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)

 

Rajesh Kumar Prasad | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Rajesh Kumar Prasad | Soil |  Best Researcher Award

Manager-R&D at  Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd.,  India

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Prasad holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology. With a solid background in microbiology and bioenergy, he has developed a strong expertise in R&D, driving innovation and efficient management in scientific projects. His career objective is to actively contribute to research that advances both organizational goals and the broader scientific community, while continuously expanding his knowledge and skills. Rajesh also possesses a range of organizational, statistical, and soft skills, making him a versatile professional in the dynamic field of biotechnology.

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. (Biotechnology) — Assam University, Silchar, India (2015-2020)
  • M.Sc. (Biotechnology) — Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India (2011-2013)
  • B.Sc. (Zoology) — D.H.S. K College, Dibrugarh, India (2008-2011)

Work Experience:

Manager-R&D
Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., Noida, India — April 2024 – Present

  • Leading R&D for bioenergy projects, including biogas and bio-CNG production optimization.

Assistant Manager-R&D
Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., Noida, India — June 2023 – March 2024

  • Supported bioenergy technology development, mass balance analysis, and process optimization.

Scientific Officer
REVY Environmental Solution Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, India — Sept 2022 – May 2023

  • Managed an environmental and microbiological lab, overseeing R&D for biogas and waste treatment.

Research Associate
Tezpur University, Assam, India — April 2022 – June 2022

  • Contributed to bioenergy and anaerobic digestion technology projects for renewable energy promotion.

Senior Research Fellow
Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam — June 2016 – Nov 2018

  • Characterized insect gut bacteria for cellulase gene analysis and waste degradation efficiency.

Skills:

  • Process Development & Writeup for Bio-CNG Plants: Provided solutions for bio-CNG plants, optimizing various biomass feedstocks like Napier grass, paddy straw, jute waste, and food waste.
  • Anaerobic Digestion Technology: Expertise in biogas optimization, BMP analysis, and wastewater treatment, with experience reducing CO2, H2S, and COD/BOD levels in industrial wastewater.
  • Microbiology & Molecular Biology: Proficient in microbiological techniques, cellulase gene characterization, enzyme assays, bacterial DNA isolation, and bacteriophage characterization.
  • Project Management: Strong skills in managing R&D projects, technical report writing, and SOP formulation. Successfully coordinated cross-functional teams in bioenergy projects.
  • Bioinformatics & Data Science: Experience with bioinformatics tools such as nBLAST and MEGA-X. Proficient in data analysis using Origin 8 and GraphPad Prism.
  • Soft Skills & Technical Writing: Skilled in research article preparation, report drafting, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Languages: Fluent in Hindi, English, and Assamese.

Rajesh Kumar Prasad’s Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 353 (from 348 documents)
  • Publications: 8 documents
  • h-index: 6

Publication Top Notes

1. A comprehensive pre-treatment strategy evaluation of ligno-hemicellulosic biomass to enhance biogas potential in the anaerobic digestion process
Prasad, R.K., Sharma, A., Mazumder, P.B., Dhussa, A.
RSC Sustainability, 2024, 2(9), pp. 2444–2467

2. Cold adaptation in bacteria with special focus on cellulase production and its potential application
Gupta, S.K., Kataki, S., Chatterjee, S., Dwivedi, S.K., Gupta, D.K.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2020, 258, 120351

3. Isolation and characterisation of a lytic bacteriophage from wastewater and its application in pathogen reduction
Sharma, S., Datta, S., Chatterjee, S., Das, B., Vanlalhmuaka
Defence Life Science Journal, 2020, 5(2), pp. 80–86

4. Characterization of Bacillus Species with Keratinase and Cellulase Properties Isolated from Feather Dumping Soil and Cockroach Gut
Sharma, S., Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Vairale, M.G., Yadav, K.K.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India Section B – Biological Sciences, 2019, 89(3), pp. 1079–1086

5. Study on cellulase (β-1,4-endoglucanase) activity of gut bacteria of Sitophilus oryzae in cellulosic waste biodegradation
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Mazumder, P.B., Vairale, M.G., Dwivedi, S.K.
Bioresource Technology Reports, 2019, 7, 100274

6. Bioethanol production from waste lignocelluloses: A review on microbial degradation potential
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Mazumder, P.B., Dwivedi, S.K., Gupta, D.K.
Chemosphere, 2019, 231, pp. 588–606

7. Insect Gut Bacteria and Their Potential Application in Degradation of Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Review
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Sharma, S., Vairale, M.G., Raju, P.S.
Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, 2018, pp. 277–299

8. Bacteriophages and its applications: an overview
Sharma, S., Chatterjee, S., Datta, S., Prasad, R.K., Vairale, M.G.
Folia Microbiologica, 2017, 62(1), pp. 17–55

 

Saeid Hojati | Soil Properties | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Saeid Hojati |  Soil Properties |  Best Researcher Award

Academic Member at  Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz,  Iran

Prof. Saeid Hojati is a distinguished Full Professor in the Department of Soil Science at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. He earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science from Isfahan University of Technology, where he researched the distribution and stability of fibrous clay minerals in central Iran and Zagros regions. His M.Sc. focused on the residual effects of organic amendments on soil microbial activities. Prof. Hojati has held several key positions, including Head of the Soil Science Department and Dean Assistant for Postgraduate and Academic Affairs. He is actively involved in editorial boards of notable journals such as the Journal of Agricultural Engineering and the Journal of Soil Science Society of Iran. His research interests encompass digital soil mapping, spatial variability of soil properties, and the interactions of clay minerals with pollutants. Prof. Hojati’s contributions to soil science have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Distinguished Professor for Educational Affairs and Top Researcher in Khuzestan Province. He has participated in international fellowships in Canada and Spain, and his expertise extends to advanced laboratory techniques and software for soil analysis.

Profile:

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Soil Science (Genesis and Classification of Soils), Isfahan University of Technology, Iran
    Thesis: Distribution pattern, genesis, and stability of fibrous clay minerals in soils and Tertiary sediments in central Iran and Zagros regions.
  • M.Sc. in Soil Science (Soil Biochemistry), Isfahan University of Technology, Iran
    Thesis: Effects of organic amendments on microbial biomass and enzyme activities in calcareous soil.
  • B.Sc. in Soil Science, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran

Positions Held 🏛️

  • Full Professor, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (January 2023 – Present)
  • Head of Soil Science Department, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (February 2020 – Present)
  • Editorial Board Member, Journal of Soil Science Society of Iran (October 2021 – Present)
  • Editorial Board Member, Journal of Agricultural Engineering, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (October 2023 – Present)
  • Dean Assistant for Postgraduate and Academic Affairs, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (November 2016 – March 2019)
  • Associate Professor, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (October 2015 – January 2023)

Memberships 🤝

  • Iranian Society of Soil Science (Since 2014)
  • Iranian Society of Mineralogy and Crystallography (Since 2009)
  • Clay Minerals Society (2010-2011)
  • Soil Science Society of America (2005-2006)

Honors and Awards 🏆

  • Distinguished Professor for Educational Affairs, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (2020)
  • Top Researcher, Khuzestan Province, Agriculture and Natural Resources (2019)
  • Distinguished Top Researcher, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz (2016)
  • Distinguished Ph.D. Thesis, Isfahan University of Technology (2012)

Teaching Experience 📚

  • Undergraduate Courses: Soil Survey, Geomorphology, Soils of Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Soil Genesis and Classification, Land Evaluation, Introduction to Soil Science
  • Graduate Courses: Digital Soil Mapping, Geostatistics, Soil Geomorphology, Advanced Topics in Soil Genesis, Optical Mineralogy, Methods and Tools in Management of Soil Resources

Research Interests 🔬

  • Spatial variability of soil properties
  • Digital soil mapping and morphometric analysis
  • Effects of land use on soil quality
  • Interactions of clay minerals with pollutants
  • Paleoclimate interpretation of clay minerals
  • Application of stable isotope techniques
  • Dust particle origin determination using remote sensing

Citation Metrics 📊

  • Total Citations: 800
  • Citations Since 2019: 546
  • h-index: 15
  • h-index Since 2019: 11
  • i10-index: 19
  • i10-index Since 2019: 14

Publication Top Notes:

  • Characteristics of dust deposited along a transect between central Iran and the Zagros Mountains
    S Hojati, H Khademi, AF Cano, A Landi
    Catena 88 (1), 27-36 (2012)
    Citations: 109
  • Kinetics and thermodynamics of lead adsorption from aqueous solutions onto Iranian sepiolite and zeolite
    F Sharifipour, S Hojati, A Landi, A Faz Cano
    International Journal of Environmental Research 9 (3), 1001-1010 (2015)
    Citations: 80
  • Total and labile forms of soil organic carbon as affected by land use change in southwestern Iran
    DS Geraei, S Hojati, A Landi, AF Cano
    Geoderma Regional 7 (1), 29-37 (2016)
    Citations: 74
  • Enhanced hexavalent chromium removal from aqueous solution using a sepiolite-stabilized zero-valent iron nanocomposite: impact of operational parameters and artificial neural …
    AR Esfahani, S Hojati, A Azimi, M Farzadian, A Khataee
    Journal of the Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers 49, 172-182 (2015)
    Citations: 57
  • Adsorption of Cr (VI) onto micro-and nanoparticles of palygorskite in aqueous solutions: Effects of pH and humic acid
    AA Rouhaninezhad, S Hojati, MN Masir
    Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 206, 111247 (2020)
    Citations: 49
  • Kinetics and thermodynamics of zinc removal from a metal-plating wastewater by adsorption onto an Iranian sepiolite
    S Hojati, A Landi
    International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 12, 203-210 (2015)
    Citations: 32
  • Reductive removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solution using sepiolite-stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles: Process optimization and kinetic studies
    AR Esfahani, S Hojati, A Azimi, L Alidokht, A Khataee, M Farzadian
    Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering 31, 630-638 (2014)
    Citations: 32
  • Thermal behavior of a natural sepiolite from Northeastern Iran
    S Hojati, H Khademi
    Journal of Sciences, Islamic Republic of Iran 24 (2), 129-134 (2013)
    Citations: 27
  • Effects of sepiolite nanoparticles on the kinetics of Pb and Cu removal from aqueous solutions and their immobilization in columns with different soil textures
    S Alvani, S Hojati, A Landi
    Geoderma 350, 19-28 (2019)
    Citations: 25
  • Enzyme activities and microbial biomass carbon in a soil amended with organic and inorganic fertilizers.
    S Hojati, F Nourbakhsh
    American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences 4, 179-186 (2006)
    Citations: 21
  • Physicochemical and mineralogical characteristics of dust particles deposited in Ahvaz city
    B Karimian, A Landi, S Hojati, J Ahadian
    Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research 47 (1), 159-173 (2016)
    Citations: 20
  • Genesis and distribution of palygorskite in Iranian soils and sediments
    S Hojati, H Khademi
    Developments in Clay Science 3, 201-218 (2011)
    Citations: 20
  • Effect of Raw and NH4+-enriched Zeolite on Nitrogen Uptake by Wheat and Nitrogen Leaching in Soils with Different Textures
    N Mehrab, M Chorom, S Hojati
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 47 (10), 1306-1316 (2016)
    Citations: 19