Mohammad Reza Pahlavan Rad | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohammad Reza Pahlavan Rad | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Research Education And Extension Organization (AREEO), Iran

Dr. Mohammad Reza Pahlavan-Rad is an Associate Professor at the Soil and Water Research Department of AREEO, Gorgan, Iran. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, with a specialization in digital soil mapping, soil salinity, and machine learning applications in soil science.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources (2014)
    Thesis: Mapping and Updating Soil Map Using Random Forest and Multinomial Logistic Regression

  • M.S. in Soil Science, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources (2006)
    Thesis: Effects of Irrigation Systems on Soil Moisture, Salinity, and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat

  • B.S. in Soil Science, Guilan University (1998)

👨‍🏫 Academic Positions:

  • Associate Professor, Dept. of Soil Science (2023–Present)

  • Assistant Professor, Dept. of Soil Science (2014–2023)

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Pahlavan-Rad’s work specializes in digital soil mapping, soil salinity modeling, soil texture and organic carbon prediction, and application of machine learning (e.g., Random Forest, MLR) in soil science. His regional expertise includes arid and floodplain landscapes in Iran and collaborative research in Europe, particularly the Czech Republic.

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 1,132

  • Citations Since 2020: 833

  • h-index: 13 (since 2020: 12)

  • i10-index: 15 (since 2020: 14)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Updating Soil Survey Maps Using Random Forest and Conditioned Latin Hypercube Sampling in the Loess Derived Soils of Northern Iran
    Geoderma, 232, 97–106. (2014)

  • Development and Analysis of the Soil Water Infiltration Global Database
    Earth System Science Data, 10(3), 1237–1263. (2018)

  • Response of Wheat Plants to Zinc, Iron, and Manganese Applications and Uptake and Concentration of Zinc, Iron, and Manganese in Wheat Grains
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 40(7–8), 1322–1332. (2009)

  • Spatial Variability of Soil Texture Fractions and pH in a Flood Plain (Case Study from Eastern Iran)
    Catena, 160, 275–281. (2018)

  • Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Predict the Final Fruit Weight and Random Forest to Select Important Variables in Native Population of Melon (Cucumis melo L.)
    Scientia Horticulturae, 181, 108–112. (2015)

  • Prediction of Soil Water Infiltration Using Multiple Linear Regression and Random Forest in a Dry Flood Plain, Eastern Iran
    Catena, 194, 104715. (2020)

  • Legacy Soil Maps as a Covariate in Digital Soil Mapping: A Case Study from Northern Iran
    Geoderma, 279, 141–148. (2016)

  • Predicting Regional Spatial Distribution of Soil Texture in Floodplains Using Remote Sensing Data: A Case of Southeastern Iran
    Catena, 182, 104149. (2019)

  • Predicting Soil Organic Carbon Concentrations in a Low Relief Landscape, Eastern Iran
    Geoderma Regional, 15, e00195. (2018)

  • Digital Soil Mapping of Deltaic Soils: A Case of Study from Hirmand (Helmand) River Delta
    Geoderma, 313, 233–240. (2018)

  • Effects of Potassium Rates and Irrigation Regimes on Yield of Forage Sorghum in Arid Regions
    International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research, 6(4), 207–212. (2015)

  • Digital Soil Mapping Using Random Forest Model in Golestan Province
    Journal of Water and Soil Conservation, 21(6), 73–93. (2015)

  • Prediction of Soil Properties Using Random Forest with Sparse Data in a Semi-Active Volcanic Mountain
    Eurasian Soil Science, 53(9), 1222–1233. (2020)

  • Effects of Application of Zn, Fe and Mn on Yield, Yield Component, Nutrient Concentration and Uptake in Wheat Grain
    Pajouhesh & Sazandegi, 79, 142–150. (2008)

  • Nutrient Uptake, Soil and Plant Nutrient Contents, and Yield Components of Wheat Plants Under Different Planting Systems and Various Irrigation Frequencies
    Journal of Plant Nutrition, 34(8), 1133–1143. (2011)

  • Application of Generalized Additive Model and Classification and Regression Tree to Estimate Potential Habitat Distribution of Range Plant Species (Case Study: Khazri …)
    Iranian Journal of Range and Desert Research, 27(3), 561–576. (2020)

  • Application of Random Forest Method for Predicting Soil Classes in Low Relief Lands (Case Study: Hirmand County)
    Journal of Water and Soil Conservation, 24(1), 67–84. (2017)

