Swabir Alhassan Musah | Soil Health | Best Researcher Award

Mr Swabir Alhassan  Musah |  Soil Health |  Best Researcher Award

PhD student at  University of Georgia,  United States

Swabir Alhassan Musah is a passionate researcher pursuing a Ph.D. in Crop & Soil Sciences (Soil Fertility & Management) at the University of Georgia. He holds an M.Sc. in Plant & Environmental Sciences from Clemson University and a Master Certificate in International Development & Global Agriculture from China Agricultural University. Swabir’s research focuses on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and biogeochemistry, with a commitment to enhancing global food security through sustainable agricultural practices. He is an active member of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Research:

Swabir Alhassan Musah is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Crop & Soil Sciences (Soil Fertility & Management) at the University of Georgia, Tifton. He holds an M.Sc. in Plant & Environmental Sciences (Soil Health & Biogeochemistry) from Clemson University and a Master Certificate in International Development & Global Agriculture from China Agricultural University. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Science (Crop & Soil Science) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana.

🔬 Research Focus & Experience:

Swabir’s research expertise spans soil fertility, plant nutrition, soil health, and biogeochemistry. His work includes soil nutrient analysis, enzymatic activities, carbon and nitrogen assessment, and cover crop residue decomposition. He has served as a Graduate Research Assistant at both the University of Georgia and Clemson University, contributing to projects on soil texture, stability, and nutrient management.

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience:

As a Teaching Assistant at the University of Georgia, Swabir coordinates laboratory sessions and supports undergraduate education. He previously contributed to farmer education and climate-smart agriculture initiatives with Okuafo Foundation in Ghana and volunteered as a science teacher at Al-Azhariya Islamic Senior High School.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Swabir’s accolades include 5th place in the 5-Minute Rapid Oral Competition at the 2024 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting and 3rd place in the Poster Competition at Clemson University’s Graduate Research Symposium. He also won the Virginia Soil Health Coalition 4 The Earth Photo Contest in 2022.

🌐 Professional Affiliations:

He is a member of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

💡 Skills:

Swabir is proficient in Microsoft Office, data collection and analysis, project management, and public speaking.

Publication:

  • Integrating Winter Cover Crops Did Not Change Cotton Lint Yield Responses to Nitrogen Fertilization in Sandy Soils

Knight Nthebere | Soil Science | Excellence in Research

Dr Knight Nthebere |  Soil Science |  Excellence in Research

Postdoctoral Fellow at  National University of Lesotho,  Lesotho

Knight Nthebere is a dedicated professional based in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Residing in Ha Lebesa, Botha-Bothe, Knight is known for [insert notable expertise, achievements, or professional focus].

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Agriculture – Soil Science (2020–2024)
    Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, India | First Class
  • Master of Science in Agriculture – Soil Science (2018–2020)
    Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, India | First Class
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Soil Science (2010–2014)
    National University of Lesotho | Second Class – First Division (2:1)

Professional Development:

  • Participated in numerous workshops and training programs, including climate change, entrepreneurship, and advanced microscopy for sustainable agriculture.
  • Presented research papers at international conferences, earning recognition for best paper presentations.

Key Research Contributions:

  • Ph.D. Dissertation: Impact of Weed Management and Tillage Practices in Conservation Agriculture on Soil Properties, Carbon Dynamics, and Yield of Cotton–Maize–Sesbania Cropping System.
  • M.Sc. Dissertation: Carbon and Nitrogen Pools and Selected Soil Properties under Different Cropping Systems on a Sandy Loam Soil.
  • Postdoctoral Research: Carbon Modelling and Omics Approaches for Screening Soil Microbes for Climate Change Adaptation in Alpine Wetlands of Lesotho.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Best Oral Presentation Award at DISHA-2022.
  • Young Professional Award for contributions to sustainable agriculture.

Professional Experience:

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, National University of Lesotho (2024–2026)
    • Teaching and supervising postgraduate students.
    • Conducting advanced research on soil science and sustainable agriculture.

