Setia Sari Girsang | Plant Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Dr Setia Sari Girsang | Plant Nutrition |  Best Researcher Award

Research Professor at National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia

Setia Sari Br Girsang, Ph.D., is a distinguished Research Professor at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, specializing in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. She leads research on precision agriculture, soil fertility, and sustainable land management for optimizing agricultural productivity in diverse environments.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Soil Science – Universitas Sumatera Utara (2000)

  • M.Sc. in Soil Science – Universitas Sumatera Utara (2007)

  • B.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Science – University of the Philippines Los Baños (2016)

🔍 Research & Publications:

Dr. Girsang has spearheaded multiple studies on nutrient management, biofertilizers, and land-use sustainability, contributing to leading international journals. Her recent works include research on site-specific nutrient management for rice, phosphate solubilization in shallots, and biomass waste utilization for corn production.

📚 Notable Contributions:

  • Published books on lowland rice production challenges and Arabica coffee export potential

  • Registered local rice and coconut varieties

  • Received 20 years of Satya’s Satyalancana Karya award (2023)

🌍 International Engagement:

Dr. Girsang has participated in global training programs in Australia and Indonesia, focusing on agricultural policy and sustainability standards.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Soil aeration and relationship to inorganic nitrogen during aerobic cultivation of irrigated rice on a consolidated land parcel
    Soil and Tillage Research, 202, 104647 (2020)

  2. Simulating rice and maize yield potential in the humid tropical environment of Indonesia
    European Journal of Agronomy, 101, 10-19 (2018)

  3. A new site-specific nutrient management approach for maize in the favorable tropical environments of Southeast Asia
    19th World Congress of Soil Science, Soil Solutions for a Changing World, 1-6 (2010)

  4. Rice yield and relationships to soil properties for production using overhead sprinkler irrigation without soil submergence
    Geoderma, 352, 277-288 (2019)

  5. The distribution and impact of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) on maize production in North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 484 (1), 012099 (2020)

  6. Assessing the Challenges and Opportunities of Agricultural Information Systems to Enhance Farmers’ Capacity and Target Rice Production in Indonesia
    Sustainability, 15 (2), 1114 (2023)

  7. Impact of climate change on fall armyworm attack on maize in Karo District, North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 484 (1), 012111 (2020)

  8. Factors affecting rice yield productivity in tidal swamp of South Sumatra
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 648 (1), 012164 (2021)

  9. Evaluation of land suitability and factors influencing the development of shallots (Allium cepa L.) in North Padang Lawas, North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 648 (1), (2021)

  10. Diversity of insects on shallot (Allium ascalonicum Linn) grown under semi-organic and conventional cultivation in Simalungun Regency
    Jurnal Agroteknologi, 7 (2), 390-399 (2019)

  11. Canopy-dwelling insect abundance in semi-organic and conventional shallot cultivation
    Jurnal Online Pertanian Tropik, 5 (2), 268-275 (2018)

  12. Mid-season adjustment of nitrogen fertilizer for rice with two plant spacings
    Field Crops Research, 302, 109081 (2023)

  13. Environmental, social, and economic challenges in lowland rice production
    Closing Rice Yield Gaps in Asia: Innovations, Scaling, and Policies for Sustainable Intensification (2023)

  14. Reduction of rice yield gap by fertilizer and new varieties in North Sumatera
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 484 (1), 012061 (2020)

  15. Nutrient manager for rice: A mobile phone and internet application increases rice yield and profit in rice farming
    Indonesian Center for Rice Research, Sukamandi, West Java, Indonesia (2012)

  16. The role of rhizosphere microbes as phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizers in shallot: A review
    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1255 (1), 012003 (2023)

  17. Rice seed system model in North Sumatra: Supporting the World Food Barn Program 2045
    Penerbit BRIN (2021)

  18. Assessing rice production sustainability under future land use and population in Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia
    Landscape Online, 1103-1103 (2022)

Muhammad Awais | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

Dr Muhammad Awais | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

Post-doctoral Researcher at  Henan Agricultural University, China

Dr. Muhammad Awais is a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Henan Agriculture University, where he also collaborates with the Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Science and the State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science. His work focuses on sustainable agriculture, employing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for soil analysis, crop management, and environmental monitoring.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Renewable Energy, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, with co-supervision at Technical University of Denmark, specializing in biomethane production and advanced oxidation processes for biomass (2013-2018).
  • M.Phil. in Molecular Biology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan (2012).
  • M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees from PMAS Arid Agriculture University and University of the Punjab, Pakistan, respectively.

📜 Research Expertise:

Muhammad Awais has a research focus on sustainable agriculture and advanced technologies in environmental science. His recent work integrates AI, machine learning, and spectroscopy for soil and crop management. He has also pioneered photovoltaic solutions for sustainable irrigation and bioenergy solutions through biogas production from agricultural waste.

