Yonggan Zhao | Soil Salinity | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao | Soil Salinity | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao, Tsinghua University, china

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao is a leading researcher in saline soil reclamation at Tsinghua University, China. Holding a doctoral degree from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, his work focuses on developing innovative technologies for improving saline-alkali soils and enhancing grain production. He has completed eight major research projects, published 25 SCI-indexed papers, authored five books, and holds 20 patents. His large-scale reclamation initiatives have added 7,866 hectares of arable land and increased grain production by 70 million kilograms annually. As Director of the Saline-Alkali Soil Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry, he actively contributes to sustainable land management and food security.

Profile

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Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao stands out as a leading researcher in saline soil reclamation and sustainable agriculture. His pioneering work in using flue gas desulfurization gypsum and biochar for soil improvement has transformed large-scale agricultural lands in China. With a strong research portfolio, numerous patents, and high-impact publications, he has made significant contributions to both academia and industry.

 

🎓 Education

Yonggan Zhao holds a doctoral degree from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and currently serves as a Supervisor at Tsinghua University. His research focuses on saline soil reclamation technology, with innovative findings that have been successfully applied to large-scale reclamation practices.

 

🌱Professional Memberships

He serves as the Director of the Saline-Alkali Soil Branch of the Chinese Society of Forestry (ID: 024124304), demonstrating his leadership in the field.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on salinity management and strategies to enhance grain production capacity in saline-alkali soils, addressing a crucial challenge in sustainable agriculture.

 

 

Contributions and Impact

Yonggan Zhao’s groundbreaking work has unveiled key mechanisms in using flue gas desulfurization gypsum to improve saline-alkali soils. He has proposed innovative techniques for salt and alkali removal while simultaneously enhancing soil fertility. His large-scale reclamation initiatives have successfully added 7,866 hectares of arable land, boosting grain production by 70 million kilograms per year. These efforts have also secured RMB 460 million in technical service funding, reflecting the substantial economic and environmental benefits of his work.

Publications

    • Applying biochar and flue gas desulfurization gypsum in the root zone to improve saline-alkali soil quality and sunflower yield
      • Authors: Tian, R., Wang, S., Liu, J., Yang, J., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
      • Year: 2024
      • Citations: 2
    • Advances in invention patents related to flue gas desulfurization gypsum amendments for ameliorating saline-alkali soils
      • Authors: Li, M., Tian, R., Li, R., Li, Y., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Qinghua Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Tsinghua University
      • Year: 2024
      • Citations: 0
    • A quantitative assessment of the dynamic process and potential capacity of using gypsum to reclaim sodic soil
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Wang, S., Xu, L., Zhao, Y.
      • Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments
      • Year: 2023
      • Citations: 3

 

    • Water regime enhances the effects of flue gas desulfurization gypsum on the reclamation of highly saline-sodic soil
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Liu, J., Li, Y.
      • Journal: Land Degradation and Development
      • Year: 2023
      • Citations: 5
    • Practical application of high-sodicity wasteland reclamation with flue gas desulfurization gypsum in the Songnen Plain of China
      • Authors: Zhang, W., Zhang, W., Zhao, Y., Zhou, Y., Xu, L.
      • Journal: Land Degradation and Development
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 6
    • Prospects of using flue gas desulfurization gypsum to ameliorate saline-alkaline soils
      • Authors: Zhao, Y., Wang, S., Li, Y., Liu, J., Zhuo, Y.
      • Journal: Qinghua Daxue Xuebao/Journal of Tsinghua University
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 10
    • Suitable application of flue gas desulphurized gypsum to improve the sunflower yield in saline-alkali soil in the Hetao irrigation areas of Inner Mongolia
      • Authors: Li, M., Zhang, W., Wang, S., Li, E., Zhong, S.
      • Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao/Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 10
    • Progress in Research and Engineering Application of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum to Reclaim Saline-Alkali Land
      • Authors: Tian, R., Zhang, W., Li, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, S.
      • Journal: Ranshao Kexue Yu Jishu/Journal of Combustion Science and Technology
      • Year: 2022
      • Citations: 2

 

    • Fertility and biochemical activity in sodic soils 17 years after reclamation with flue gas desulfurization gypsum (Open Access)
      • Authors: Zhao, Y.-G., Wang, S.-J., Liu, J., Li, Y., Zhang, W.-C.
      • Journal: Journal of Integrative Agriculture
      • Year: 2021
      • Citations: 14

Conclusion:

Given his outstanding research achievements, leadership in soil science, and impactful contributions to sustainable agriculture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yonggan Zhao is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening his global collaborations and increasing the international impact of his work could further solidify his reputation as a world-leading researcher in this field.

Khandakar Islam | Soil | Award for Soil Education

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Dr. Khandakar Islam | Soil | Award for Soil Education

Dr. Khandakar Islam, Ohio State University, United States

Dr. Khandakar Rafiq Islam is a Program Director of Soil, Water, and Bioenergy Resources at The Ohio State University South Centers. He specializes in climate-smart agriculture, soil health, water management, organic farming, carbon sequestration, and phytoremediation. With a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Quality from the University of Maryland, he has extensive experience in research, teaching, and international collaboration. A Fulbright Teaching Fellow and recipient of multiple awards, including the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Fellowship, he has led numerous projects on sustainable agriculture and published widely in peer-reviewed journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Khandakar Rafiq Islam is an exceptional candidate for the Award for Soil Education due to his extensive teaching, research, mentorship, and international outreach. His expertise in climate-smart agriculture, soil health, and sustainable land management has contributed significantly to soil science education globally. While he has received multiple awards for his research and mentoring, expanding his digital education footprint and public outreach could further strengthen his candidacy.

 

🎓 Education

Rafiq Islam holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Environmental Quality from the University of Maryland, USA. He earned an M.S. in Soil and Water Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, and a B.S. in Soil and Environmental Sciences from Dhaka University, Bangladesh.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Dr. Islam has been the Program Director for Soil, Water, and Bioenergy Resources at The Ohio State University South Centers since 2002. He is also a Faculty Affiliate at the Ohio Sustainability Institute and the School of Environment and Natural Resources. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses, supervised graduate students, and served as a technical resource person for Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and OSU Extension Outreach. He has extensive international experience, including serving as a Fulbright Teaching Fellow in Turkey and a Visiting Professor at Satbayev University, Kazakhstan.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research focuses on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable soil and water management, organic farming, biochar applications, carbon sequestration, and phytoremediation of contaminated soils. He has led numerous projects on soil fertility, nutrient management, and conservation agriculture while collaborating internationally on sustainable agricultural initiatives.

 

Awards

Dr. Islam has received numerous honors, including the Mandela Washington Reciprocal Fellowship Award (2024), Washington-Mandela Fellowship Ringleader Award (2023), American Council for International Education Awards (2021, 2019), and the USDA-Borlaug Mentor Award for visits to multiple countries. He was also a Fulbright Teaching Fellow in Turkey and a recipient of the No-Till Researcher and Educator Award from the Ohio No-Till Council.

 

Skills

Dr. Islam specializes in climate-smart agriculture, soil health and water management, organic farming, carbon sequestration, tillage, cover crops, marginal soil restoration, and biomaterial production. His expertise includes plant-induced abiotic and biocontrol services, agricultural research, and mentoring.

 

