Researcher at Atacama University | Chile
Pedro Cairo Cairo is a distinguished agricultural scientist with more than five decades of contribution to sustainable soil management and organic agriculture. He has been instrumental in advancing ecological farming practices and restoring degraded soils across different regions, with significant recognition at both national and international levels. His research has spanned soil fertility, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture, resulting in groundbreaking contributions that have shaped agricultural development in Cuba and beyond. With numerous books, journal publications, and collaborative projects, Pedro Cairo Cairo stands as an influential figure committed to fostering sustainable farming and improving soil health globally.
Professional Profile
ORCID
Education
Pedro Cairo Cairo pursued his higher education in agricultural sciences, specializing in soil fertility and ecological management. His academic journey led him to complete a PhD in Agricultural Science, followed by four postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Rostock in Germany. These experiences deepened his expertise in soil quality, organic matter utilization, and sustainable land management. Through his education, he built a strong foundation in agroecology and organic agriculture, which has guided his professional and research career. His scholarly formation provided him with both theoretical and practical insights, enabling him to make impactful contributions to soil science worldwide.
Professional Experience
With over 50 years of professional expertise, Pedro Cairo Cairo has dedicated his career to soil restoration, sustainable agriculture, and organic farming. He has worked extensively in Cuba, where his research and innovations in soil fertility earned him national acclaim, and later continued his contributions at the Universidad de Atacama in Chile. His professional work includes mentoring PhD and Master’s students, publishing extensively, and leading several national and international projects. His leadership extends to collaborations with global institutions, contributing to agricultural sustainability strategies, soil quality improvement, and climate-resilient farming practices, shaping future generations of agricultural scientists.
Research Interest
Pedro Cairo Cairo’s research interests revolve around sustainable agriculture, soil fertility, and organic farming systems. He is particularly dedicated to studying soil quality indicators, the role of organic matter in fertility improvement, and sustainable management of salt-affected and degraded soils. His work also integrates agroecology, plant nutrition, and climate change adaptation strategies, reflecting a holistic approach to agricultural sustainability. He has consistently focused on identifying natural and organic solutions to restore soil health and increase productivity. These interests align with his commitment to building resilient agricultural systems that balance productivity with environmental protection and long-term sustainability.
Awards and Honors
Pedro Cairo Cairo has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science and agriculture. He was honored with the Carlos J. Finlay Order, Cuba’s highest scientific distinction, in 2001. In 1999, he was awarded the International Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” for his work in organic agriculture. Additionally, he has received national and provincial awards for scientific achievements and labor excellence, alongside multiple recognitions for his technical innovations. These honors highlight his lifelong dedication to sustainable soil management and his influential role in global agricultural research.
Research Skills
Throughout his career, Pedro Cairo Cairo has developed and demonstrated advanced skills in soil fertility analysis, organic matter management, and sustainable farming practices. His expertise includes the use of organic waste, biofertilizers, and natural minerals for soil restoration. He is proficient in designing and evaluating sustainability indicators for soil quality and has led projects addressing saline and alkaline soil management. His research skills extend to mentoring doctoral candidates, producing high-impact publications, and collaborating internationally. These skills, combined with his ability to integrate science with practical applications, make him a leading figure in advancing sustainable agricultural systems.
Publications
Pedro Cairo Cairo has authored over ten books and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in leading international platforms, particularly in Web of Science and Scopus indexed journals. His publications cover topics such as soil quality, organic fertilizers, bamboo biomass utilization, saline soil management, and agroecological farming practices. Recent works include studies on organo-mineral fertilizers and their impact on soil fertility and crop yield. He has also co-authored book chapters with renowned international researchers. His contributions have been widely cited, with a citation index of 23, underscoring the scientific impact and global relevance of his research output.
Cairo,P*., Torrez, P., Machado, J., Rodríguez, A., Gatorno,S., Rodríguez, O., Jimenez, R.(2017).Effects of phosphate limestone on structure and quality under sugarcane vertisoles. Centro Agrícola, 44(4), 30-36. (WoS).
Cairo,P*., Diaz, B., Rodriguez, A.(2017). Soil quality indicators in Vertisols under sugarcane. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 63 (11) 1477-1488. (WoS).
Cairo,P*., Alvares, O., Yera, Y., Rodríguez, A., Mollineda, A., Torres, P., Rodríguez, O.2018. La biomasa de Bambusa vulgaris como alternativa para la recuperación de suelos degradados. Centro Agrícola. 45 (3):51-58. . (WoS).
Cairo,P*.,Diaz. B. 2019. Fertility and Mineralogy of an Aridisol Soil under Agroecological Management. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 50 (14):1710-1721. . (WoS).
Cairo,P*. Diaz, B. 2021.Effects of dolomitic limestone and organic fertilizers on physical - chemical properties and the structure of a Vertisol. Australia Journal Crops Science.15(12) 1381-1385. Doi:10.21475/ajcs21.15.12.p3048. (SCOPUS).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pedro Cairo Cairo’s lifelong commitment to agricultural science has left an enduring legacy in soil fertility, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture. His leadership, research, and innovations have not only advanced scientific understanding but also provided practical solutions for restoring soil health and ensuring food security. Through mentorship, publications, and international collaborations, he has influenced future generations of scientists and practitioners. His awards and honors affirm his global recognition as a pioneer in ecological agriculture. Pedro Cairo Cairo’s work continues to inspire and contribute significantly to building sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems worldwide.