Dorota Pikula | Soil | Soil Fertility Improvement Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikula | Soil | Soil Fertility Improvement Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikula, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, Poland

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikuła is a researcher at the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, Poland, specializing in soil organic matter, humic substances, and soil fertility management. She holds a habilitation in agricultural sciences and a Ph.D. in agronomy from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on soil carbon dynamics, fertilization effects, nitrogen fixation, and the environmental impact of agricultural practices. With extensive experience in scientific publishing, policy advisory, and long-term field experiments, she has received multiple awards from the Polish Ministry of Agriculture. She has authored over 500 publications and actively contributes to sustainable agriculture and soil conservation strategies.

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Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dorota Pikuła is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Soil Fertility Improvement Award, given her extensive contributions to soil organic matter studies, long-term field experiments, and sustainable fertilization practices. Her research has significantly impacted both scientific understanding and practical agricultural applications. She has also been recognized nationally for her work in soil fertility and nutrient management. However, to further strengthen her profile, she could focus on global-scale research collaborations, innovation-driven contributions, and leadership in large-scale international projects.

🎓 Education

Dorota Pikuła holds a habilitated doctorate in agricultural sciences with a specialization in agriculture and horticulture from the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation State Research Institute, awarded in 2019. Her postdoctoral research focused on the environmental and production effects of crop cultivation in rotations with varying organic matter inflow. She earned her master’s degree in engineering from the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Biology, in 2000, specializing in Environmental Protection. Her master’s thesis investigated heavy metal fractions in soils fertilized with sewage sludge. She later obtained a Ph.D. in agricultural sciences in agronomy from the same university in 2006, where she studied the influence of selected physicochemical properties of soil on heavy metal content in fodder plants.

💼Experience

Dorota Pikuła has extensive professional experience in agricultural science, research, and publishing. She worked as an editor and agrotechnical advisor from 2002 to 2006 for agricultural publications such as Agro-Spółdzielca and Poradnik Rolniczy. In 2006, she joined the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation State Research Institute in Puławy as a senior research and technical specialist. Since 2016, she has been working as an adjunct researcher in the Department of Plant Nutrition and Fertilization. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous research projects, including studies on soil organic matter quality, humic substances, nitrogen fixation, and the environmental impact of different agricultural practices.

🔬Research Focus

Dorota Pikuła specializes in soil organic matter, humic substances, and soil fertility management. Her research explores soil organic carbon dynamics, the impact of fertilization and crop rotation on soil quality, and the role of humic acids in improving soil fertility. She has conducted extensive work on nitrogen fixation, soil contamination with heavy metals, and the long-term effects of manure application on soil health. She has also contributed to the development of soil quality assessment methods and indicators.

🛠️Skills

Dorota Pikuła possesses expertise in soil science, agricultural chemistry, and environmental protection. She is skilled in analyzing soil organic matter composition, conducting long-term field experiments, and evaluating the environmental effects of different farming practices. Her proficiency extends to scientific publishing, training agricultural professionals, and contributing to policy development on sustainable agriculture. She is an active member of several scientific organizations and has authored over 500 popular science publications, demonstrating her ability to translate complex scientific findings into practical knowledge for farmers and policymakers.

🏆Awards

Dorota Pikuła has received several prestigious awards from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. In 2015, she was recognized for her contributions to rational fertilizer management. In 2023, she was awarded for her work on protecting water sources from phosphorus pollution caused by agricultural activities. In 2024, she received another award for developing and implementing a method for determining humic substance content in fertilizers and plant aids.

📚 Publications

  • The Composition of the Organic Matter Fractions of Loamy Sand after Long-Term FYM Application without Liming (2022) – Agronomy – Dorota Pikuła, O. Ciotucha
  • Changes in Relationships between Humic Substances and Soil Structure following Different Mineral Fertilization of Vitis vinifera L. in Slovakia (2022) – Agronomy – V. Šimanský, E. Wójcik‐Gront, J. Horváthová, Dorota Pikuła, T. Lošák, A. Parzych, M. Lukac, E. Aydın
  • Effect of the Degree of Soil Contamination with Heavy Metals on Their Mobility in the Soil Profile in a Microplot Experiment (2021) – Agronomy – Dorota Pikuła, W. Stępień
  • Materia organiczna istotnym elementem żyzności gleb (2020) – Studia i Raporty IUNG-PIB – Dorota Pikuła
  • Selected chemical properties of sandy soil after 36 years of differential fertilization with mineral nitrogen and manure without liming in two crop rotation (2020) – Soil Science Annual – Dorota Pikuła
  • Zbiór zaleceń dobrej praktyki rolniczej mający na celu ochronę wód przed zanieczyszczeniem azotanami pochodzącymi ze źródeł rolniczych (2019) – IUNG-PIB – Dorota Pikuła
  • Praktyki zapobiegające stratom węgla organicznego z gleby (2019) – Środowiskowe Aspekty Gospodarki Nawozowej – Dorota Pikuła
  • Soil properties and productivity in two long-term crop rotations differing with respect to organic matter management on an Albic Luvisol (2019) – Scientific Reports – Dorota Pikuła, S. Martyniuk, M. Kozieł