Key Skills:

  • Expertise in conservation agriculture, carbon dynamics, and soil fertility.
  • Proficient in geospatial technology applications for agricultural development.
  • Strong academic and research leadership abilities.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Assessing the Spatial Variability of Soil Quality Index of Ganjigatti Sub-Watershed Using GIS-Based Geostatistical Modeling
    Indian Journal of Ecology, 2024-02-01.
    DOI: 10.55362/ije/2024/4201
  2. Farming Technologies and Carbon Sequestration Alternatives to Combat Climate Change Through Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
    Book Chapter, 2023.
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44397-8_14
    Contributors: Knight Nthebere, M. R. Apoorva, Mandapelli Sharath Chandra, M. Bhargava Narasimha Yadav, T. Ram Prakash
  3. Soil Carbon Sequestration Rate, Microbial Biomass and Mineralizable Carbon and Their Interrelationship with System Productivity under Different Cropping Systems in an Inceptisol
    Current Advances in Agricultural Sciences (An International Journal), 2023.
    DOI: 10.5958/2394-4471.2023.00009.6
    Contributors: Knight Nthebere, CH Pragathi Kumari
  4. Long-term Effect of Different Cropping Systems on Carbon Sequestration in a Sandy Loam Soil of Telangana
    Agricultural Reviews, 2022-03-15.
    DOI: 10.18805/ag.r-2301
    Contributors: Knight Nthebere, S.H.K. Sharma, Ch. Pragathi Kumari, A. Aziz Qureshi
  5. Current Research in Soil Science
    Book, AkiNik Publications, 2022-01-01.
    DOI: 10.22271/ed.book.1757
    ISBN: 9789355702463
  6. Emerging Trends in Agriculture Sciences (Volume – 7)
    Book, Integrated Publications, 2022-01-01.
    DOI: 10.22271/int.book.173
    ISBN: 9789393502599
  7. Biological Indicators of Soil Fertility under Intensive Cropping System
    Conference Abstract.
    Contributors: Knight Nthebere

 

 

Chitranjan Sharma | Soil Science and Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Chitranjan Sharma | Soil Science and Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr Chitranjan Sharma, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India, India

Dr.  Dr Chitranjan Sharma is an accomplished academic with a strong background in agriculture and soil science. Holding a B.Sc. in Agriculture (1997) and an M.Sc. in Ag Chemistry & Soil Science (1999) from SSJMU Kanpur and the University of Allahabad, respectively, he earned a Gold Medal and distinction throughout his studies. He completed his D.Phil. in Science (2005), focusing on phytoremediation. Dr. [Name] has taught at various institutions, including the University of Allahabad and Amity University. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor and Program Leader at Amity University, specializing in soil science and crop production. 🧑‍🏫🌾👩‍🔬📘

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

With an extensive academic background, the individual began with a First Division (69.89%) in Natural and Social Sciences from Bihar School Examination Board in 1990. They continued excelling, securing First Division in I.Sc. Agriculture (66.60%) from UP Board in 1993. In 1997, they completed a B.Sc. in Agriculture from SSJMU Kanpur with 72.37%, focusing on Math, Statistics, Soil Conservation, and more. Earning an M.Sc. in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science from the University of Allahabad in 1999, they were a Gold Medalist (75.09%). In 2005, they completed a D.Phil. in Science, focusing on heavy metals and phytoremediation. 🌿📘🥇

Teaching Experience

Currently serving as a faculty member at Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida since February 2020, the individual previously taught at the University of Allahabad, Prayagraj (2003-2007). There, they educated MSc (Ag) students in subjects like Agricultural Chemistry, Plant Biochemistry, Soil Fertility, and Soil Microbiology 🌾📚. Over time, they have continued interacting with MSc and research scholars at the Sheila Dhar Institute of Soil Science. Currently, they teach courses including Fundamentals of Soil Science, Crop Ecology, Advances in Soil Fertility, and Agronomy of Kharif Crops to graduate and postgraduate students 🌱🎓. Their expertise shapes future agronomists and soil scientists.

