Sara Godena | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Innovative Research Award

Sara Godena
Institute of Agriculture and Tourism, Croatia

Sara Godena
Affiliation Institute of Agriculture and Tourism
Country Croatia
Scopus ID 36760599700
Documents 36
Citations 388
h-index 11
Subject Area Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Event International Soil Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0003-1937-4611

Sara Godena is a researcher affiliated with the Institute of Agriculture and Tourism in Croatia whose documented scholarly activity falls within Agricultural and Biological Sciences. Her research profile includes plant health, olive production, biological control, plant-derived antimicrobial agents, and sustainable approaches to agricultural disease management. Her reported research record comprises 36 documents, 388 citations, and an h-index of 11. [1]

Abstract

Sara Godena’s research portfolio demonstrates a focus on practical agricultural and plant-health challenges, particularly those affecting olive cultivation. Recent studies address olive-associated fungal and bacterial pathogens, essential oils, plant-based agents, olive mill wastewater, pathogen diversity, and varietal susceptibility. These themes connect biological research with environmentally conscious disease-management strategies and contribute to the development of alternatives to conventional chemical control. [2]

Keywords

Olive pathology; plant health; biological control; essential oils; plant-based agents; Botryosphaeriaceae; Pseudomonas savastanoi; olive mill wastewater; sustainable agriculture; agricultural microbiology.

Introduction

Olive production is affected by diverse fungal and bacterial organisms that can influence plant health and productivity. Godena’s recent publications investigate these challenges through pathogen characterization, antimicrobial evaluation, varietal assessment, and exploration of plant-derived or agricultural by-product-based interventions. Such research is relevant to integrated plant disease management and the broader objective of reducing reliance on conventional inputs. [3]

Research Profile

The research profile combines plant pathology, microbiology, agricultural biotechnology, and sustainable crop protection. Published work examines both pathogen biology and potential control measures, creating a research pathway from identification and characterization toward application-oriented disease management.

Research Contributions

  • Assessment of olive-associated Botryosphaeriaceae diversity and pathogenicity in Istria, Croatia. [5]
  • Investigation of plant-based agents and essential oils for antimicrobial and antifungal activity. [3]
  • Evaluation of olive mill wastewater as a potential source of bioactive compounds for plant disease management. [2]

Publications

Selected recent publications include studies in Horticulturae, Agronomy, Agriculture, Plants, and Microorganisms. The 2025 Horticulturae article examines physicochemical characteristics and antifungal activity of olive mill wastewaters against Botryosphaeriaceae, while related studies investigate plant-based growth promoters, green bactericides, essential oils, fungal pathogens, and bacterial disease susceptibility. [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Research Impact

The reported 388 citations and h-index of 11 indicate measurable scholarly visibility within the researcher’s indexed publication record. [1] The thematic continuity of the publications also demonstrates relevance to sustainable crop protection, especially where biological activity, plant-derived compounds, and agricultural residues can be evaluated as components of integrated management.

Award Suitability

The documented publication record, citation profile, and research emphasis provide a scholarly basis for consideration for the Innovative Research Award associated with the International Soil Scientist Awards. Particular relevance arises from research connecting agricultural production with plant protection and environmentally oriented approaches to pathogen management. Award consideration should be based on the complete nomination dossier and independent evaluation criteria.

Conclusion

Sara Godena’s research profile reflects sustained engagement with agricultural and biological sciences, with notable emphasis on olive health, plant pathogens, biological activity, and sustainable crop-protection approaches. Her indexed research output and recent publications provide a coherent foundation for academic recognition in innovative agricultural research.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Sara Godena, Author ID 36760599700. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/pages/authors/36760599700
  2. MDPI. (2025). Integrated Analysis of Olive Mill Wastewaters: Physicochemical Profiling, Antifungal Activity, and Biocontrol Potential Against Botryosphaeriaceae. Horticulturae, 11(7), 819. DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae11070819
  3. MDPI. (2025). Potential of Plant-Based Agents as Next-Generation Plant Growth-Promotors and Green Bactericides Against Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi. Agronomy, 15(4), 819. DOI: 10.3390/agronomy15040819
  4. MDPI. (2025). Antifungal Efficacy of Essential Oils and Their Predominant Components Against Olive Fungal Pathogens. Agriculture, 15(3), 340. DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15030340
  5. MDPI. (2024). Diversity and Pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae Species Isolated from Olives in Istria, Croatia, and Evaluation of Varietal Resistance. Plants, 13(13), 1813. DOI: 10.3390/plants13131813
  6. MDPI. (2024). Varietal Susceptibility of Olive to Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi and the Antibacterial Potential of Plant-Based Agents. Microorganisms, 12(7), 1301. DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12071301

