorus in calcareous soils and develops sustainable fertilization strategies. Through these research pursuits, he addresses challenges related to desertification, food security, and the resilience of agroecosystems to climate change and salinity stress.
Awards and Honor
Throughout his distinguished career, Adil Mihoub has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to agricultural science and environmental management. His extensive publication record reflects the high quality and impact of his research in scientific journals. He is a Review Editor for Frontiers in Plant Science and collaborates with international institutions such as COMSATS University Islamabad and the University of Ferrara. His work has been cited extensively, contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable soil and water management practices in fragile ecological regions.
Research Skill
Dr. Mihoub demonstrates a diverse set of research skills critical for addressing contemporary agricultural challenges. His expertise includes experimental research design, advanced data analysis, and project management. He is proficient in the use of GIS applications for land suitability analysis and soil salinity mapping, as well as statistical software for environmental data interpretation. His ability to integrate remote sensing with machine learning techniques allows for innovative solutions in predicting soil properties. Furthermore, he has hands-on experience in laboratory methods for soil and plant nutrient analysis, and expertise in developing biochar-based fertilization strategies and assessing the role of microorganisms in improving soil health.
Publications
Adil Mihoub has authored over 70 scientific publications, with 52 indexed in Scopus. His work appears in respected journals such as Frontiers in Plant Science, Soil Use and Management, Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, and Scientific Reports. His research addresses soil fertility, phosphorus management, biochar applications, and the impact of organic amendments on crop productivity. Notable publications include studies on the use of low molecular weight organic acids to improve phosphorus availability, the development of land suitability models for cereals using GIS, and the effect of microbial inoculants on soil health under salinity stress. His prolific output demonstrates a consistent focus on applied agricultural solutions.
Jamal, A., Saeed, M. F., Mihoub, A., Hopkins, B. G., Ahmad, I., & Naeem, A. (2023). Integrated use of phosphorus fertilizer and farmyard manure improves wheat productivity by improving soil quality and P availability in calcareous soil under subhumid conditions. Frontiers in Plant Science, 14, 1034421.
Mihoub, A., Amin, A. E. E. A. Z., Motaghian, H. R., Saeed, M. F., & Naeem, A. (2022). Citric acid (CA)–modified biochar improved available phosphorus concentration and its half-life in a P-fertilized calcareous sandy soil. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 22(1), 465–474.
Amin, A. E. E. A. Z., & Mihoub, A. (2021). Effect of sulfur-enriched biochar in combination with sulfur-oxidizing bacterium (Thiobacillus Spp.) on release and distribution of phosphorus in high calcareous P-fixing soils. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition.
Ahmad, I., Munsif, F., Mihoub, A., Jamal, A., Saeed, M. F., Babar, S., & Fawad, M. (2022). Beneficial effect of melatonin on growth and chlorophyll content in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown under salt stress conditions. Gesunde Pflanzen, 74(4), 997–1009.
Mihoub, A., Daddi Bouhoun, M., Naeem, A., & Saker, M. L. (2017). Low-molecular weight organic acids improve plant availability of phosphorus in different textured calcareous soils. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 63(7), 1023–1034.
Conclusion
Dr. Adil Mihoub has established himself as a leading researcher in soil science and sustainable agriculture. His multifaceted expertise bridges agronomy, machine learning, geospatial analysis, and environmental chemistry. With a strong publication record and a broad range of research projects, he has significantly contributed to combating desertification and enhancing the resilience of agroecosystems in arid regions. As Research Director at CRSTRA, his leadership continues to drive innovative solutions for soil quality improvement and resource-efficient farming practices. His work not only supports scientific advancement but also promotes practical approaches to ensuring food security in fragile environments.