  • Spatial Prediction of WRB Soil Classes in an Arid Floodplain Using Multinomial Logistic Regression and Random Forest Models, South-East of Iran
    Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13, 1–11. (2020)

  • Digital Soil Mapping of Soil Classes in Floodplain and Low Relief Lands (Case Study: Hirmand County)
    Journal of Water and Soil Resources Conservation, 9(4), 107–120. (2020)

  • Digital Soil Mapping Using Machine Learning-Based Methods to Predict Soil Organic Carbon in Two Different Districts in the Czech Republic
    Soil & Water Research, 19(1). (2024)

  • Predicting Spatial Variability of Soil Salinity and Clay Content Using Geostatistics and Artificial Neural Networks Methods (Short Technical Report)
    Journal of Soil Management and Sustainable Production, 6(1), 247–254. (2016)

  • Responses of Wheat Plants in Terms of Soil Water Content, Bulk Density, Salinity, and Root Growth Under Different Planting Systems and Various Irrigation Frequencies
    Journal of Plant Nutrition, 33(6), 874–888. (2010)

  • Digital Modeling of Surface and Subsurface Soil Salinity in Golestan Province, Iran
    Geoderma Regional, 37, e00800. (2024)

  • Modeling Wheat Yield Using Some Soil Properties at the Field Scale (Case Study: Sistan Dam Research Farm, University of Zabol)
    Agricultural Engineering, 44(1), 81–95. (2021)

  • Preparation of Three-Dimensional Maps of Soil Particle Size Fractions by Combining Quantile Regression Forest Algorithm and Spline Depth Function in Golestan Province
    Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 55(1), 51–68. (2024)

 

Manoj Shrivastava | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr Manoj Shrivastava |  Soil Fertility |  Best Researcher Award

Principal Scientist at  ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute,  India

Dr. Shrivastava has over 25 years of experience in agricultural research, specializing in soil physics, soil fertility, soil microbiology, climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and system sustainability. He has collaborated with diverse stakeholders across government, international agencies, and NGOs, and has made significant contributions to research, training, and policy development in environmental soil science and plant nutrition.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry (Soil Biochemistry & Microbiology) – University of Mumbai, India (2008)
  • Postdoctoral at University of Texas at El Paso (2022) and University of South Australia (2010-11).
  • M.Sc. in Soil Science – G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India (1994)

Professional Experience:

  • Principal Scientist (2016-present) – ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
  • Senior Scientist (2013-2016) – ICAR-IARI
  • Scientific Officer (1999-2013) – Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai

Key Achievements:

  • Publications: Co-authored over 85 peer-reviewed research articles, edited 2 books, and holds 3 patents in agriculture and soil science.
  • Awards & Fellowships:
    • Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship (2021)
    • Cleanup Conference Fellowship, Australia (2019)
    • Best Researcher in Environmental Science by IARD (2020)
    • Excellence in Research Award by SVWS (2017)
    • Distinguished Scientist (Soil Science) by Venus International Foundation (2016)
  • Notable Research:
    • Developed a multinutrient soil extractant (Indian Patent No. 358936).
    • Created high-efficiency P and Zn fertilizers for climate-smart agriculture.
    • Bioremediation studies on heavy metals like Cd, Ni, Pb, and arsenic.

Research & Project Leadership:

Dr. Shrivastava has led or contributed to numerous large-scale projects, including:

  1. Climate Adaptation & Mitigation: Co-PI for adaptation-mitigation strategies for climate change, funded by ICAR (2021-2026).
  2. Soil Health & Pollution Mitigation: PI for projects on biogas bioslurry utilization and fly ash usage in agriculture.
  3. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Co-PI on ICAR-funded projects assessing agricultural impacts on air pollution and emissions (2014-2021).

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 2,084 (1,778 since 2019)
  • h-index: 21 (20 since 2019)
  • i10-index: 38 (34 since 2019)