Research focus

Chitranjan Kumar’s research primarily focuses on soil science, environmental restoration, and bioremediation. His work includes studying heavy metals in soil, their management, and environmental restoration through bioremediation techniques. He also explores microbial synthesis of nanoparticles, particularly gold, and the use of organic inputs and bacterial inoculations to improve soil health and crop production. His studies contribute to sustainable agriculture, focusing on soil detoxification and enhancing soil quality. This interdisciplinary research is vital for environmental conservation and agricultural productivity. 🌱🧬🧪🌍🍅

Publication Top Notes

Biotechnological advances in bioremediation of heavy metals contaminated ecosystems: an overview with special reference to phytoremediation

Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) by Bacillus Strain Isolated from Waste Water and Its Biochemical CharacterizationIntegrated micro-biochemical approach for phytoremediation of cadmium and zinc contaminated soils

Integrated micro-biochemical approach for phytoremediation of cadmium and lead contaminated soils using Gladiolus grandiflorus L cut flower

Hyperaccumulator oilcake manure as an alternative for chelate-induced phytoremediation of heavy metals contaminated alluvial soils

Phytoaccumulation, Interaction, Toxicity and Remediation of Cadmium from Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower)

Conclusion

Dr. Sharma’s innovative research, extensive publications, and leadership in academia make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

 

Elham Nouri | Soil organic | Young Scientist Award

Dr Elham Nouri |  Soil organic |  Young Scientist Award

Elham Nouri at  Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of Iran

Elham Nouri is a distinguished researcher specializing in soil biology, chemistry, and physics, with a particular focus on Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM) symbiosis. She has led and collaborated on numerous national projects, developed expertise in DNA extraction and molecular identification of fungi, and excelled in laboratory troubleshooting and quality control. Her research has been recognized with multiple publications and international conference participations, including a 6-month study stint in the Czech Republic.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Natural Resources Engineering – Combat with Desertification, Semnan University, Iran (2014-2019)
    • Thesis: Soil biological indicators and mycorrhizal establishment in Salsola laricina
  • M.Sc. in Natural Resources Engineering – Combat with Desertification, Semnan University, Iran (2012-2014)
    • Thesis: Oak wilt and heavy metal biomonitoring
  • B.Sc. in Rangeland and Watershed Management, University of Malayer, Iran (2007-2011)
    • Thesis: Drought characteristics in Ilam province

Research Interests:

  • Arbuscular mycorrhizae symbiosis
  • Soil organic carbon and nitrogen dynamics
  • DNA extraction and molecular identification of AM fungi
  • Soil enzymes and microbial activity
  • Soil and plant properties

Skills:

  • Proficient in R, SPSS, Excel, Photoshop, Canoco5, DIVA-GIS, Maxent, GPS
  • Experienced in laboratory procedures for plant and soil analysis

Publication Top Notes:

  • Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Benefits in Drought-Stressed Plants
  • Impact of Fire and Seasonal Changes on Soil Properties
  • Effect of Wild Pistachio Trees on Soil Quality
  • Soil Carbon Sequestration and Soil Properties
  • Effect of Spate Irrigation and Tree Planting on Soil Quality
  • Grazing Effects on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Diversity
  • Symbiosis of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Salsola laricina
  • Heavy Metals in Dusts and Their Absorption by Oak
  • Flood Spreading and Vegetation Type on Soil Indices
  • Leaf Nutrients in Healthy vs. Withered Trees
  • Grazing Management and Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
  • Mycorrhiza and Soil Enzymatic Activities Modulated by Grazing
  • Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Soil in Forests
  • Prosopis Species Effect on Soil Quality
  • Diversity and Symbiosis of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
  • Improving Juniperus Excelsa Seedling Growth with Mycorrhizal Fungi

 

Palo Francis Loke | Soil Organic | Best Researcher Award

Dr Palo Francis Loke |  Soil Organic |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer/Researcher at  University of the Free State, South Africa

Dr. PF Loke is a distinguished Soil Scientist specializing in soil chemistry, fertility, and plant nutrition. He earned his PhD in Soil Science (Chemistry) from the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2018, following his MSc Agric. in Soil Science (Fertility and Plant Nutrition) in 2012, and a BSc Agric. Hons in Soil Science in 2010 from the same institution. He also holds a BSc Agric. from the National University of Lesotho (NUL), completed in 2005. Dr. Loke has a robust teaching portfolio, presenting courses such as SOIL 4814 and SOIL 2674. His research interests focus on carbon and nutrient cycling, soil organic matter storage, and plant nutrition. As a member of the Soil Science Society of South Africa (SSSSA), Dr. Loke actively contributes to the advancement of soil science. His extensive publication record includes influential journal articles on soil organic matter storage, aggregate dynamics, and the effects of long-term agricultural practices on soil health in semi-arid regions. Dr. Loke’s work has been published in reputable journals like Agriculture, South African Journal of Plant and Soil, Soil Research, Geoderma, and the Soil Science Society of America Journal.