Conclusion:

Dr. Pikuła is a strong candidate for the Research for Soil Fertility Improvement Award due to her pioneering research on soil fertility, strong publication record, practical impact on agriculture, and policy contributions. While she already has an impressive portfolio, enhancing international collaboration, innovation, and leadership in large-scale initiatives would further strengthen her standing for this prestigious award.

Xiaolu Tang | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Xiaolu Tang | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Xiaolu Tang, Chengdu University of Technology, China

Prof. Dr. Xiaolu Tang is a Professor at Chengdu University of Technology, China, specializing in forest ecology, remote sensing, and carbon cycling. He holds a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology Science from the University of Göttingen, Germany, and has conducted postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. His work focuses on ecosystem dynamics, land degradation, and climate change impacts on forests. Dr. Tang actively contributes to high-impact journals as a peer reviewer and has received recognition for his research in environmental sustainability and ecological modeling.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Xiaolu Tang is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with extensive contributions to ecological and environmental sciences, particularly in soil carbon dynamics, habitat quality assessment, and remote sensing applications. His research is impactful, multidisciplinary, and relevant to pressing global challenges like climate change and ecosystem sustainability.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. Xiaolu Tang obtained his Ph.D. in Forest Ecology Science from the University of Göttingen, Germany, between October 2012 and August 2015, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Christoph Kleinn and Prof. Dr. Juan Gabriel Álvarez-González. He earned his M.S. in Forest Ecology Science from the International Bamboo and Rattan Center, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Beijing, China, in July 2012, guided by Prof. Dr. Shaohui Fan. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Forestry Science from Sichuan Agricultural and Forestry University, College of Forestry and Horticulture, completed in June 2009.

💼Experience

Currently, Dr. Tang serves as a Professor at Chengdu University of Technology, College of Ecology and Environment, a position he has held since January 2020. Prior to this, he was a Professor at the College of Earth Science from June 2018 to January 2020 and a Lecturer at the same institution from October 2017 to June 2018. His postdoctoral research experience includes working as a Research Associate at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Germany, from September 2016 to September 2017, collaborating with Prof. Dr. Markus Reichstein and Dr. Nuno Carvalhais.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Tang’s research primarily revolves around forest ecology, remote sensing applications in ecosystem analysis, carbon cycling, and the impacts of land degradation and climate change on forest environments. His work integrates advanced data-driven approaches to understand ecosystem dynamics and sustainable land management.

🛠️Skills

With a strong foundation in forest ecology and environmental science, Dr. Tang specializes in remote sensing applications, carbon sequestration modeling, land degradation assessment, and climate impact analysis on forest ecosystems. His expertise also includes GIS, spatial analysis, and statistical modeling for ecological research.

🏆Awards

Dr. Tang has received recognition for his contributions to forest ecology and environmental sustainability, with multiple accolades for his research and peer-review contributions in leading scientific journals. His interdisciplinary approach has made a significant impact in the field of environmental and forest sciences.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Study on the Spatiotemporal Changes and Driving Factors of Habitat Quality in the Yarlung Zangbo River From 2000 to 2020
  • Authors: Chen, Y., Kang, Y., Li, J., Tang, X., Pei, X.
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Ecology and Evolution

  • Title: Estuarine wetland tidal organic carbon activates microbial carbon pump and increases long-term soil carbon stability
  • Authors: Xie, M., Dong, H., Tang, X., Hu, Y., Wang, L.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Catena

  • Title: Accumulation of soil microbial necromass carbon and its contribution to soil organic carbon after vegetation restoration in the Tibetan Plateau
  • Authors: Pei, X., Lei, J., Wang, X., Li, P., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Global Ecology and Conservation

