Jianling Xu | Soil | Excellence in Soil Research

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Prof. Jianling Xu | Soil | Excellence in Soil Research

Prof. Jianling Xu, Northeast Normal University, China

Prof. Jianling Xu is a distinguished environmental scientist and Professor at Northeast Normal University, China. With deep expertise in soil environmental health, pollution remediation, and sustainable resource utilization, she has led numerous national research initiatives and contributed over 30 SCI-indexed publications and 40 patents. Her work focuses on land-sea pollution control and ecological risk assessment. A recipient of prestigious awards such as the MOE Second Prize for Technological Invention and Hainan’s “Sifang Talent,” Prof. Xu also serves as Vice Chair of the Wetland Committee of CSES and an expert for the Basel Convention Asia-Pacific Think Tank.

Profile

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Summary:

Prof. Jianling Xu exemplifies the ideal profile for the Research for Excellence in Soil Research Award. Her multifaceted work in soil health, pollution remediation, and ecological risk management is backed by strong publications, innovative solutions, and meaningful impact on both science and society. She bridges the gap between academic rigor and practical application, influencing policy, education, and environmental practices.

🎓 Education

Prof. Jianling Xu serves as a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor in Environmental Science and Engineering. She is affiliated with Yazhou Bay Innovation Institute, the College of Ecology and Environment at Hainan Tropical Ocean University, and the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her academic background supports her specialization in soil and environmental systems, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to ecological challenges.

💼Experience

Prof. Xu has led and contributed to numerous national and institutional research initiatives. She is actively involved in high-impact projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Her leadership extends to consultancy work, editorial responsibilities as a reviewer for SCI-indexed journals, and international environmental governance through the Basel Convention Asia-Pacific Think Tank. Additionally, she holds the role of Vice Chair of the Wetland Committee of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences (CSES).

🔬Research Focus

Her primary research areas lie in environmental science and engineering with a focus on soil environmental health, pollution remediation, and sustainable resource management. She has conducted in-depth studies on heavy metal contamination in agricultural black soils, quantified pollutant sources such as coal combustion and mining, and developed mitigation strategies for mercury and cadmium risks. Her work significantly contributes to sustainable soil conservation and public health policy development.

🛠️Skills

Prof. Xu brings expertise in land-sea pollution control, ecological remediation, environmental risk assessment, pollution source tracing using PMF modeling, and waste resource utilization. She is also proficient in environmental planning and management and demonstrates exceptional skills in coordinating complex research programs, innovating soil remediation strategies, and applying risk management in heavy metal pollution.

🏆Awards

She has received multiple prestigious recognitions, including the Second Prize for Technological Invention from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the “Sifang Talent” award from Hainan Province. Prof. Xu has been honored as a “Provincial Top Innovative Talent” and is a distinguished contributor to national education through her development of two National First-Class Courses.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Quantification of an integrated approach to heavy metal source apportionment and probabilistic health risk assessment in the black soil region of central Jilin Province, China
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

  • Title: Study of the Relationship Between Nitrogen, Phosphorus Content, and Microbial Community Changes in Deer Manure Compost with Different Conditioners
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Fermentation

  • Title: Study on the Effect of Conditioners on the Degradation of Tetracycline Antibiotics in Deer Manure Composting
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Fermentation

  • Title: Removal of sulfonamide antibiotics by constructed wetland substrate with NaOH-modified corn straw biochar under different operating conditions
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Bioresource Technology

  • Title: The efficiency of enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus removal in a vertical flow constructed wetland using alkaline modified corn cobs as a carbon source
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Environmental Technology and Innovation

Conclusion:

Prof. Jianling Xu is an excellent candidate for this award. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also contributes to sustainable soil management practices essential for agriculture, ecosystem services, and human health. With a few enhancements in global collaboration and outreach, she stands out as a thought leader with lasting impact in the field of soil science.

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.

Profile

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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.

Nafiseh Rangzan | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an Associate Professor at the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran. Her research focuses on soil chemistry, soil pollution, soil fertility, soil organic matter, and soil amendments. She has made significant contributions to the field, particularly through her work on the effects of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar on plant growth under salinity stress. Dr. Rangzan has published widely in journals and authored a book, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. She is an active member of the academic community and holds editorial roles in scientific journals.

Profile

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Summary:

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan’s contributions to soil chemistry and sustainable agriculture are substantial. Through her work on organic amendments and soil health, she has significantly influenced agricultural practices, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where salinity stress poses a major challenge. Her research provides practical solutions to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient uptake in crops, and foster environmental sustainability.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an accomplished academic with extensive training in soil science. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, specializing in soil chemistry and environmental sustainability. Her academic journey has equipped her with a solid foundation in the study of soil fertility, soil pollution, and soil organic matter. This expertise has shaped her research and professional career, enabling her to contribute significantly to the field of soil amendments and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

💼Experience

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an Associate Professor at the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran. She has a strong background in soil science, particularly in soil chemistry, soil pollution, and soil fertility. Throughout her career, Dr. Rangzan has been actively involved in research focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, such as the utilization of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar to enhance plant growth under salinity stress. Her work has been crucial in advancing the understanding of soil organic matter and amendments, contributing to more sustainable farming practices. Additionally, Dr. Rangzan has held editorial positions in scientific journals and participated in various academic and professional collaborations.

🔬Research Focus

Her primary areas of research include soil chemistry, soil pollution, soil fertility, soil organic matter, and soil amendments. Her ongoing research explores the effect of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar on plant growth under salinity stress, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices.

 

 

Awards

Nafiseh has made significant contributions to her field and has published extensively. She has authored a book and numerous journal articles, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in soil science.

 

Skills

Her expertise spans soil management, environmental sustainability, and agricultural practices. She is skilled in conducting research, data analysis, and contributing to industry projects. Additionally, she has contributed to the scientific community through her editorial roles and professional memberships.

Publications

  • Title: Some plant growth promoting traits of Streptomyces species isolated from various crop rhizospheres with high root colonization ability of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
    Authors: Saraylou, M., Nadian Ghomsheh, H., Enayatizamir, N., Rangzan, N., St. Clair Senn, S.
    Journal: Applied Ecology and Environmental Research
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 4

 

  • Title: Tillage, crop establishment, and weed management for improving productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil physicochemical properties in soybean-wheat cropping system
    Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Zan, N.R.
    Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 4

 

  • Title: Weed management and conservation tillage for improving productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability of wheat in soybean (Glycine max)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system
    Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Rangzan, N.
    Journal: International Journal of Plant Production
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 2

 

  • Title: Effect of tillage and residue management on productivity of soybean and physico-chemical properties of soil in soybean-wheat cropping system
    Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Rangzan, N., Behera, U.K., Das, T.K.
    Journal: International Journal of Plant Production
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 15

 

  • Title: Prediction of the solubility of zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, and lead in metal-contaminated soils
    Authors: Zan, N.R., Datta, S.P., Rattan, R.K., Dwivedi, B.S., Meena, M.C.
    Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 29

Conclusion:

Dr. Rangzan is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her impressive academic output, innovative approach to soil management, and active contributions to scientific communities. While there are opportunities for further development, particularly through broadening her research methodologies and increasing her international collaboration, her work is already making a meaningful difference in the field of soil science and sustainable agriculture. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her past achievements but also encourage further contributions to addressing global agricultural challenges.