Fangyuan Shen | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fangyuan Shen | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Xi’an University of Technology | China

Dr. Fangyuan Shen, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher at Xi’an University of Technology specializing in agricultural water-saving irrigation technology, soil microbiology, and efficient utilization of water and soil resources. His pioneering work has focused on the challenges of sediment-laden water in the Yellow River Basin, where he developed and applied muddy water film hole irrigation technology to enhance agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Dr. Shen has contributed significantly to sustainable water and soil management practices. He has published extensively in leading international journals, including Plant and Soil and Scientia Horticulturae, advancing global understanding of water-soil-plant interactions. His research contributions have been recognized with strong academic impact, reflected in an h-index of 12, more than 45 peer-reviewed documents, and over 620 citations across Scopus and Web of Science databases. In addition to his scholarly publications, Dr. Shen actively engages in collaborative projects that bridge science and practical agricultural applications, providing technical support to local farmers and policymakers. His dedication to innovation and excellence continues to drive forward the field of agricultural water management, ensuring sustainable solutions to global food and water security challenges.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Long-term impacts of stand density on soil fungal and bacterial communities for targeted cultivation of large-diameter Larix olgensis

  • Effects of thinning on absorptive root functional traits of Pinus koraiensis

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.

Shengchang Huai | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Shengchang Huai | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Shengchang Huai, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Mr. Shengchang Huai is a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, specializing in soil science and agricultural sustainability. His work focuses on soil nutrient estimation, organic amendments, and hyperspectral analysis for precision agriculture. He has contributed to multiple high-impact studies on soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and nutrient efficiency. With expertise in GIS, programming, and statistical modeling, he aims to enhance sustainable farming practices through data-driven research.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Shengchang Huai is a distinguished researcher with significant contributions to soil science, precision agriculture, and sustainable farming practices. His expertise in infrared spectroscopy, soil fertility modeling, and data-driven agricultural research positions him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research publications in high-impact journals, technical proficiency, and international collaborations underscore his credibility.

🎓 Education

Shengchang Huai is pursuing a Doctorate in Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Liege since 2020, focusing on developing an estimation model for soil total NPK content using hyperspectral analysis. He previously earned a Master’s degree in Soil Science from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2017–2020), where he studied the short-term effects of applying straw and manure on maize production, water efficiency, and nutrient utilization in rainfed regions.

💼Experience

His academic research experience spans soil science, agricultural engineering, and predictive modeling. He has been involved in multiple projects, including the study of soil spectral responses in complex environments with field validation.

🔬Research Focus

His research centers on soil nutrient estimation, sustainable agriculture, and the application of advanced technologies like hyperspectral analysis to enhance soil fertility assessment. He explores the impact of organic amendments, such as straw and manure, on soil properties, carbon sequestration, and nutrient efficiency. His work also delves into soil spectral responses, precision agriculture, and improving agricultural sustainability through data-driven modeling approaches.

🛠️Skills

He possesses expertise in modeling and programming using Matlab, R, Python, and SQL. His statistical skills include proficiency in SPSS, SAS, and Excel, while his GIS capabilities extend to remote sensing, ArcGIS, and Idrisi.

🏆Awards

Shengchang Huai has actively contributed to groundbreaking research in soil science and agricultural engineering, earning recognition for his work. His involvement in funded projects, such as the “Mechanism of Soil Spectral Response in Complex Environments and Field Validation” (CAAS-CSAL-202402), highlights his contributions to advancing soil analysis methodologies.

📚 Publications

  • Infrared Spectroscopy for Soil NPK Estimation: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions in Predictive Modelling
    Authors: Huai, S., Lu, C., Zhang, Q., Colinet, G., et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry

  • Short-Term Effects of Incorporation Depth of Straw Combined with Manure During the Fallow Season on Maize Production, Water Efficiency, and Nutrient Utilization in Rainfed Regions
    Authors: Huai, S., Wang, S., Yu, W., Zhang, Q., Wu, H., Xing, T., … Lu, C.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Agronomy, 14(11), 2504

  • Mechanism of Al Toxicity Alleviation in Acidic Red Soil by Rice-Straw Hydrochar Application and Comparison with Pyrochar
    Authors: Yu, W., Ren, T., Duan, Y., Huai, S., Zhang, Q., Cai, Z., & Lu, C.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Science of The Total Environment, 877, 162849

  • Straw Burial Depth and Manure Application Affect the Straw-C and N Sequestration: Evidence from 13C & 15N-Tracing
    Authors: Wang, S., Lu, C., Huai, S., Yan, Z., Wang, J., Sun, J., & Raza, S.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Soil and Tillage Research, 208, 104884

  • Fertilization Enhances Mineralization of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Pools by Regulating the Bacterial Community and Biomass
    Authors: Wu, H., Cai, A., Xing, T., Huai, S., Zhu, P., Xu, M., & Lu, C.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments, 21, 1633-1643

  • Deep Application of Straw Combined with Manure Enhances Maize Yield and Water-and Nutrient Use Efficiencies by Regulating the Root Growth Strategy in Rainfed Regions
    Authors: Lu, C., Huai, S., Wang, S., Yu, W., Xing, T., Wu, H., … & Colinet, G.
    Year: Available at SSRN 4712995

  • Increasing Soil Microbial Biomass Nitrogen in Crop Rotation Systems by Improving Nitrogen Resources Under Nitrogen Application
    Authors: Xing, T. T., Cai, A. D., Lu, C. A., Ye, H. L., Wu, H. L., Huai, S. C., … & Lin, Q. M.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 21(5), 1488-1500

Conclusion:

Mr. Shengchang Huai is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. While he has already demonstrated excellence in academic research, further engagement in industry collaborations, policy influence, and leadership roles could enhance his profile even further. His pioneering work in soil nutrient estimation and precision agriculture makes him a deserving candidate for this recognition.