Workneh Kenea | Agricultural Science | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Research Excellence Award

Workneh Kenea
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ethiopia

Workneh Kenea
Affiliation Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
Country Ethiopia
Scopus ID 57221618379
Documents 2
Citations 21
h-index 1
Subject Area Agricultural Science and Innovation
Event International Soil Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0003-2609-7747

Workneh Kenea is a researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ethiopia, whose work focuses on sustainable crop production, soil fertility management, fertilizer optimization, and agricultural innovation. His research integrates agronomic experimentation with evidence-based decision-making to improve maize productivity under diverse environmental conditions. Through peer-reviewed publications, he has contributed to the development of practical nutrient management strategies that support sustainable agricultural production and resource-efficient farming systems.[1]

Abstract

The Research Excellence Award recognizes sustained scholarly contributions that advance scientific understanding and practical innovation. Workneh Kenea’s research emphasizes sustainable maize production, fertilizer management, and multi-criteria evaluation of agricultural systems. His publications address key challenges in improving crop productivity while balancing environmental sustainability, nutrient-use efficiency, and resilient agricultural practices. These studies contribute evidence supporting improved agronomic recommendations for Ethiopia and comparable agroecological regions.[2][3]

Keywords

Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agriculture, Maize Production, Soil Fertility, Fertilizer Optimization, Crop Management, Nutrient Management, Agricultural Innovation, Multi-Criteria Assessment, Ethiopia.

Introduction

Modern agricultural research increasingly emphasizes sustainable intensification through improved nutrient management, precision agronomy, and resource-efficient production systems. Research undertaken by Workneh Kenea aligns with these priorities by evaluating fertilizer recommendations, crop management practices, and sustainability indicators that support higher productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. His work provides practical knowledge applicable to researchers, extension services, and agricultural producers.[2]

Research Profile

Workneh Kenea is affiliated with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). According to the provided scholarly metrics, his research profile includes two indexed publications, twenty-one citations, and an h-index of one. His research interests encompass sustainable crop production, fertilizer recommendation, soil nutrient management, crop productivity, and agricultural innovation. His studies integrate experimental field research with quantitative analytical approaches to improve maize production systems.[1]

Research Contributions

  • Evaluated sustainability of maize production systems using a comprehensive multi-criteria assessment framework integrating agronomic, economic, and environmental indicators.[2]
  • Redesigned and validated fertilizer recommendations for maize under varying plant population densities across major agricultural regions of Ethiopia.[3]
  • Contributed to evidence-based nutrient management strategies aimed at improving fertilizer-use efficiency and crop productivity.[3]
  • Supported sustainable agricultural innovation through applied agronomic research with practical relevance for farming systems and policy development.[2]

Publications

  1. Assessing the Sustainability of Maize Production Under Various Crop Management Practices Using a Multi-Criteria Assessment Approach.
    Sustainability, 2026.
    DOI:
    10.3390/su18126024
  2. Redesigning and Validation of Fertilizer Use in Maize for Variable Plant Densities in Central Rift Valley and Jimma in Ethiopia.
    PLOS ONE, 2024.
    DOI:
    10.1371/journal.pone.0304004

Research Impact

The published research contributes to improved understanding of sustainable maize production and nutrient management within Ethiopian farming systems. By evaluating fertilizer recommendations and sustainability metrics, the studies provide information that can support improved agricultural productivity, efficient resource utilization, and evidence-based agronomic decision-making. These contributions demonstrate the importance of integrating experimental research with sustainability assessment methodologies.[2][3]

Award Suitability

Workneh Kenea’s scholarly contributions demonstrate a commitment to agricultural innovation through applied research addressing sustainable crop production and fertilizer management. His peer-reviewed publications, practical research outcomes, and focus on improving agricultural productivity align with the objectives of the Research Excellence Award, recognizing scientific work that advances sustainable agricultural development through rigorous investigation and practical application.[2][3]

Conclusion

Workneh Kenea has established an emerging research profile focused on sustainable agriculture, nutrient management, and maize production systems. His contributions support evidence-based improvements in fertilizer recommendations and sustainability assessment, reflecting the role of applied agricultural research in addressing food security and environmental stewardship. Collectively, these achievements provide a strong academic foundation for recognition through the Research Excellence Award.

