Prof. Adil Mihoub | Organic Farming | Best Researcher Award

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

Google Scholar | ORCID | Scopus

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.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Xiushuang Li | Organic Farming | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at Sichuan Normal University, China

Li Xiushuang is an accomplished assistant researcher at the Southwest Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring Key Laboratory, Sichuan Normal University. His expertise lies in plant nutrition and soil organic carbon dynamics, with a strong academic foundation built through rigorous training and impactful research. Dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, he integrates innovative approaches to optimize soil fertility and crop productivity. With a keen focus on improving nitrogen management and carbon sequestration strategies, he contributes significantly to both scientific understanding and practical applications. His work reflects a commitment to ecological balance, resource efficiency, and the promotion of environmentally responsible farming systems.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID

Education

Li Xiushuang holds a doctoral degree in Plant Nutrition from Northwest A&F University, where he also earned his master’s degree in the same field and his bachelor’s in Resource and Environmental Science. His academic journey has been characterized by a deep engagement with soil science, plant nutrient cycling, and sustainable crop management. Through years of dedicated study and research, he has developed strong theoretical knowledge combined with hands-on experimental skills. These academic achievements laid the foundation for his later research in soil carbon sequestration, nitrogen use efficiency, and environmentally sound farming techniques tailored to diverse agricultural environments.

Professional Experience

Li Xiushuang has served as an assistant researcher at the Southwest Land Resources Evaluation and Monitoring Key Laboratory, Sichuan Normal University. In this role, he leads and participates in projects addressing soil organic carbon turnover, nitrogen management, and sustainable farming practices. His responsibilities include designing experiments, supervising field trials, analyzing data, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. Prior to this, he built extensive research experience during his doctoral and master’s studies, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to explore solutions for enhancing soil health and crop productivity in both rainfed and irrigated agricultural systems.

Research Interest

Li Xiushuang’s research focuses on the interactions between organic amendments, nitrogen inputs, and soil carbon cycling in agricultural ecosystems. He is particularly interested in the mechanisms underlying soil organic carbon sequestration and how farming practices can be optimized to promote long-term soil fertility. His work often examines the role of crop residues, green manures, and combined nutrient strategies in improving soil structure and resilience. Through a systems-based approach, he aims to develop sustainable agricultural methods that balance productivity with environmental protection, contributing to climate change mitigation and the restoration of degraded farmland soils.

Awards and Honors

While Li Xiushuang’s profile reflects notable scholarly achievements, his recognition primarily stems from his role as the sole first author of multiple high-impact journal publications. These works, published in respected international journals, highlight his innovative contributions to soil science and plant nutrition research. His consistent authorship demonstrates leadership in study design, execution, and scientific communication. The depth and breadth of his research output have established his reputation as a promising scientist in the field, setting a strong foundation for future accolades and expanded collaborative opportunities within academic and applied agricultural research communities.

Research Skills

Li Xiushuang possesses advanced skills in soil nutrient analysis, experimental design, and data interpretation. He is proficient in assessing soil organic carbon fractions, evaluating nitrogen cycling, and applying statistical modeling to agricultural systems. His expertise includes integrating laboratory assays with field trials to generate practical, evidence-based recommendations for improving soil management. He is adept at using both traditional agronomic techniques and modern analytical tools to investigate complex interactions between soil, plants, and environmental factors. His skillset supports interdisciplinary research aimed at enhancing soil fertility, optimizing nutrient use efficiency, and promoting sustainable agricultural productivity.

Publications

Li Xiushuang has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles as the sole first author, published in respected journals such as Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Agronomy, and Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. His research topics range from the effects of crop straw incorporation and green manure application to long-term straw mulching combined with nitrogen fertilization. These publications provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of soil organic carbon sequestration and the optimization of nutrient inputs. Collectively, his works contribute to global discussions on sustainable agriculture, soil health, and climate change mitigation through improved land management strategies.

Long‐term effects of straw mulching coupled with N application on soil organic carbon sequestration and soil aggregation in a winter wheat monoculture system. Xiushuang Li, Chunyan Qu, Yunuo Li, Zhiying Liang, Xiaohong Tian, Jianglan Shi, Peng Ning, Gehong Wei. Agronomy Journal.

Short‐term effects of combined organic amendments on soil organic carbon sequestration in a rain‐fed winter wheat system. Xiushuang Li, Zhiying Liang, Yunuo Li, Yihui Zhu, Xiaohong Tian, Jianglan Shi, Gehong Wei. Agronomy Journal.

Potassium fertilization combined with crop straw incorporation alters soil potassium fractions and availability in northwest China: An incubation study. Xiushuang Li, Vassilis G. Aschonitis, Yafei Li, Tianqi Wu, Chunyan Qu, Peng Ning, Jianglan Shi, Xiaohong Tian. PLOS ONE.

Conclusion

Through his dedication to soil science and sustainable agriculture, Li Xiushuang has established himself as a committed researcher with a clear vision for the future of farming. His contributions bridge the gap between fundamental science and practical field applications, enabling better resource use while preserving environmental quality. With strong expertise in soil carbon and nutrient management, he continues to pursue innovative solutions to the challenges facing modern agriculture. His career reflects not only academic excellence but also a deep responsibility toward fostering resilient food systems for future generations.