Md. Ariful Islam | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Md. Ariful Islam | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam is a Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), specializing in conservation agriculture, soil fertility, and sustainable cropping systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Murdoch University, Australia, with research focusing on conservation agriculture in rice-based systems. With over 15 years of experience, he has contributed significantly to agronomic research, integrated nutrient management, and on-farm trials. Dr. Islam has received multiple awards, including the Best Scientist Award (2024), and has published extensively in national and international journals. His expertise includes field experimentation, data analysis, and farmer-oriented technology development.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam has made notable contributions to agricultural research, particularly in conservation agriculture, soil management, and plant health. His interdisciplinary expertise, significant research impact, and collaboration with international experts make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, enhancing leadership in funded projects, expanding international collaborations, and increasing policy engagement could further elevate his research profile.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Murdoch University, Australia, specializing in conservation agriculture. His doctoral research focused on the effects of conservation agriculture on crops and soil in rice-based cropping systems in Bangladesh. He earned his Master of Science in Agronomy from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, where he studied the effects of variety and fertilizer management on wheat performance. His undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours), was also completed at Bangladesh Agricultural University, with coursework covering agronomy, soil science, horticulture, genetics, and agricultural economics.

💼Experience

Dr. Islam is currently a Senior Scientific Officer at the On-Farm Research Division of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in Pabna, where he has been serving since June 2020. His role involves designing and executing research programs focusing on integrated plant nutrient management, cropping system improvements, and adaptive trials in drought-prone areas. Before this, he worked as a Scientific Officer at BARI’s Pulses Research Centre from 2007 to 2020, where he contributed to farmer-centered research, soil analysis, crop yield evaluation, and training programs for agricultural professionals and farmers.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Islam’s research primarily revolves around conservation agriculture, soil fertility, nutrient management, and sustainable cropping systems in rice-based agriculture. His work aims to improve soil health, crop productivity, and farmer livelihoods through integrated and resource-efficient farming practices. His research has significantly contributed to understanding the effects of tillage and residue management on soil organic carbon sequestration, nitrogen cycling, and weed control.

Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous awards for his contributions to conservation agriculture and agronomic research. In 2024, he was honored with the Best Scientist Award in the Mid-career Scientist category at BARI. He received multiple Best Paper Presentation Awards, including at the 21st Bangladesh Society of Agronomy Conference (2022) and international conferences such as the Smart Agriculture for Resource Conservation Conference (2021) and the 2nd Asian Web Conference on Managing Hill Resources (2021). Additionally, he was recognized for his research on conservation agriculture at the 2nd Conference on Conservation Agriculture for Smallholders (2017). He also received the ACIAR John Allwright Fellowship for his Ph.D. and travel grants for international conferences.

Skills

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam has extensive experience in scientific and experimental research, covering planning, design, execution, and reporting. His expertise includes conservation agriculture, soil fertility management, and integrated plant nutrient management. He is proficient in various analytical and statistical software, including MS Excel, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MSTAT, Statistix 10, STAR, R-program, and GenStat, which he applies in data analysis and research.

Publications

  • Minimum tillage unpuddled transplanting: An alternative crop establishment strategy for rice in conservation agriculture cropping systems

    • Authors: ME Haque, RW Bell, MA Islam, MA Rahman
    • Journal: Field Crops Research
    • Year: 2016

  • Conservation agriculture for rice-based intensive cropping by smallholders in the eastern Gangetic plain

    • Authors: RW Bell, ME Haque, M Jahiruddin, MM Rahman, M Begum, MAM Miah, …
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Year: 2018

  • Study of seed health, germination and seedling vigor of farmers produced rice seeds

    • Authors: A Haque, MAH Akon, MA Islam, KM Khalequzzaman, MA Ali
    • Journal: Not specified
    • Year: 2007

  • Soil nitrogen storage and availability to crops are increased by conservation agriculture practices in rice–based cropping systems in the Eastern Gangetic Plains

    • Authors: MK Alam, RW Bell, ME Haque, MA Islam, MA Kader
    • Journal: Field Crops Research
    • Year: 2020

  • Responses of rice to green manure and nitrogen fertilizer application

    • Authors: MS Islam, NK Paul, MR Alam, MR Uddin, UK Sarker, MA Islam, SU Park
    • Journal: OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences
    • Year: 2015

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Md. Ariful Islam is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and conservation practices. Strengthening his research leadership, global collaborations, and policy impact will further solidify his standing as a leading researcher in his field.