Publications

  • Impact of gypsum applications and cover crop on soybean (Glycine max) elemental composition
    • Authors: Gonzalez, J.M., Dick, W.A., Watts, D.B., Reeder, R.C., Shedekar, V.S.
    • Journal: Agricultural and Environmental Letters
    • Year: 2025
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination for Soil Reclamation: Implications for Sustainable Urban Development
    • Authors: Saparov, G., Dutbayev, Y., Amanzholkyzy, A., Trushin, M., Kozlov, A.
    • Journal: International Journal of Design and Nature and Ecodynamics
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Predicting Accumulation and Potential Edge-of-Field Loss of Phosphorus to Surface Water from Diverse Ecosystems
    • Authors: Rahman, A., Islam, K.R., Ahsan, S., Didenko, N.O., Sundermeier, A.P.
    • Journal: Water, Air, and Soil Pollution
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Increased humic materials explain aggregate-protected carbon and nitrogen accumulation in biochar-amended tropical soils
    • Authors: Amoakwah, E., Rahman, M.A., Islam, K.R., Asirifi, I., Arthur, E.
    • Journal: Pedosphere
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Phytoremediation of contaminated urban soils spiked with heavy metals
    • Authors: Yelikbayev, B.K., Imanbek, F., Jamalova, G.A., Kalogerakis, N.E., Islam, K.R.
    • Journal: Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Cover crops, crop rotation, and gypsum, as conservation practices, impact Mehlich-3 extractable plant nutrients and trace metals
    • Authors: Gonzalez, J.M., Dick, W.A., Islam, K.R., Reeder, R.C., Shedekar, V.S.
    • Journal: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 2
  • Forty-two years impact of chemical fertilization on soil phosphorus partition and distribution under rice-based cropping systems
    • Authors: Biswas, C., Ferdous, J., Sarker, R.R., Islam, K.R., Jahangir, M.M.R.
    • Journal: PLoS ONE
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Mulching to improve sweet potato production
    • Authors: Sapakhova, Z., Islam, K.R., Toishimanov, M., Shamekova, M., Zhambakin, K.
    • Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Islam’s proven track record in soil science education, mentorship, curriculum development, and international collaboration makes him a highly deserving candidate for the Research Award for Soil Education. His work has empowered students, researchers, and professionals worldwide, ensuring a lasting impact on soil education, sustainability, and global food security. Strengthening digital education and public advocacy could further enhance his contributions to the field.

Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN | Soil Conservation | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN | Soil Conservation | Young Scientist Award

 Mr. Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN ,West African Sciences Services Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Benin

Awouminassi Marcellin Atakoun is a dedicated PhD candidate at the West African Sciences Services Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) in Benin. With a strong academic background in soil, water, and environmental sciences, his research focuses on sustainable agricultural systems, agroecological transitions, and greenhouse gas mitigation. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the CLIFF-GRADS and IPCC scholarships, Marcellin contributes significantly to advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in West Africa.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Marcellin Atakoun is a highly promising researcher with a strong foundation in environmental sciences and a focus on addressing climate change challenges through sustainable agricultural practices. His receipt of internationally recognized scholarships underscores his potential and contribution to the field.

 

🎓 Education

Marcellin is a PhD candidate in Climate Change and Land Use at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. He holds a Master’s degree in Soil-Water-Environment and Modeling and a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Production Sciences from the University of Parakou, Benin. His educational foundation includes a high diploma in Biology and Geology.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Awouminassi Marcellin Atakoun has diverse professional experiences spanning research, teaching, and project management in climate action and sustainable agriculture. He served as a United Nations Volunteer in Benin, contributing to the prevention of violent extremism. His research assistantships include working on biochar studies under the ProSol Project with GIZ, and at the Permanent Experimentation Center for soil and water conservation. Additionally, he has held roles in crop production management and scientific communication.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research is centered on sustainable agricultural systems, including agroecological transitions, soil and water conservation, greenhouse gas mitigation in cropping systems, and the modeling of production systems for sustainability.

 

Awards

Marcellin has received several prestigious awards, including the CLIFF-GRADS Scholarship for research in soil nitrogen fluxes, the IPCC Scholarship for climate change research, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship. He also holds a WASCAL PhD scholarship in Climate Change and Land Use and earned accolades for academic excellence in his Master’s program.

 

Skills

He is proficient in various software tools, including R Commander, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS, and Python, among others. His expertise encompasses modeling, climate data analysis, and agroecological tools like DSSAT and QGIS.

 

Publications

  • Publication: GENDER ROLE IN FOOD RIGHTS AND SOVEREIGNTY IN WEST AFRICA: A RAPID REVIEW
    Authors: Addo, P., Djekic-Ivankovic, M., Abdu, A., NaĂŻm, S., Marquis, G.S.
    Citation: African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2024, 24(10), pp. 24725–24773.

 

  • Publication: Evaluation of cover crop contributions to conservation agriculture in northern Benin
    Authors: Atakoun, A.M., Tovihoudji, P.G., Diogo, R.V.C., Hougni, A., Tittonell, P.
    Citation: Field Crops Research, 2023, 303, 109118.

 

Conclusion:

Marcellin’s contributions, particularly in advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in West Africa, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, enhancing his research profile through additional high-impact publications, broader collaborations, and leadership roles will further solidify his position as an influential figure in his field.