  • Title: Prediction of soil organic carbon stock combining Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images in the Zoige Plateau, the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
  • Authors: Lei, J., Zeng, C., Zhang, L., Yang, Z., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Ecological Processes

  • Title: Minor Effects of Canopy and Understory Nitrogen Addition on Soil Organic Carbon Turnover Time in Moso Bamboo Forests
  • Authors: Zeng, C., He, S., Long, B., Yang, Z., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Forests

  • Title: Quantifying the relative importance of influencing factors on NPP in Hengduan Mountains of the Tibetan Plateau from 2002 to 2021: A Dominance Analysis
  • Authors: Long, B., Zeng, C., Tao, Z., Chen, G., Tang, X.
  • Year: 2024
  • Journal: Ecological Informatics

Conclusion:

While his academic output and research relevance are commendable, increasing citation impact, securing large-scale funding, and enhancing international collaborations would further solidify his position as a leading global researcher.

Eric LEGBA | Soil Fertility | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Eric LEGBA | Soil Fertility | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Eric LEGBA, World Vegetable Center, Benin

Eric C. LEGBA is a Research Assistant Agronomist at the World Vegetable Center, West and Central Africa, based at the IITA-Benin Campus in Cotonou. He holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Sustainable Cropping Systems. His research focuses on soil fertility management, crop productivity enhancement, and sustainable agriculture. Eric has led studies on intercropping techniques, organic fertilization, and the use of Black Soldier Fly frass as an organic amendment. He has collaborated with international research institutions and contributed to capacity-building programs, influencing sustainable farming practices across West Africa.

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Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Eric Legba is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award, given his contributions to sustainable agriculture, soil fertility management, and innovative farming techniques. His work has direct applications in improving agricultural practices, particularly in Africa, and his affiliation with the World Vegetable Center adds credibility to his research. His publications and technical reports demonstrate a commitment to bridging scientific research and real-world agricultural solutions.

 

🎓 Education

Eric C. LEGBA holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy with a specialization in Sustainable Cropping Systems. His academic training has provided him with a strong foundation in soil fertility, crop nutrition, agronomic trials, and sustainable agricultural practices.

💼Experience

As a Research Assistant Agronomist at the World Vegetable Center, West and Central Africa, based at the IITA-Benin Campus in Cotonou, Eric LEGBA has been actively involved in multiple research and development initiatives. He has worked extensively on intercropping techniques, organic fertilization trials, and sustainable agricultural technologies. His research projects include maize-mungbean intercropping, okra variety evaluations, and nutrient management using organic amendments such as Black Soldier Fly frass. In addition to research, he has contributed to consultancies and training programs focused on improving agricultural sustainability in West Africa.

🔬Research Focus

Eric LEGBA’s research focuses on sustainable cropping systems, soil fertility improvement, and innovative crop technologies. His studies emphasize the use of organic amendments, including Black Soldier Fly frass, to enhance soil health and crop yield. He has collaborated with international research institutions such as CIMMYT, IWMI, IFAD, and national organizations, contributing to capacity building, policy recommendations, and farmer training programs. His work aims to advance agroecological practices and optimize fertilization strategies for improved vegetable production.

Awards

Eric LEGBA has received recognition for his contributions to sustainable agriculture and soil fertility management. He has been nominated for the Young Scientist Award, showcasing his impactful research and commitment to advancing agronomic practices.

Skills

His expertise encompasses soil fertility management, crop productivity enhancement, agronomic trials, sustainable cropping technologies, and agroecology. He has extensive experience in project implementation, research collaborations, and consultancy work aimed at promoting evidence-based agricultural practices. His technical skills include intercropping techniques, organic fertilization strategies, and the development of improved tools for sustainable farming.

 

Publications

2025

  • Productivity and Profitability of Maize-Mungbean and Maize-Chili Pepper Relay Intercropping Systems for Income Diversification and Soil Fertility in Southern Benin
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, L Pawera, R Srinivasan – Sustainability 17 (3), 1076

2024

  • Organic mulching
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Staking of fruit vegetable plants
    EC Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Low inputting of fertilizers for safe and sustainable vegetable production
    L Dossou, EC Legba, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Use of sticky traps in vegetable production for sustainable pest management
    L Dossou, EC Legba, J Honfoga, S Odjo, S Ramasamy

 

  • Citizen science informs demand-driven breeding of opportunity crops
    R Voss, K de Sousa, S N’Danikou, AJ Shango, LA Aglinglo, MA Laporte, EC Legba, et al. – bioRxiv, 2024.07.31.605211