🧪 Professional Experience:

  • Post-Doctoral Researcher at Henan Agriculture University and the Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology (2023-present)
  • Head of Department / Assistant Professor, University of Sialkot, Pakistan (2021-2022)
  • Assistant Professor, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan (2019-2020)
  • Lecturer and Researcher, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, with roles in biomethane production projects (2013-2019)

🎖 Honors and Awards:

  • Principal Investigator, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan-funded project on nano-composite water purification (2020)
  • HEC Indigenous Fellowship and International Research Support Initiative

📈 Professional Impact:

  • Citations: 557 (537 since 2019)
  • h-index: 12
  • i10-index: 16

Publication Top Notes

  • Identification of Lead Compounds against Scm (fms10) in Enterococcus faecium Using Computer Aided Drug Designing
    MA Rasheed, MN Iqbal, S Saddick, I Ali, FS Khan, S Kanwal, D Ahmed, …
    Life 11 (2), 77, 97 (2021)
  • Bioconvection Flow in Accelerated Couple Stress Nanoparticles with Activation Energy: Bio-Fuel Applications
    SU Khan, K Al-Khaled, A Aldabesh, M Awais, I Tlili
    Scientific Reports 11 (1), 3331 (2021)
  • Methane Production and Kinetic Modeling for Co-digestion of Manure with Lignocellulosic Residues
    M Awais, M Alvarado-Morales, P Tsapekos, M Gulfraz, I Angelidaki
    Energy & Fuels 30 (12), 10516-10523 (2016)
  • TiO2/UV Based Photocatalytic Pretreatment of Wheat Straw for Biogas Production
    M Alvarado-Morales, P Tsapekos, M Awais, M Gulfraz, I Angelidaki
    Anaerobe 46, 155-161 (2017)
  • Screening of Native Hyper-Lipid Producing Microalgae Strains for Biomass and Lipid Production
    F Kabir, M Gulfraz, GK Raja, M Inam-ul-Haq, M Awais, MS Mustafa, …
    Renewable Energy 160, 1295-1307 (2020)
  • Analysis of Generalized Micropolar Nanofluid with Swimming of Microorganisms over an Accelerated Surface with Activation Energy
    Z Abdelmalek, SU Khan, M Awais, MS Mustfa, I Tlili
    Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 144, 1051-1063 (2021)
  • Photo-Catalytic Pretreatment of Biomass for Anaerobic Digestion Using Visible Light and Nickel Oxide (NiOx) Nanoparticles Prepared by Sol-Gel Method
    L Zhu, M Awais, HMA Javed, MS Mustafa, I Tlili, SU Khan, MS Shadloo
    Renewable Energy 154, 128-135 (2020)
  • Photocatalytic Pretreatment of Commercial Lignin Using TiO2-ZnO Nanocomposite-Derived Advanced Oxidation Processes for Methane Production Synergy in Lab
    YM Chu, HMA Javed, M Awais, MI Khan, S Shafqat, FS Khan, MS Mustafa, …
    Catalysts 11 (1), 54 (2021)
  • Bioherbicidal Ability and Weed Management of Allelopathic Methyl Esters from Lantana camara
    T Anwar, H Qureshi, MH Mahnashi, F Kabir, N Parveen, D Ahmed, U Afzal, …
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 28 (8), 4365-4374 (2021)
  • Biodiesel Production from Melia azedarach and Ricinus communis Oil by Transesterification Process
    M Awais, SA Musmar, F Kabir, I Batool, MA Rasheed, F Jamil, SU Khan, …
    Catalysts 10 (4), 427 (2020)
  • Determination of In Vivo Biological Activities of Dodonaea viscosa Flowers against CCL4 Toxicity in Albino Mice with Bioactive Compound Detection
    ZW Tong, H Gul, M Awais, S Saddick, FS Khan, M Gulfraz, U Afzal, …
    Scientific Reports 11 (1), 13336 (2021)
  • Immunoinformatics-Based Prediction of Recombinant Multi-Epitope Vaccine for the Control and Prevention of SARS-CoV-2
    MA Rasheed, S Raza, A Zohaib, MI Riaz, A Amin, M Awais, SU Khan, …
    Alexandria Engineering Journal 60 (3), 3087-3097 (2021)
  • Metal Oxides and Ultraviolet Light-Based Photocatalytic Pretreatment of Biomass for Biogas Production and Lignin Oxidation
    M Awais, MS Mustafa, MA Rasheed, F Jamil, SMZA Naqvi
    BioResources 15 (1), 1747 (2020)
  • Remote Estimation of Wheat Yield Based on Vegetation Indices Derived from Time Series Data of Landsat 8 Imagery
    S Naqvi, MN Tahir, GA Shah, RS Sattar, M Awais
    Applied Ecology & Environmental Research 17 (2) (2019)
  • Quantification of Biochemical Compounds in Bauhinia Variegata Linn Flower Extract and Its Hepatoprotective Effect
    H Gul, M Awais, S Saddick, Y Ahmed, FS Khan, E Ahmed, U Afzal, …
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 28 (1), 247-254 (2021)
  • BMT: Bioinformatics Mini Toolbox for Comprehensive DNA and Protein Analysis
    MN Iqbal, MA Rasheed, M Awais, W Chammam, S Kanwal, SU Khan, …
    Genomics 112 (6), 4561-4566 (2020)
  • In Silico Identification of Novel B Cell and T Cell Epitopes of Wuhan Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) for Effective Multi Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Production
    MA Rasheed, S Raza, A Zohaib, T Yaqub, M Rabbani, MI Riaz, M Awais, …
    MDPI AG (2020)
  • Comparative Study on the Usability of Lignocellulosic and Algal Biomass for Production of Alcoholic Fuels
    F Kabir, M Gulfraz, GK Raja, M Inam-ul-Haq, I Batool, M Awais, U Habiba, …
    BioResources 14 (4), 8135-8154 (2019)
  • Analysis of the Spike Proteins Suggests Pangolin as an Intermediate Host of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
    S Raza, MT Navid, W Zahir, MN Khan, M Awais, T Yaqub, M Rabbani, …
    (2021)
  • Mesophilic Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Cattle Manure with Malus domestica and Dalbergia sissoo during Biomethane Potential Assays
    M Awais, M Gulfraz, MJ Asad, F Kabir, KS Khan, S Naqvi
    BioResources 13 (2), 3144-3156 (2018)

 

Rubab Sarfraz | Fertility Management | Women Researcher Award

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