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus Author Details: Workneh Kenea, Author ID 57221618379. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57221618379
  2. Kenea, W. et al. (2026). Assessing the Sustainability of Maize Production Under Various Crop Management Practices Using a Multi-Criteria Assessment Approach. Sustainability, 18(12), 6024.
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su18126024
  3. Kenea, W. et al. (2024). Redesigning and Validation of Fertilizer Use in Maize for Variable Plant Densities in Central Rift Valley and Jimma in Ethiopia. PLOS ONE. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0304004
  4. ORCID. (n.d.). ORCID Record for Workneh Kenea.
    https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2609-7747

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yangilar | Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yangilar | Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University | Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yangilar is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Agriculture, with a strong specialization in food science, nutrition, and functional food development. She is affiliated with Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, where she contributes to both teaching and research within the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. Her work focuses on improving the nutritional quality, safety, and functional properties of food products, with particular emphasis on dairy technology, plant-based alternatives, probiotics, and bioactive compounds. Dr. Yangilar has an extensive publication record in internationally recognized journals, covering topics such as functional yogurts, fermented foods, antioxidant activity, and innovative food processing techniques. She has also supervised numerous postgraduate theses and led research projects aimed at developing sustainable and health-oriented food solutions. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she plays an active role in scientific committees, editorial activities, and academic administration. Her contributions bridge the gap between agricultural science and human health, promoting innovation in food systems and supporting the development of nutritionally enhanced products aligned with modern dietary needs.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

600
400
200
50
0

Citations
315

Documents
29

h-index
10

Citations

Documents

h-index


View Scopus Profile

Featured Publications

Fuke Hako | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist
After Completing the Registration Process, your Biography will be displayed here.

Register by using your Entry ID: 4144

Register Here

Muhammad Satta | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist
After Completing the Registration Process, your Biography will be displayed here.

Register by using your Entry ID: 4136

Register Here

Dilawar Abbas | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Dilawar Abbas | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dilawar Abbas is an emerging researcher in agricultural and insect sciences whose work integrates biological control, integrated pest management (IPM), insect ecology, and applied entomology to address critical challenges in sustainable crop protection. His research spans insect behavior and interactions, physiology, morphology, taxonomy, molecular biology, toxicology, and the application of entomopathogenic nematodes, with a strong emphasis on environmentally responsible pest management strategies. He has conducted laboratory-based investigations on insect diapause intensity and overwintering survival, combining physiological, biochemical, and molecular approaches to elucidate mechanisms of cold tolerance and diapause regulation in major agricultural pests. Complementing this experimental work, his applied research experience includes field-based pest identification, monitoring, and management across diverse cropping systems, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of IPM implementation under real agricultural conditions. This integrated perspective bridges fundamental insect biology with practical pest control solutions aimed at improving crop yield, quality, and sustainability. His research outputs reflect growing scholarly impact, with 14 published documents that have received 19 citations across 17 citing documents and an h-index of 3, demonstrating early but meaningful contributions to the scientific literature. Collectively, his work highlights strong potential for continued innovation in sustainable pest management, ecological research, and biologically based control strategies within modern agricultural systems.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

20
15
10
5
0

Citations
19

Documents
14

h-index
3

Citations

Documents

h-index

Climate-driven insect pest outbreaks and associated food security risks: adaptive strategies for resilient agricultural systems

– Review Article

Siran Wang | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Siran Wang | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Siran Wang is a leading researcher in animal nutrition and forage science whose work centers on improving silage quality, feed efficiency, and sustainable livestock production through microbial and fermentation-based innovations. His research focuses on forage processing and efficient utilization, screening and application of functional lactic acid bacteria, and the development and utilization of unconventional feed resources, with particular emphasis on enhancing nutritional value, safety, and stability of animal feeds. He has made substantial contributions to understanding microbial communities, fermentation mechanisms, and their practical application in silage systems, especially under diverse agro-ecological conditions. Dr. Wang plays an active academic service role across multiple high-impact journals, serving as section editor, early-career editorial board member, lead guest editor and guest associate editor for numerous international special issues and research topics related to agriculture, microbiology, fermentation, plant science, and animal science, several of which have resulted in large collections of published peer-reviewed papers. His editorial leadership reflects strong recognition within the scientific community for his expertise in silage microbiology and forage utilization. Dr. Wang has published 111 scientific documents, which have received 1,594 citations across 977 citing documents, and he holds an h-index of 21, highlighting the impact, consistency, and relevance of his research contributions to agricultural and animal science.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

1600
1200
800
400
0

Citations
1,594

Documents
111

h-index
21

Citations

Documents

h-index

Application of Fermentation Technology in Animal Nutrition: Second Edition

– Fermentation 

Biological delignification and anaerobic fermentation of wheat straw as a sustainable strategy for crop straw utilization