2023

  • Technical report on safe and sustainable vegetable production activities in Benin
    E Legba, L Dossou, J Honfoga, S Ramasamy – International Food Policy Research Institute

 

  • Preferences of market gardeners for traditional vegetables and associated factors in urban areas of southern Benin
    TA Kouévi, CK Adé, S N’Danikou, RL Mongbo, C Komlan, EC Legba, et al. – Future of Food: Journal on Food, Agriculture and Society 11 (5)

 

  • Developing improvement strategies for management of the Sisrè berry plant [Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach & Thonn.) Daniell] based on end-user perspectives
    DA Tchokponhoué, EC Legba, S N’Danikou, D Nyadanu, HO Oselebe, et al. – Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 7, 1252036

 

  • Guide pratique de culture de l’amarante et de multiplication des semences
    LA Aglinglo, A Sidibe, S N’Danikou, EC Legba, A Nantoume-Dolo, et al. – ResearchGate

2020

  • Fiche technique synthétique pour la production de la carotte (Daucus carota L.)
    EC Legba, LA Aglinglo, RA Francisco, CA Houdegbe, et al. – DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.32623.66729

 

Conclusion:

With a solid research foundation and international collaborations, Mr. Legba has great potential to make further contributions to sustainable food production. Strengthening his profile through increased citations, securing research funding, mentoring young scientists, and integrating interdisciplinary approaches would enhance his candidacy. Overall, he is a highly competitive nominee for the award and has the potential to become a leading figure in sustainable agricultural research.

Naseefa P K | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Naseefa P K | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Naseefa P K, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, India

Ms. Naseefa P. K. is a researcher in the Department of Botany at the University of Calicut, India. Her work focuses on soil science, biochar applications, and agroecosystem sustainability. She has co-authored multiple research articles on the effects of biochar derived from agricultural residues on soil physicochemical and biological properties. Her studies contribute to improving soil fertility and environmental sustainability through organic amendments.

Profile

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Summary:

Ms. Naseefa P. K. is an emerging researcher with a strong foundation in soil science and biochar research. Her publications in well-regarded journals highlight her contributions to sustainable agriculture. While she has made significant strides in her field, expanding her research impact through international collaborations, securing grants, and increasing citation metrics could further solidify her standing as a top researcher.

 

🎓 Education

Naseefa P K is a dedicated research scholar at the Department of Botany, University of Calicut. She has pursued advanced studies in plant sciences with a focus on soil-plant interactions, particularly investigating the role of biochar in enhancing soil properties.

 

💼Experience

With extensive academic engagement, Naseefa has been actively involved in scientific research and experimentation, contributing valuable insights into soil amendment techniques. Her research experience includes analyzing the impact of biochar on soil fertility and sustainability, with a keen interest in improving agricultural productivity through eco-friendly solutions.

 

🔬Research Focus

Her primary research revolves around the effect of biochar on soil properties, aiming to enhance soil health and fertility. She explores its potential in mitigating soil degradation, improving water retention, and increasing microbial activity to support sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Awards

As an emerging scientist, Naseefa P K has been recognized for her contributions to soil science and sustainability. She has applied for the prestigious International Soil Scientist Award in the Best Researcher category, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge in soil management.

Skills

Naseefa possesses strong analytical and research skills, with expertise in soil amendments, plant-soil interactions, and experimental methodologies. She has published two research articles in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, demonstrating her commitment to high-impact research. She is also an active member of research networks, fostering collaborations in the scientific community. Through her work, she aims to promote sustainable soil management strategies for enhanced agricultural and environmental outcomes.

Publications

  • Title: A Comparative Account of the Sugarcane Bagasse and Rice Husk Biochar on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Soils from Heterogeneous Agroecosystems
    Authors: PK Naseefa, V Sukanya, K Nimitha, M Sruthi, TR Shanthi, CC Harilal
    Journal: Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis
    Year: 2024

 

  • Title: Characterization of Pyrolysis-Mediated Biochar from the Petiole of Cocos nucifera (L.) and its Effect on Soils from Diverse Agroecosystems of Kerala, South India
    Authors: PK Naseefa, V Sukanya, K Nimitha, M Sruthi, TR Shanthi, CC Harilal
    Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
    Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Ms. Naseefa P. K. is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her meaningful contributions to soil science and sustainable agriculture. However, further development in grant acquisition, leadership roles, and broader impact would enhance her qualifications. If she continues on her current trajectory, she is well-positioned to make substantial contributions to agricultural sustainability and soil research.