Publication Top Notes

  • Hazardous heavy metals contamination of vegetables and food chain: Role of sustainable remediation approaches-A review
    S Kumar, S Prasad, KK Yadav, M Shrivastava, N Gupta, S Nagar, …
    Environmental Research, 179, 108792 (452 citations, 2019)
  • Environmental applications of chitosan and its derivatives
    SK Yong, M Shrivastava, P Srivastava, A Kunhikrishnan, N Bolan
    Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 233, 1-43 (131 citations, 2015)
  • KSM soil diversity and mineral solubilization, in relation to crop production and molecular mechanism
    M Shrivastava, PC Srivastava, SF D’souza
    Potassium Solubilizing Microorganisms for Sustainable Agriculture, 221-234 (94 citations, 2016)
  • Arsenic toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is influenced by sulfur supply: impact on the expression of transporters and thiol metabolism
    S Srivastava, JJ Akkarakaran, S Sounderajan, M Shrivastava, …
    Geoderma, 270, 33-42 (90 citations, 2016)
  • Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on growth and biochemical responses of wheat and maize
    A Srivastav, D Ganjewala, RK Singhal, VD Rajput, T Minkina, …
    Plants, 10 (12), 2556 (89 citations, 2021)
  • Phosphate-solubilizing microbes: diversity and phosphate solubilization mechanism
    M Shrivastava, PC Srivastava, SF D’souza
    Role of Rhizospheric Microbes in Soil: Volume 2: Nutrient Management and … (86 citations, 2018)
  • Utilisation of agro-industrial waste for sustainable green production: a review
    R Singh, R Das, S Sangwan, B Rohatgi, R Khanam, SKPG Peera, S Das, …
    Environmental Sustainability, 4 (4), 619-636 (78 citations, 2021)
  • Monitoring of engineered nanoparticles in soil-plant system: A review
    M Shrivastava, A Srivastav, S Gandhi, S Rao, A Roychoudhury, A Kumar, …
    Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 11, 100218 (71 citations, 2019)
  • Circular economy fertilization: Phycoremediated algal biomass as biofertilizers for sustainable crop production
    GK Sharma, SA Khan, M Shrivastava, R Bhattacharyya, A Sharma, …
    Journal of Environmental Management, 287, 112295 (67 citations, 2021)
  • Conservation agriculture had a strong impact on the sub-surface soil strength and root growth in wheat after a 7-year transition period
    S Mondal, D Chakraborty, TK Das, M Shrivastava, AK Mishra, …
    Soil & Tillage Research (63 citations, 2019)
  • Phytofiltration of arsenic from simulated contaminated water using Hydrilla verticillata in field conditions
    S Srivastava, M Shrivastava, P Suprasanna, SF D’souza
    Ecological Engineering, 37 (11), 1937-1941 (60 citations, 2011)
  • Protein for human consumption from oilseed cakes: A review
    R Singh, S Langyan, S Sangwan, B Rohtagi, A Khandelwal, …
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 101 (55 citations, 2022)
  • Bioremediation potential of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) for decontamination of cadmium in soil
    D Salaskar, M Shrivastava, SP Kale
    Current Science, 1359-1363 (51 citations, 2011)
  • Heavy metal hyperaccumulator plants: the resource to understand the extreme adaptations of plants towards heavy metals
    M Shrivastava, A Khandelwal, S Srivastava
    Plant-metal Interactions, 79-97 (39 citations, 2019)
  • Rock phosphate enriched post-methanation bio-sludge from kitchen waste based biogas plant as P source for mungbean and its effect on rhizosphere phosphatase activity
    M Shrivastava, SP Kale, SF D’Souza
    European Journal of Soil Biology, 47 (3), 205-212 (39 citations, 2011)
  • Production of biofuels options by contribution of effective and suitable enzymes: Technological developments and challenges
    R Singh, S Langyan, B Rohtagi, S Darjee, A Khandelwal, M Shrivastava, …
    Materials Science for Energy Technologies, 5, 294-310 (29 citations, 2022)
  • Integrated nutrient management reduced the nutrient losses and increased crop yield in irrigated wheat
    S Darjee, M Shrivastava, S Langyan, G Singh, R Pandey, A Sharma, …
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 69 (8), 1298-1309 (28 citations, 2023)
  • Effect of integrated and balanced nutrient application on soil fertility, yield and quality of Basmati rice
    P Srivastava, PC Srivastava, US Singh, M Shrivastava
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 55 (3), 265-284 (28 citations, 2009)
  • Survival of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria against DNA damaging agents
    M Shrivastava, YS Rajpurohit, HS Misra, SF D’Souza
    Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 56 (10), 822-830 (24 citations, 2010)
  • Zinc-and magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles modified with urea as smart nitrogen fertilizers
    B Sharma, M Shrivastava, LOB Afonso, U Soni, DM Cahill
    ACS Applied Nano Materials, 5 (5), 7288-7299 (23 citations, 2022)

 

Yogendra ND | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Yogendra ND |  Soil Science |  Best Researcher Award

Sr Scientist at  CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, India   

Dr. Yogendra N.D. is a Senior Scientist specializing in Agronomy and Soil Science at the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) Research Centre in Bengaluru, India. Born on June 22, 1986, he has made significant contributions to agricultural research, particularly in the area of medicinal and aromatic crops.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background

  • B.Sc. (Ag.) in Agriculture (2008) – UAS, Bengaluru (70.10%)
  • M.Sc. (Ag.) in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry (2010) – UAS, Bengaluru (86.20%)
  • Ph.D. in Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry (2015) – UAS, Bengaluru
    • Thesis: “Effect of seaweed liquid extract (SLE) on growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of wetland rice (Oryza sativa L.)”
    • Guide: Dr. P. K. Basavaja

🧑‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Senior Research Fellow – UAS, Bengaluru (Feb 2011 – Jun 2011)
  • Research Associate – AICRP on STCR, UAS, Bengaluru (Jul 2011 – Sep 2011)
  • Senior Research Fellow – AICRP on STCR, UAS, Bengaluru (Jun 2014 – Jun 2015)
  • Research Associate – UAHS, Shivamogga (Jul 2015 – May 2016)
  • Scientist – CSIR-CIMAP, Bengaluru (May 2016 – May 2021)
  • Senior Scientist – CSIR-CIMAP, Bengaluru (May 2021 – Present)

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

  • Best Overall Image (2013) – IPNI
  • Photo Contest – Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiencies (2014) – BC Fertilis
  • 2nd Prize in the Nitrogen Category (2015) – IPNI

📊 Citation Metrics

  • Citations: 185 (Total), 151 (Since 2019)
  • h-index: 6 (Total), 5 (Since 2019)
  • i10-index: 5 (Total), 4 (Since 2019)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Effect of seaweed sap as foliar spray on growth and yield of hybrid maize
    PK Basavaraja, ND Yogendra, ST Zodape, R Prakash, A Ghosh
    Journal of Plant Nutrition 41 (14), 1851-1861. Cited by: 67 (2018)
  • Effect of silicon on real-time nitrogen management in a rice ecosystem
    ND Yogendra, BH Kumara, N Chandrashekar, NB Prakash, MS Anantha, …
    African Journal of Agricultural Research 9 (9), 831-840. Cited by: 31 (2014)
  • Influence of seaweed saps on germination, growth, and yield of hybrid maize under Cauvery Command of Karnataka, India
    S Dilavarnaik, PK Basavaraja, ND Yogendra, A Ghosh
    International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences 6 (9), 1047-1056. Cited by: 21 (2017)
  • Real-time nitrogen management in aerobic rice by adopting leaf color chart (LCC) as influenced by silicon
    ND Yogendra, BH Kumara, N Chandrashekar, NB Prakash, MS Anantha, …
    Journal of Plant Nutrition 40 (9), 1277-1286. Cited by: 12 (2017)
  • Effect of calcium silicate on yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of wetland rice
    ND Yogendra, NB Prakash, MT Malagi, BH Kumara, RM Kumar, …
    Plant Archives 13 (1), 89-91. Cited by: 11 (2013)
  • Geo-reference based soil fertility status in Hassan district of Karnataka, India for development of nutrient plan
    PK Basavaraja, P Dey, HM Saqeebulla, ND Yogendra
    Cited by: 9 (2017)
  • Effect of soil test-based fertilizer application on yield and nutrient uptake by hybrid maize under dryland condition
    PK Basavaraja, K Naik, CR Nethradhani Raj, ND Yogendra
    The Mysore Journal of Agricultural Sciences 48 (4), 514-521. Cited by: 6 (2014)
  • Comparative morphological assessment of lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) cultivars for oil yield, chemical composition, and quality parameters under southern region of India
    ND Yogendra, M Nazeer, MK Yadav, K Baskaran, VS Pragadheesh, …
    Madras Agricultural Journal 108. Cited by: 4 (2021)
  • Effect of calcium silicate and need-based nitrogen on pest management in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    BH Kumara, ND Yogendra, NB Prakash, AK Amarendra Kumar
    Cited by: 4 (2016)
  • Effect of long-term fertilizer experimentation on growth, yield, and availability of nutrients in finger millet in alfisol soils of Bengaluru
    CV Manuja, MR Suma, ND Yogendra, N Chandrashekar, RC Gowda
    Madras Agricultural Journal 100 (Jul-Sep), 1. Cited by: 4 (2013)
  • Assessment of soil moisture stress-induced variability in oil content and composition in mint species
    D Kumar, A Punetha, A Khan, P Suryavanshi, ND Yogendra, RC Padalia
    Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 113, 104774. Cited by: 3 (2024)
  • Effect of Calcium Silicate on Nitrogen Management by Adopting LCC in Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    BH Kumara, ND Yogendra, M Kumar, NB Prakash
    Madras Agricultural Journal 101 (Jul-Sep), 1. Cited by: 3 (2014)
  • Studies on physico-chemical properties of different vineyards in Bijapur Taluk, Karnataka
    AC Mahendra, H Asangi, ND Yogendra
    African Journal of Agricultural Research 8 (16), 1477-1481. Cited by: 3 (2013)
  • Effect of calcium silicate and need-based nitrogen management in aerobic rice
    BH Kumara, ND Yogendra, NB Prakash, MS Anantha, N Chandrashekar
    ORYZA-An International Journal on Rice 50 (4), 358-364. Cited by: 2 (2013)
  • Livelihood enhancement and resource use efficiency under lemongrass intercropping with food crops
    ND Yogendra, PE Keerthi, M Nazeer, AC Jnanesha, RS Verma, …
    Ecological Frontiers 44 (2), 266-274. Cited by: 1 (2024)
  • Floral biology insights into essential oil yield and chemical composition in davana (Artemisia pallens Bess), a high-value aromatic plant of India
    RR Kumara, PE Keerthi, ND Yogendra
    Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops 32 (1), 80-89. Cited by: 1 (2023)
  • Biodiversity of medicinal plants in the dry deciduous (thorny scrub) forest of Karnataka, India
    R Ravikumara, P Keerthi, N Yogendra
    Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences 44 (1-2), 46-54. Cited by: 1 (2022)