Profile:

Qualifications:

  • PhD in Soil Science (Chemistry), University of the Free State (UFS), 2013-2018
  • MSc Agric. in Soil Science (Fertility and Plant Nutrition), UFS, 2010-2012
  • BSc Agric. Hons in Soil Science, UFS, 2009-2010
  • BSc Agric., National University of Lesotho (NUL), 2001-2005

📈 Citation Index:

  • Total Citations: 162 (124 since 2019)
  • h-index: 8 (since 2019)
  • i10-index: 5 (since 2019)

Research Focus: Soil Organic

Dr. P.F. Loke’s research primarily revolves around soil organic matter dynamics, with a strong emphasis on carbon and nutrient cycling, soil organic matter storage, and plant nutrition. His work involves investigating how different agricultural practices influence soil health and fertility, particularly in semi-arid regions.

📄 Publication:
  • Soil Organic Matter Storage in Irrigated Tsitsikamma Dairy Farms with Minimum Tilled Pasture Mixtures: Case Studies
    Agriculture 12(6):858, 2022.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, E. Kotzé, C. Du Preez
    DOI: 10.3390/agriculture12060858
    Source: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
  • Changes in Soil Organic Matter Indices Following 32 Years of Different Wheat Production Management Practices in Semi-Arid South Africa
    Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 94:97-109, 2012.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, E. Kotzé, C.C. Du Preez
    DOI: 10.1007/s10705-012-9529-7
  • Land Use Change Affecting Soil Humic Substances in Three Semi-Arid Agro-Ecosystems in South Africa
    Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 216:194-202, 2016.
    Contributors: E. Kotzé, P.F. Loke, M.C. Akhosi-Setaka, C.C. Du Preez
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2015.10.007
  • Impact of Long-Term Wheat Production Management Practices on Soil Acidity, Phosphorus, and Some Micronutrients in a Semi-Arid Plinthosol
    Soil Research 51(5):415-426, 2013.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, E. Kotzé, C.C. Du Preez
    DOI: 10.1071/SR12359
  • Long-Term Effects of Wheat Production Management Practices on Exchangeable Base Cations and Cation Exchange Capacity of a Plinthosol in Semi-Arid South Africa
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 45(8):1083-1105, 2014.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, E. Kotzé, C.C. Du Preez
    DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2013.867060
  • Long-Term Effects of Wheat Production Management Practices on Some Carbon Fractions of a Semiarid Plinthustalfs
    Soil Research 56(6):601-614, 2018.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, E. Kotzé, C.C. Du Preez, L. Twigge
    DOI: 10.1071/SR18050
  • Long-Term Wheat Production Management Effects on Soil Fertility Indicators in the Semi-Arid Eastern Free State, South Africa
    South African Journal of Plant and Soil 38(2):93-106, 2021.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, J.J. Schimper, E. Kotzé, C.C. Du Preez
    DOI: 10.1080/02571862.2020.1858512
  • Cross-Rangeland Comparisons on Soil Carbon Dynamics in the Pedoderm of Semi-Arid and Arid South African Commercial Farms
    Geoderma 381:114689, 2021.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, E. Kotzé, C.C. Du Preez, L. Twigge
    DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2020.114689
  • Dynamics of Soil Carbon Concentrations and Quality Induced by Agricultural Land Use in Central South Africa
    Soil Science Society of America Journal 83(2):366-379, 2019.
    Contributors: P.F. Loke, E. Kotzé, C.C. Du Preez, L. Twigge
    DOI: 10.2136/sssaj2018.11.0423
  • Response of Soil Organic Matter Indices and Fractions After 37 Years of Wheat Production Management Practices in Semi-Arid South Africa
    South African Journal of Plant and Soil 37(2):136-143, 2020.
    Contributors: T. Motema, E. Kotzé, P.F. Loke, C.C. Du Preez
    DOI: 10.1080/02571862.2019.1698777

 

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

📄 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.