Swabir Alhassan Musah | Soil Health | Best Researcher Award

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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

Manoj Shrivastava | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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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)

 

Rubab Sarfraz | Fertility Management | Women Researcher Award

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Dr Rubab Sarfraz |  Fertility Management |  Women Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at  Gyeongsang National University, South Korea

Dr. Rubab Sarfraz is a dedicated researcher specializing in soil fertility, plant nutrition, and the modulation of microbial communities through organic amendments. Currently serving as a Research Professor at Gyeongsang National University in Jinju, South Korea, Dr. Sarfraz aims to develop cost-effective and eco-friendly approaches to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency and maximize crop yields using advanced technologies.

Profile:

Professional Background:

Research Professor at Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea (Since September 2023) Assistant Professor (IPFP) at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan (February 2022 – August 2023)

Education:

Ph.D. in Agricultural Resources and Environment from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China (2015 – 2020). Her dissertation focused on the effects of spent mushroom substrate biochar and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria on phosphorus availability and microbial communities in acidic soils. Master of Philosophy in Agriculture from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan (2013 – 2015). Her thesis examined the use of biochar to enhance nitrogen use efficiency in maize. Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan (2009 – 2013).

Research Contributions:

Dr. Sarfraz has published extensively in reputable journals. Her notable works include studies on carbon dioxide emissions from soil, the impact of biochar and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria on soil health, and biochar-mediated remediation of contaminants. She has also explored the integration of organic amendments to improve nutrient uptake and crop yields..

Skills and Expertise:

  • Conducting field and laboratory experiments
  • Analyzing soil physical and chemical properties
  • Measuring soil enzyme activities
  • Preparing and characterizing biochar
  • Characterizing root systems and crop phenotypes
  • DNA extraction and PCR techniques
  • Operating advanced laboratory instruments

Awards and Recognitions:

Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Scholarship for Ph.D. studies National Faculty Development Program by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan Approved Master/PhD Supervisor by the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

Research Focus: Fertility Management

Soil Fertility and Nutrient Dynamics: Organic Amendments: Investigating the use of biochar and other organic materials to improve soil fertility. Her research explores how biochar, derived from various organic sources such as spent mushroom substrates, can enhance nutrient retention and availability in soils. Microbial Communities: Studying the interaction between organic amendments and soil microbial communities. She aims to understand how these amendments influence microbial activity, which in turn affects nutrient cycling and soil health. Phosphorus Availability: Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB): Evaluating the role of PSB in enhancing phosphorus availability in acidic soils. Her research includes the integration of biochar with PSB to increase phosphorus uptake by plants. Biochar Impact: Assessing the effects of biochar particle sizes and properties on phosphorus dynamics in various soil types. Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE): Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizers: Investigating the synergistic effects of combining biochar with nitrogen fertilizers to improve NUE in crops like maize. This research is aimed at reducing nitrogen losses and enhancing crop yield. Remediation of Contaminated Soils: Emerging Contaminants: Utilizing biochar and nanomaterials to remediate soils contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons and other pollutants. Her studies focus on how these amendments can reduce the bioavailability and toxicity of contaminants. Soil Enzyme Activities: Impact of Amendments: Measuring the effects of various soil amendments on enzyme activities, which are critical indicators of soil health and fertility. Enzyme activities such as cellulase, urease, and acid phosphatase are monitored to understand soil biochemical changes. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Eco-friendly Approaches: Developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable methods for managing soil fertility. Her work emphasizes minimizing chemical fertilizer use and promoting organic alternatives to enhance soil health and crop productivity. Crop Phenotyping: Characterizing root systems and crop phenotypes to link soil management practices with plant growth responses and yield outcomes.

Citations:

 

  • Total Citations: 423
  • Citations Since 2019: 412
  • h-index: 11
  • i10-index: 11

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Role of Biochar and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria to Enhance Soil Carbon Sequestration—A Review
    • Authors: R. Sarfraz, A. Hussain, A. Sabir, I. Ben Fekih, A. Ditta, S. Xing
    • Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 93
  2. Impact of Integrated Application of Biochar and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Maize Growth and Nitrogen Recovery in Alkaline Calcareous Soil
    • Authors: R. Sarfraz, A. Shakoor, M. Abdullah, A. Arooj, A. Hussain, S. Xing
    • Journal: Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 82
  3. Short Term Effects of Biochar with Different Particle Sizes on Phosphorous Availability and Microbial Communities
    • Authors: R. Sarfraz, W. Yang, S. Wang, B. Zhou, S. Xing
    • Journal: Chemosphere
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 54
  4. Dissolved Organic Nitrogen Distribution in Differently Fertilized Paddy Soil Profiles: Implications for its Potential Loss
    • Authors: S. Nie, L. Zhao, X. Lei, R. Sarfraz, S. Xing
    • Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 44
  5. Assessment of Physicochemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Waste Mushroom Substrate Biochar under Various Pyrolysis Temperatures and Times
    • Authors: R. Sarfraz, S. Li, W. Yang, B. Zhou, S. Xing
    • Journal: Sustainability
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 37
  6. Silicon-Mediated Improvement in Tolerance of Economically Important Crops under Drought Stress
    • Authors: Z. Pang, M. Tayyab, W. Islam, M.W.K. Tarin, R. Sarfaraz, H. Naveed, S. Zaman
    • Journal: Applied Ecology & Environmental Research
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 22
  7. Integrated Application of Organic Amendments with Alcaligenes sp. AZ9 Improves Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Maize (Zea mays)
    • Authors: A. Hussain, M. Ahmad, M.Z. Mumtaz, S. Ali, R. Sarfraz, M. Naveed, M. Jamil
    • Journal: Journal of Plant Growth Regulation
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 21
  8. Effects of Bamboo Biochar Amendment on the Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Fokienia Hodginsii
    • Authors: M.W.K. Tarin, L. Fan, M. Tayyab, R. Sarfraz, L. Chen, T. He, J. Rong, Y. Zheng
    • Journal: Applied Ecology & Environmental Research
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 20