Lutfi Pirlak | Agriculture | Soil and Sustainable Development

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Dr. Lutfi Pirlak | Agriculture | Soil and Sustainable Development

Lutfi Pirlak | Selcuk University | Turkey

Prof. Lütfi Pırlak is a Professor of Horticulture at Selcuk University, Turkey. His research focuses on fruit growing, breeding, and sustainable horticultural practices, with particular expertise in plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, soil–plant interactions, and crop resilience under calcareous and saline conditions. He has published extensively in international journals and contributed to advancing environmentally friendly approaches that enhance plant nutrition, yield, and soil health. Prof. Pırlak is recognized for his role in integrating soil microbiology with horticulture to support sustainable agricultural development.

Profile

Orcid

Summary

Prof. Pırlak’s academic journey reflects decades of dedication to fruit growing and breeding, with a strong focus on soil–plant–microbe interactions. His expertise in PGPR, soil stress mitigation, and sustainable horticulture has produced innovative approaches to overcome calcareous soils, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies. His work not only contributes to scientific advancement but also supports sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with ecological stewardship.

Education

Prof. Lütfi Pırlak obtained his Bachelor degree in Agricultural Engineering from Atatürk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture in Erzurum, Turkey. He continued his academic journey with a Master of Science in Horticulture at the Natural and Applied Science Institute of Atatürk University, where he gained specialized knowledge in horticultural sciences. He later completed his Doctorate in Fruit Growing and Breeding at the same institution, demonstrating advanced expertise in plant production and genetic improvement.

Experience

Prof. Pırlak began his academic career as a Research Assistant at Atatürk University, where he focused on fruit growing and breeding. He then served as Assistant Professor and later as Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture. His professional growth continued when he was promoted to Professor at Selcuk University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture in Konya, Turkey, where he has been actively contributing to teaching, research, and academic leadership. His extensive career reflects a strong commitment to advancing horticultural science and fruit crop improvement.

Research Focus

His research primarily emphasizes fruit growing and breeding with a special focus on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and their effects on plant nutrition, growth, yield, and stress tolerance. He has investigated the interactions between soil conditions, microorganisms, and fruit crops such as apple, blackberry, strawberry, cherry, and citrus. His work contributes to sustainable horticultural practices, genetic improvement of fruit species, and innovative approaches in overcoming soil-related challenges such as salinity and calcareous conditions.

Skills

He possesses advanced communication and organizational skills, with high proficiency in English at a professional level. He is competent in computer applications, especially Microsoft Office programs, and has working knowledge of HTML. His skills extend to research design, data analysis, academic writing, and effective collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.

Awards

Prof. Pırlak has an outstanding publication record in internationally refereed journals, reflecting his significant scientific contributions. While specific awards are not detailed in the CV, his research achievements and academic recognition highlight his influence in horticultural sciences.

Publications

Effects of Some Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Growth and Nutrition of Apple Cv. “Braeburn” under High Lime Soil Condition
Authors: Ipek, Muzaffer; Arikan, Seyma; Esitken, Ahmet; Pirlak, Lutfi; Turan, Metin; Donmez, Mesude Figen
Journal: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis (2021)


Influence of Bacterial Inoculation on Growth and Plant Nutrition of Peach Grafted in Different Rootstocks in Calcareous Soil
Authors: Ipek, Muzaffer; Arikan, Seyma; Esitken, Ahmet; Pirlak, Lutfi; Donmez, Mesude Figen; Turan, Metin
Journal: Sains Malaysiana (2021)


Effects of Bacteria and IBA on the Rooting of Citrange Citrus Rootstocks Cuttings
Authors: Pirlak, Lutfi; Cinar, Mustafa
Journal: Alinteri Journal of Agriculture Sciences (2020)


Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Mitigate Deleterious Combined Effects of Salinity and Lime in Soil in Strawberry Plants
Authors: Arikan, Seyma; Ipek, Muzaffer; Esitken, Ahmet; Pirlak, Lutfi; Donmez, Mesude Figen; Turan, Metin
Journal: Journal of Plant Nutrition (2020)


Phenological, Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Some Promising Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Genotypes in Konya
Authors: Ipek, Muzaffer; Arikan, Seyma; Pirlak, Lutfi; Esitken, Ahmet
Journal: Erwerbs-Obstbau (2019)

Conclusion

Considering his extensive research on soil biology, plant nutrition, and sustainable crop production systems, Prof. Lütfi Pırlak is highly suitable for recognition in the field of Soil and Sustainable Development. His strengths lie in his innovative use of beneficial microbes for soil health, his application of sustainable strategies in horticulture, and his commitment to advancing environmentally friendly agricultural solutions. With further integration of broader crop systems and socio-environmental perspectives, his work can provide even greater contributions toward global sustainable development goals.

Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Santosh Marahatta | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Santosh Marahatta, Agriculture and Forestry University , Nepal

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is an Associate Professor of Agronomy at Agriculture and Forestry University, Nepal. He holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University and specializes in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. With over a decade of academic and research experience, he has led numerous national and international projects and published extensively on rice-based cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic innovations. Prof. Marahatta is actively involved in university leadership, editorial boards, and government agricultural committees, contributing significantly to research, education, and policy in Nepal’s agricultural sector.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Marahatta exemplifies excellence in agricultural research with a focus on sustainability, productivity, and innovation. His research addresses critical agronomic challenges through practical, field-based solutions. His leadership in academia, commitment to mentoring, and scholarly contributions mark him as a transformative figure in Nepal’s agricultural research landscape.

🎓 Education

Dr. Santosh Marahatta holds a Ph.D. in Cropping System Agronomy from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, where his dissertation focused on conservation agriculture and site-specific nutrient management in intensive rice-based systems in Nepal’s western foothills. He completed his M.Sc. in Agriculture (Agronomy) with distinction from the same university, conducting research on rice varieties and fertility practices in southern Chitwan. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from Tribhuvan University as well.