 

Jiri Holatko | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Dr Jiri Holatko | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at  Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic

Jiří Holátko holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic (2009) and an MSc. in Microbiology from the same institution (2002). Currently a senior researcher at Mendel University in Brno, Czech Republic, since 2018, Jiří previously served as the head of Testing Laboratory and researcher at Agrovyzkum Rapotin Ltd., Czech Republic (2016-2018), and held various positions at the Institute of Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague (1999-2016). His research focuses on soil microbiology, agricultural sustainability, and transcriptional regulation in bacteria. Jiří has participated in several research projects, received awards, including the Best Czech and Slovak Young Microbiologist 2009 Award, and is a member of the Czechoslovak Society for Microbiology.

Profile

 

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, 2009
  • MSc. in Microbiology, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, 2002

Projects Participation:

  • Optimization of subsidy for agricultural land afforestation
  • Innovation of maize cropping systems using intercrops
  • Promoting functional diversity of soil organisms
  • Application systems of liquid organic fertilizers
  • Transcriptional regulatory network(s) in C. glutamicum

Awards:

  • Best Czech and Slovak Young Microbiologist 2009, Czechoslovak Society for Microbiology

Memberships:

  • Committee Member, Czechoslovak Society for Microbiology

Research Focus:

Jiří Holátko’s research focus includes Soil Microbiology, Agricultural Sustainability, and Transcriptional Regulation in Soil Organisms.

Citations:
  • Citations: 1,640 citations by 1,345 documents.
  • Documents: 86 documents have cited the researcher’s work.
  • h-index: 17

đź“„ Publication:

  • The effect of chelating agents on the Zn-phytoextraction potential of hemp and soil microbial activity – Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 2024.
  • Biodegradation of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate after soil inoculation with microbial consortium: Soil microbiome and plant responses to the changed environment – Science of the Total Environment, 2024.
  • Long-term effects of wheat continuous cropping vs wheat in crop rotation on carbon content and mineralisation, aggregate stability, biological activity, and crop yield – European Journal of Agronomy, 2024.
  • The Interaction of Microplastics and Microbioplastics with Soil and a Comparison of Their Potential to Spread Pathogens – Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 2024.
  • Does poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biodegradation affect the quality of soil organic matter? – Chemosphere, 2024.
  • Combined biochar and manure addition to an agricultural soil benefits fertility, microbial activity, and mitigates manure-induced CO2 emissions – Soil Use and Management, 2024.
  • Effect of Mycotoxins in Silage on Biogas Production – Bioengineering, 2023.
  • The Role of Biochar Co-Pyrolyzed with Sawdust and Zeolite on Soil Microbiological and Physicochemical Attributes, Crop Agronomic, and Ecophysiological Performance – Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2023.
  • Pre-activated biochar by fertilizers mitigates nutrient leaching and stimulates soil microbial activity – Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture, 2023.
  • Time-dependent impact of co-matured manure with elemental sulfur and biochar on the soil agro-ecological properties and plant biomass – Scientific Reports, 2023.