Ayoub Lazaar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award | 3887

Dr. Ayoub Lazaar |  Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at Center for Sustainable soil Sciences, College for Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Science, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Of Benguerir, Morocco

Dr. Ayoub Lazaar is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Sustainable Soil Sciences (C3S), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Morocco. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology and Geo-Environment and specializes in soil science, pedology, remote sensing, GIS, and spectroscopy (Vis-NIR/MIR). His research focuses on soil salinity assessment, spectral diagnostics of degradation, and geospatial modeling for sustainable land management. He has authored several peer-reviewed publications and developed Morocco’s first Vis-NIR soil spectral library. Dr. Lazaar has also led over 100 environmental impact assessments in his previous consultancy role. His innovations support precision agriculture and environmental sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions.

Profile:

🎓 Academic & Professional Background:

Dr. Ayoub Lazaar holds a Ph.D. in Geology and Geo-Environment and is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Sustainable Soil Sciences (C3S), UM6P. His expertise spans soil science, remote sensing, GIS, spectroscopy (Vis-NIR/MIR), geochemistry, and clay mineralogy. He has conducted over 100 Environmental Impact Assessments during his time as Lead Manager at ADA-Consulting.

🔬 Research Focus & Innovations:

  • 🧪 Soil salinity assessment using MIR spectroscopy and machine learning

  • 🛰️ Geospatial modeling for sustainable land management

  • 🔍 Spectral diagnostics of soil degradation in arid/semi-arid zones

  • 📚 Published 6+ peer-reviewed articles (2 under review)

  • 📊 Built the first Vis-NIR soil spectral library in the Triffa plain, Morocco

  • 🛠️ Developed low-cost sensors now adopted by FAO programs

🌍 Contributions & Impact:

Dr. Lazaar’s research bridges lab science with field applications, promoting cost-effective soil health diagnostics and sustainable agricultural practices. His latest focus includes developing pedotransfer functions for salinity prediction and analyzing groundwater quality in the Mediterranean region using advanced GIS and statistical tools.

🌐 Professional Affiliations:

  • IUSS (International Union of Soil Sciences)

  • SSSA (Soil Science Society of America)

  • EGU (European Geosciences Union)

  • CESFRA, UM6P

  • ASSS, MARS, and FAO Soil Spectroscopy Groups

Publication Top Notes:

  1. The application of proximal visible and near-infrared spectroscopy to estimate soil organic matter on the Triffa Plain of Morocco
    Lazaar, A., Mouazen, A.M., El Hammouti, K., Fullen, M., Pradhan, B., Memon, M.S., et al.
    International Soil and Water Conservation Research, 8(2), 195–204. (2020). [Citations: 35]

  2. Potential of VIS-NIR spectroscopy to characterize and discriminate topsoils of different soil types in the Triffa Plain (Morocco)
    Lazaar, A., Mahyou, H., Asagholizadeh, A., El Hammouti, K., et al.
    Soil Science Annual, 70(1), 54–63. (2019). [Citations: 14]

  3. The manifestation of VIS-NIRS spectroscopy data to predict and map soil texture in the Triffa Plain (Morocco)
    Lazaar, A., Pradhan, B., Zakariae, N., Abdelali, G., El Hammouti, K., Karim, A., et al.
    Kuwait Journal of Science, 48(1), 111–121. (2021). [Citations: 9]

  4. Physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of the Mediterranean soils of Triffa Plain (Northeast Morocco) by physicochemical analysis, X-ray diffraction and VIS spectroscopy
    Lazaar, A., El Hammouti, K., Andich, K., Hadria, R.
    ACM Conference Proceedings, (2020).

  5. Apport de la télédétection hyperspectrale dans la cartographie et la caractérisation des sols du Maroc Oriental
    Lazaar, A.
    (French publication), 2017.

 

Mohsen Hosseinalizadeh | Soil Erosion | Best Researcher Award

Dr Mohsen Hosseinalizadeh | Soil Erosion | Best Researcher Award

Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran

Dr. Mohsen Hosseinalizadeh is an Associate Professor in Watershed Management Engineering at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (GUASNR), Iran. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tehran, where his research focused on optimizing sampling patterns for spatial simulation of erosion. His expertise includes soil erosion, spatial statistics, UAV applications in geo-hazards, and the evolution of loess landscapes. Dr. Hosseinalizadeh has authored numerous publications in high-impact journals and has supervised multiple MSc and Ph.D. students. He has received a scholarship for a sabbatical at the University of Münster, Germany, and actively contributes to environmental research and education.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Watershed Management Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran (2012)

  • M.Sc. in Watershed Management Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (2005)

  • B.Sc. in Rangeland and Watershed Management, Yazd University (2002)

🔬 Research Interests:

  • Soil erosion modeling & spatial statistics

  • UAV applications in geo-hazards

  • Loess landscape evolution

📚 Publications & Academic Contributions:

  • Authored 22+ research papers in leading journals such as Quaternary International, Geoderma, Catena, and Science of the Total Environment

  • Specializes in spatial geostatistical analysis, gully headcut susceptibility modeling, and digital soil mapping

  • Supervised 10 MSc and 4 Ph.D. students

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • Sabbatical Scholarship (University of Münster, Germany) awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of Iran (2010-2011)

🎓 Teaching & Academic Roles:

  • Associate Professor at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (GUASNR), Iran

  • Courses taught: Geostatistics, Soil Erosion Modeling, Soil Bioengineering, and Climate Studies

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 706

  • Citations (Since 2020): 628

  • h-index: 13

  • h-index (Since 2020): 13

  • i10-index: 14

  • i10-index (Since 2020): 13

Publication Top Notes:

  • Gully headcut susceptibility modeling using functional trees, naïve Bayes tree, and random forest modelsGeoderma, 2019.

  • Spatial modelling of gully headcuts using UAV data and four best-first decision classifier ensembles (BFTree, Bag-BFTree, RS-BFTree, and RF-BFTree)Geomorphology, 2019.

  • How can statistical and artificial intelligence approaches predict piping erosion susceptibility?Science of the Total Environment, 2019.

  • Evaluation of factors affecting gully headcut location using summary statistics and the maximum entropy model: Golestan Province, NE IranScience of the Total Environment, 2019.

  • GIS-based susceptibility assessment of the occurrence of gully headcuts and pipe collapses in a semi-arid environment: Golestan Province, NE IranLand Degradation & Development, 2019.

  • Spatial point pattern analysis of piping erosion in loess-derived soils in Golestan Province, IranGeoderma, 2018.

  • Change detection in piping, gully head forms, and mechanismsCatena, 2021.

  • An application of different summary statistics for modelling piping collapses and gully headcuts to evaluate their geomorphological interactions in Golestan Province, IranCatena, 2018.

  • Gully head modelling in Iranian Loess Plateau under different scenariosCatena, 2020.

  • Effect of soil sample size on saturated soil hydraulic conductivityCommunications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2017.

  • Optimizing collapsed pipes mapping: Effects of DEM spatial resolutionCatena, 2020.

  • A review on the gully erosion and land degradation in IranGully Erosion Studies from India and Surrounding Regions, 2020.

  • Combined effects of polyacrylamide and nanomagnetite amendment on soil and water quality, Khorasan Razavi, IranJournal of Environmental Management, 2018.

  • Comparison of soil erosion by ¹³⁷Cs and RUSLE-3D for loess deposits northeast of Iran (Study Area: Aghemam Catchment)Journal of Water and Soil Conservation, 2014.

  • Analytical techniques for mapping multi-hazard with geo-environmental modeling approaches and UAV imagesScientific Reports, 2022.

  • Assessment of spatial variability of soil erodibility using geostatistics and GIS (Case study: Mehr watershed of Sabzevar)Iranian Journal of Natural Resources, 2007.

  • Digital soil mapping and modeling in loess-derived soils of the Iranian Loess PlateauGeocarto International, 2022.

  • Efficiency assessment of the EGEM to estimate gully erosion in Iky-Aghzly watershed of Golestan provinceJournal of Water and Soil Conservation, 2017.

  • Multivariate geostatistical analysis of fallout radionuclides activity measured by in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry: Case study: Loessial paired sub-catchments in northeast IranQuaternary International, 2017.

  • Evaluation of various deep learning algorithms for landslide and sinkhole detection from UAV imagery in a semi-arid environmentEarth Systems and Environment, 2024.

 

Elahe Daraei | Soil physics | Best Researcher Award

Dr Elahe Daraei |  Soil physics |  Best Researcher Award

Soil science at  Bu-Ali Sina University,  Iran

Dr. Elahe Daraei is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in Soil Resource Management, with a focus on soil physics. Her research investigates fluid flow and transport in porous media and complex systems through theoretical modeling and numerical simulation.

Publication profile:

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Soil Physics
    Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
    Expected Graduation: September 2024
    Thesis: Effect of natural biochar and nanoparticles on the physico-mechanical properties, solute transport, and photosynthetic indices and plant transpiration.
  • M.Sc. in Soil Physics
    Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
    September 2015 – September 2018
    Thesis: Several years’ effect of nanoparticles on solute transport and some soil physical properties.
  • B.Sc. in Soil Science
    Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
    February 2011 – February 2015

Research Contributions:

Dr. Daraei has published several articles, including:

  • Impact of natural biochar on soil water retention capacity and quinoa plant growth in different soil textures (2024, Soil and Tillage Research).
  • Effect of oxide nanoparticles on soil water retention curve and soil tensile strength (2023, Pedosphere).
  • Long-term effect of magnesium and iron nanoparticles on solute transport in saturated condition (2021, Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science).

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Impact of natural biochar on soil water retention capacity and quinoa plant growth in different soil textures
    Daraei, E., Bayat, H., Gregory, A.S.
    Soil and Tillage Research, 2024, 244, 106281.
  • Long-term effect of magnesium and iron nanoparticles on solute transport in saturated condition
    Daraei, E., Bayat, H., Zamani, P., Gregory, A.S.
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 2022, 68(10), pp. 1430–1442.

 

 

Enang Roger Kogge | Soil Science | Excellence in Research

Dr Enang  Roger Kogge |  Soil Science |  Excellence in Research

Soil Scientist at  University of Dschang,  Cameroon

Dr. Roger Kogge Enang is an esteemed soil scientist with over 14 years of experience in both teaching and research. His extensive work covers essential areas of soil science, including soil fertility management, land evaluation, soil mineralogy, and the remediation of soil pollution. His research contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation, addressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

Publication profile:

🎓 Qualifications & Experience:

Dr. Roger Kogge Enang holds over 14 years of teaching and research experience in soil science and environmental chemistry. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher, actively contributing to scientific advancements in soil fertility, land evaluation, and soil mineralogy. His deep understanding of soil systems has made him a key figure in the field of environmental sustainability.

📚 Research Focus:

  • Soil Science: Specializes in soil fertility, soil pollution remediation, and land evaluation.
  • Environmental Impact: Researches the effects of human activity on soil systems, including sustainable land use and climate change resilience.
  • Cocoa Agroforestry: His work on cocoa-based agroforestry systems supports sustainable agriculture in tropical regions.

🖋️ Active Publication Record:

Dr. Enang consistently publishes in peer-reviewed journals, with a minimum of two articles annually since 2016. His research is globally recognized, with collaborations including Belgian scholar Eric Van Ranst.

🎓 Teaching & Leadership:

With extensive teaching experience, Dr. Enang has been a mentor to students in soil science and environmental studies. His educational impact complements his research, enhancing the next generation’s understanding of soil and environmental sciences.

📊 Citation Metrics Summary:

  • 116 Citations across 109 documents
  • 12 Published Documents
  • h-index: 6

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Origin and evolution of soil materials of the Paleo-Chadian linear-dune landscape in the Far North Region of Cameroon
    Enang, R.K., Mees, F., Yerima, B.P.K., Kome, G.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Geoderma Regional, 2024, 38, e00843.
  • Distribution of Total Nitrogen in Soils of the Tropical Highlands of Cameroon
    Kome, G.K., Kips, P.A., Yerima, B.P.K., Enang, R.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Eurasian Soil Science, 2023, 56(7), pp. 889–901.
  • Pedotransfer functions for cation exchange capacity estimation in highly weathered soils of the tropical highlands of NW Cameroon
    Enang, R.K., Kips, P.A., Yerima, B.P.K., Kome, G.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Geoderma Regional, 2022, 29, e00514.
  • Iddingsitisation of olivine and kaolinitisation of biotite in two contrasting tephra-derived soils along the Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL)
    Enang, R.K., Mees, F., Yerima, B.P.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Soil Research, 2021, 59(3), pp. 276–286.
  • Soil Organic Carbon Distribution in a Humid Tropical Plain of Cameroon: Interrelationships with Soil Properties
    Kome, G.K., Enang, R.K., Yerima, B.P.K.
    Applied and Environmental Soil Science, 2021, 2021, 6052513.
  • Exchangeable aluminium and acidity in Acrisols and Ferralsols of the north-west highlands of Cameroon
    Yerima, B.P.K., Enang, R.K., Kome, G.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Geoderma Regional, 2020, 23, e00343.
  • Soil Physicochemical Properties and Geochemical Indices: Diagnostic Tools for Evaluating Pedogenesis in Tephra-Derived Soils along the Cameroon Volcanic Line
    Enang, R.K., Yerima, B.P.K., Kome, G.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Eurasian Soil Science, 2020, 53(8), pp. 1079–1099.
  • Trace Elements in Tephra Soils of Mounts Kupe and Manengouba (Cameroon)
    Enang, R.K., Yerima, B.P.K., Kome, G.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Eurasian Soil Science, 2020, 53(5), pp. 595–606.
  • Assessing the Effectiveness of the Walkley-Black Method for Soil Organic Carbon Determination in Tephra Soils of Cameroon
    Enang, R.K., Yerima, B.P.K., Kome, G.K., Van Ranst, E.
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2018, 49(19), pp. 2379–2386.
  • Models relating soil pH measurements in H2O, KCl and CaCl2 for volcanic ash soils of Cameroon
    Kome, G.K., Enang, R.K., Yerima, B.P.K., Lontsi, M.G.R.
    Geoderma Regional, 2018, 14, e00185.

 

Priya Lal Chandra Paul | Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

Dr Priya Lal Chandra Paul |  Conservation agriculture | Excellence in Research

Senior Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Bangladesh

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Irrigation and Water Management Division of the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in Gazipur, Bangladesh. With a profound interest in soil water and salinity dynamics, waterlogging mitigation techniques, and conservation agriculture, Dr. Paul has made significant contributions to agricultural science and water management.

 

Profile:

Education:

🎓 PhD in Agricultural Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia (2020).🎓 M.S. in Irrigation and Water Management, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2006).🎓 B. Sc. Agricultural Engineering, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (2004)

Professional Experience:

Senior Scientific Officer, BRRI (Dec 2014 – Present). Scientific Officer, BRRI (Aug 2009 – Dec 2014). Assistant General Manager, Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) (Nov 2008 – Aug 2009). Assistant Manager, Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) (Jul 2008 – Nov 2008). Agricultural Engineer, Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Ministry of Agriculture (Jul 2006 – Jul 2008)

Professional Development:

Dr. Paul has continually enhanced his expertise through various training programs and courses, including GIS and Remote Sensing in Smart Agriculture, Adaptive Delta Management, and Integrated Water Resource Management. 🌍

Awards and Fellowships:

🏆 ACIAR John Allwright Fellowship, Australia
🏆 TWAS-USM Fellowship, Malaysia
🏆 VLIR-UOS Training Scholarship, Belgium
🏆 National Integrity Strategy Award 2023, BRRI

Dr. Paul’s dedication to agricultural research and development is evident through his extensive involvement in projects aimed at mitigating climate risks and enhancing the resilience of agricultural systems in Bangladesh. 🌱

Conservation Agriculture Research Focus 🌾

Dr. Priya Lal Chandra Paul is deeply engaged in research focused on conservation agriculture, emphasizing sustainable practices that enhance soil health, improve water use efficiency, and increase crop yields while reducing environmental impact. His key research areas in this domain include:

  1. Soil Water Conservation:
    • Investigating techniques to conserve soil moisture, crucial for sustaining crop growth in water-scarce regions.
    • Implementing mulching practices and other soil amendments to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.
  2. Tillage Practices:
    • Exploring minimum tillage and no-till farming methods to reduce soil erosion and degradation.
    • Assessing the impact of different tillage practices on soil structure, water infiltration, and root growth.
  3. Crop Establishment in Saline-Wet Soils:
    • Developing strategies for successful crop establishment in challenging saline and waterlogged soils, typical in coastal regions.
    • Evaluating salt-tolerant crop varieties and appropriate planting techniques to mitigate salinity effects.
  4. Conjunctive Use of Saline and Freshwater:
    • Studying the combined use of saline and freshwater resources to optimize irrigation practices.
    • Implementing water management strategies that balance the use of available water resources to maintain soil health and crop productivity.
  5. Water Saving Techniques:
    • Promoting the use of efficient irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, to minimize water wastage.
    • Investigating alternate wetting and drying (AWD) techniques in rice cultivation to save water and improve water use efficiency.
  6. Conservation Agriculture in Coastal Agriculture and Hydrology:
    • Addressing the unique challenges faced by coastal agricultural systems, including salinity, waterlogging, and soil degradation.
    • Developing and promoting integrated water and soil management practices to enhance the resilience of coastal farming systems.

Dr. Paul’s research is instrumental in developing sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental conservation, particularly in regions facing climatic and hydrological challenges. His work aims to provide practical solutions for farmers to adapt to changing conditions and maintain agricultural sustainability. 🌱

Citation Metrics 📊

  • Total Citations: 339 (since 2019: 312)
  • h-index: 11 (since 2019: 10)
  • i10-index: 12 (since 2019: 11)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Straw mulch and irrigation affect solute potential and sunflower yield in a heavy textured soil in the Ganges Delta
    • Agricultural Water Management 239, 106211 (2020)
    • Citations: 45
  • Banding of fertilizer improves phosphorus acquisition and yield of zero tillage maize by concentrating phosphorus in surface soil
    • Sustainability 10 (9), 3234 (2018)
    • Citations: 35
  • Variation in the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) due to differing tillage systems is associated with variation in solute potential of the soil solution in a salt-affected soil
    • Soil and Tillage Research 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 34
  • Impact of rice straw mulch on soil physical properties, sunflower root distribution and yield in a salt-affected clay-textured soil
    • Agriculture 11 (3), 264 (2021)
    • Citations: 29
  • Opportunities for cropping system intensification in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 28*
  • Optimum sowing window for boro cultivation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 22*
  • Refinement of alternate wetting and drying irrigation method for rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 17 (1-2), 33-37 (2013)
    • Citations: 22
  • Opportunities and risks with early sowing of sunflower in a salt-affected coastal region of the Ganges Delta
    • Agronomy for Sustainable Development 41 (3), 39 (2021)
    • Citations: 18
  • Water productivity improvement using water saving technologies in Boro rice cultivation
    • Bangladesh Rice Journal 20 (1), 17-22 (2016)
    • Citations: 17
  • Triple rice in a year: Is it a feasible option for the low salinity areas of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 14*
  • Short-Term Waterlogging Depresses Early Growth of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on Saline Soils with a Shallow Water Table in the Coastal Zone of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Systems 5 (4), 68 (2021)
    • Citations: 12
  • Selection of Profitable Rice Based Cropping System Under Prevailing Water Environment in Satkhira District of Bangladesh
    • Academia Journal of Agricultural Research 4 (9), 581-588 (2016)
    • Citations: 11*
  • Early transplanting of rainfed rice minimizes irrigation demand by utilizing rainfall
    • Environmental Systems Research 10, 1-11 (2021)
    • Citations: 9
  • Impacts of different tillage systems on the yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in a salt-affected clayey soil of the Ganges Delta
    • Soil Tillage Res 197, 104489 (2020)
    • Citations: 8
  • Rice-rice-rabi cropping systems for increasing the productivity of low salinity regions of the coastal zone of Bangladesh
    • Conference proceedings, Revitalizing the Ganges Coastal Zone: Turning Challenges into Opportunities (2015)
    • Citations: 8*
  • Agronomic practices increase sunflower yield in the rabi (dry) season in clay-textured, salt-affected soils of the coastal region of Bangladesh
    • Murdoch University (2020)
    • Citations: 4
  • Water productivity evaluation for rice based cropping system in Gazipur District of Bangladesh
    • Eco-friendly Agricultural Journal 6 (12), 279-284 (2013)
    • Citations: 4