💼Experience

Dr. Marahatta currently serves as an Associate Professor of Agronomy at the Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Nepal. His academic career spans over a decade, with prior roles including Assistant Professor (both permanent and temporary) at Tribhuvan University and AFU. He also served as an agronomist at the Nepal Agricultural Research Council and as a lecturer at the Himalayan College of Agricultural Science and Technology. He is actively engaged in university governance and curriculum development as a Senate Member, Academic Council Member, Faculty Board Member, and Head of the Department of Agronomy at AFU. Additionally, he serves on multiple editorial boards and government-appointed agricultural committees and has led or contributed to numerous national and international research and development projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Marahatta’s research is deeply rooted in conservation agriculture, precision nutrient management, and sustainable soil fertility practices. His work emphasizes zero tillage, direct seeding of rice, and the use of biofertilizers, slow-release nitrogen sources, and tools like NDVI and SPAD meters to improve nutrient efficiency. He has published extensively on cropping systems, resource use efficiency, and agronomic interventions for enhancing productivity in Nepal’s diverse agro-climatic zones.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in a range of research and statistical software, including MS Office Suite, Mstat, GenStat, SPSS, DSSAT, R Studio, SigmaPlot, and Adobe Photoshop. Dr. Marahatta communicates effectively in Nepali, English, and Hindi and has participated in numerous international workshops and training programs, reinforcing his expertise in sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

🏆Awards

During his academic career, Dr. Marahatta was honored with the prestigious Tribhuvan University Merit Scholarship throughout his B.Sc. studies, awarded to the top 15% of students at the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science.

📚 Publications

Title
Improving soil health and crop productivity through conservation agriculture and nitrogen management in rice–mustard–maize systems

Authors
Santosh Marahatta, Shrawan Kumar Sah, Andrew M. McDonald, Jagadish Timsina, Krishna Prasad Devkota

Journal
Field Crops Research

Year of Publication
2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Santosh Marahatta is a visionary agronomist whose sustained academic output, impactful research, and leadership make him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His work is not only shaping sustainable agricultural practices in Nepal but also serving as a model for developing countries worldwide. With continued focus on innovation and collaboration, he is well-positioned to achieve even greater influence in global agricultural science.

sultan acun | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. sultan acun | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sultan acun, Amasya University, Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sultan Acun is a faculty member at Amasya University, Turkey, specializing in food science and engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Suleyman Demirel University, where her research focused on the use of propolis extracts and microencapsulated honey powder in cakes. Her expertise includes food quality enhancement, natural antioxidants, and functional food production. Dr. Acun has extensive academic and administrative experience, having served as a lecturer and department head. She has published numerous research papers in peer-reviewed journals and actively contributes to scientific conferences.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sultan Acun is a distinguished researcher in food science with a strong publication record, innovative research on functional foods, and significant contributions to academia. Her work on propolis, natural antioxidants, and food quality improvement has positioned her as a leading figure in her field. While she has demonstrated outstanding research capabilities, expanding international collaborations and securing more research grants would further enhance her impact.

🎓 Education

Sultan Acun completed her Ph.D. in Food Science in February 2021 at the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Food Engineering, Suleyman Demirel University, Turkey. Her doctoral research focused on using different propolis extracts and honey powder produced by the microencapsulation technique in cake. She obtained her M.Sc. in Food Science in June 2011 from the same university, where she studied the effects of grape wine waste pomace and grape seed on biscuit quality. She earned her B.Sc. in Food Engineering in June 2008, graduating with the highest GPA (93.11/100) among her peers.

💼Experience

Dr. Sultan Acun has extensive academic and administrative experience in food engineering and food science education. She has been a Lecturer Ph.D. at Amasya University, Suluova Vocational School, since 2021. Before that, she served as a Lecturer at the same institution from 2012 to 2021. She also worked as a Visiting Lecturer at Suleyman Demirel University, teaching at Gelendost and Şarkikaraağaç Vocational Schools between 2009 and 2012. In addition to her academic roles, she held administrative positions as Deputy Director of Suluova Vocational School from 2015 to 2020 and as Head of the Food Processing Department from 2014 to 2015.

🔬Research Focus

Her research interests lie in food science, with a specific focus on food quality enhancement, the use of natural antioxidants, and the incorporation of by-products in food production. She has worked on projects involving the use of propolis and microencapsulated honey in cakes, the determination of wheat quality, the evaluation of bakeries, and the use of grape pulp as a natural antioxidant in bread production. Her studies also explore the quality characteristics of traditional and gluten-free bakery products.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Acun possesses strong technical skills in food analysis, including the use of instruments such as protein analyzers, centrifuges, colorimeters, spectrophotometers, rotary evaporators, texture analyzers, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers. She is proficient in statistical analysis, including randomized and incomplete block design, ANOVA, multivariate analysis, and regression analysis. Additionally, she has expertise in Microsoft Office, Design Expert, and SPSS for data analysis.

🏆Awards

Dr. Acun has published numerous research papers in international and national peer-reviewed journals. She has presented her findings at various conferences, both as oral and poster presentations. She has contributed significantly to the study of food technology and has been recognized for her research on the nutritional and functional properties of different food ingredients. She also holds multiple certifications in quality management systems, HACCP, and risk-based process management.

📚 Publications

Title: The effect of propolis as a functional product on health
Author(s): Acun, S., & Gül, H.
Year: 2021
Journal: Uludag Aricilik Dergisi

Conclusion:

Dr. Sultan Acun is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her valuable contributions to food science and functional food development. With continued efforts in global research engagement and industry partnerships, she can further solidify her position as a leading researcher in her domain.