– Industrial Crops and Products 

Effects of biological lignin depolymerization on rice straw enzymatic hydrolysis, anaerobic fermentation performance, and in vitro ruminal digestibility

– International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 

Effects of biological and antifungal additives on ensiling quality, in vitro digestibility, gas production, and aerobic stability of fermented total mixed rations containing wet brewers’ grains

– Acta Prataculturae Sinica 

Influence of growth stage and storage duration on fermentation traits, microbial community dynamics, functional shifts, and pathogenic risk in fermented Italian ryegrass

– LWT

Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mr. Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

Hacettepe University | Turkey

Melih Altay is a researcher in geomatics engineering with a strong specialization in photogrammetry, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing. His research is centered on integrating deep learning and machine learning methods with multi-source Earth observation data to address complex geospatial problems. He has developed and applied advanced AI-based segmentation, object detection, and classification approaches for analyzing optical and SAR satellite imagery, with particular emphasis on forest fire assessment, water surface detection, and agricultural land monitoring. His work contributes to improving the accuracy and automation of geospatial data extraction from high-resolution satellite platforms such as PlanetScope and Sentinel series. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration of GIS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, offering scalable solutions for environmental monitoring, land-use analysis, and spatial decision support. Through peer-reviewed conference publications, he has contributed comparative evaluations of deep learning architectures and innovative workflows that enhance geospatial analysis efficiency and reliability. Overall, his work reflects a forward-looking approach to geomatics engineering, emphasizing intelligent automation, high-resolution spatial analytics, and the practical application of AI technologies in Earth observation and digital twin systems.

View Orcid Profile


Phenology aware agricultural boundary extraction using segment anything model and planet scope imagery (zero shot learning approach)– Advances in Space Research

Madan Sharma | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma | Manipal University | India

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma has established a significant scientific presence through impactful research spanning plant biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, medicinal plant conservation, and sustainable bioscience innovation. His scholarly influence is reflected in 757 citations from 717 citing documents, demonstrating broad recognition and applicability of his findings across diverse research communities. With a portfolio of 62 peer-reviewed documents, his work has advanced micropropagation techniques, optimized in vitro regeneration systems, explored endophytic fungal diversity, and contributed to the biosynthesis of eco-friendly nanoparticles with antimicrobial and therapeutic potential. His h-index of 14 underscores the consistent relevance and academic value of his contributions, which have shaped new directions in plant tissue culture, phytochemical enhancement, biogenic nanomaterial development, and bioresource conservation. Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma’s research further integrates molecular, biochemical and nanotechnological approaches to address challenges related to medicinal plant preservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative biological solutions for health and environmental applications. His cumulative scientific output reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge that supports societal benefit, industry innovation, and the progressive development of biosciences through interdisciplinary and forward-looking research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Yousra Mukhtar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr.Yousra Mukhtar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yousra Mukhtar | Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology | India

Dr. Yousra Mukhtar is a dedicated entomologist specializing in Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) and pollinator ecology, with significant expertise in insect biodiversity assessment and sustainable pest control strategies. Her research has documented 75 non-Apis bee species, including over 30 first records from the northwestern Himalayas of India, enriching knowledge on native pollinator diversity and ecosystem services. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications focusing on pest dynamics, pollinator behavior, and eco-friendly pest management approaches that enhance agroecosystem resilience. As a researcher and educator, she has contributed to advancing understanding of the interlinkages between pollination ecology and integrated pest management, promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Her scholarly contributions are recognized through 13 research documents, 19 citations, and an h-index of 2, reflecting her growing academic impact. Beyond research, she has actively engaged in scientific communities through leadership roles, conference presentations, and peer-review activities for reputed international journals. Dr. Mukhtar’s work exemplifies a strong commitment to pollinator conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and the development of sustainable IPM strategies that align with global goals for agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Profiles: Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Pest management practices impact Helicoverpa armigera infestation and foraging behaviour of pollinators in sunflower. International Journal of Pest Management.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Expanding Megachile diversity: First record of nine Megachile species (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) from Jammu, India and the broader North-Western Himalayas. Oriental Insects.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2025). Non-Apis bee diversity in Jammu, India, with first records from the region and the northwestern Himalayas. National Academy Science Letters.

Mukhtar, Y., & Shankar, U. (2024). Harmonizing pest control and beneficial organism conservation in sunflower ecosystems through integrated pest management. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection.